By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A wave of hope and pride swept through the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall on 5 June 2025, as 305 nurses from the Free State Nursing College graduated in a joyful ceremony attended by families, friends, and dignitaries.
The graduates included 42 advanced midwifery students, 134 general nursing diploma recipients, and 129 auxiliary nursing graduates — each carrying a story of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to care.
Beyond the certificates and applause, what resonated most were the deeply personal reasons that led these individuals to choose nursing — journeys shaped by love, loss, and a calling to serve.
Samuel Mlangeni from Kroonstad, who earned his qualification in auxiliary nursing, spoke candidly about the heartbreak that led him to nursing.
“I’m happy to finally receive my auxiliary nursing qualification. I have a passion for helping people. I lost my brother recently due to negligence. I told myself that something like that would never happen on my watch. I’m going to make sure nursing is done properly,” he told The Guard.
For Samuel, nursing is not just a career; it is a mission to protect others from the pain he has endured, by upholding compassion and accountability in healthcare.
For Pitso Montso from Welkom, graduation marked the fulfilment of a long-held goal. Though he has worked in various hospitals over the years, officially becoming a qualified general nurse was a moment of profound pride.
Joined by his wife Tshele Montso, daughter Jane Mokgatla, and sister Tseleng Marite, Pitso expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“I’m happy to have finally achieved my general nursing diploma after years of practice. I’ve reached my goal,” he said.
His family stood beside him, visibly moved. “We are proud and very inspired by his achievement,” they said in unison.
Mamello Tsotetsi, from Thabana Tsoana in QwaQwa, received the Best Student Award at the East Campus for attaining the highest average marks across all subjects. Her passion for nursing was born out of a childhood experience.
“I was inspired to become a nurse after seeing my grandmother struggle with illness. I once dreamed of becoming a doctor, but nursing is the best alternative; nurses work alongside doctors to care for people,” she said.
Mamello Tsotetsi who received the best student award for achieving highest average marks in each subject in the East campus.
Now a decorated graduate, Mamello beamed with pride. “I am very happy about today and receiving my certificate and award,” she said.
The ceremony was more than a celebration of academic success; it was a reaffirmation of the province’s commitment to compassionate healthcare. Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, delivered the keynote address and commended the graduates for choosing a profession of selflessness.
“It is a great honour to address you today. From this day forward, you will be nurses who place the dignity and wellbeing of society above your own needs. Your graduation marks the addition of a new generation of health professionals to our sector – an essential step toward strengthening our healthcare system,” Mahlatsi said.
As the graduates stepped into their new roles, they carried more than medical knowledge — they carried stories of healing, empathy, and hope. And in doing so, they brought renewed strength to the future of healthcare in the Free State.
