Groundbreaking NurseLead Programme Launched at NWU During Nurses Month – May 2026
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
The past month has marked a historic turning point for South African healthcare with the official launch of the NurseLead programme, a collaborative venture between North-West University (NWU) and the National Department of Health. Unveiled during National Nurses Month in May 2026 and leading up to International Nurses Day on May 12, this first-of-its-kind national initiative is designed to empower both current and emerging nurse leaders across the country. By bridging the gap between rigorous academic theory and the daily frontline pressures of clinical practice, the programme aims to permanently transform the landscape of nursing education and healthcare leadership.
A Visionary Collaboration for Healthcare Excellence
The NurseLead programme is spearheaded by Professor Siedine Coetzee, the NWU National Research Foundation (NRF) Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science (SARChI), alongside Dr Mirriam Matandela, South Africa’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer within the National Department of Health. The partnership developed out of active engagement between the National Department of Health and Prof. Coetzee, culminating in a shared vision to build responsible, accountable, and responsive nurse leaders equipped with high levels of emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making skills.
A dynamic two-day collaboration workshop held on May 5 and 6, 2026, served as the launchpad for the programme's curriculum development. The event brought together a powerful synergy of top nursing science researchers and influential practice leaders, including representatives from:
The South African Nursing Council (SANC)
The National Department of Health
Provincial Directors of Nursing Services
Hospital Nursing Directors and Managers from various healthcare facilities nationwide
Reflecting on the milestone, Prof. Coetzee stated, “This is a dream come true. I first envisioned a national nurse leadership academy when I applied for my NRF SARChI Chair, but this collaboration has far surpassed anything I imagined. The passion, expertise, and commitment around the table have been extraordinary.”
Curriculum Design and Clinical Governance
The NurseLead curriculum is anchored directly in the National Department of Health’s South African Nursing Leadership Competency Framework, which was released in July 2025. It is specifically engineered to help medical practitioners on the frontline navigate complex real-world challenges, such as resource limitations and high-pressure hospital environments.
The programme places a heavy emphasis on clinical governance and leadership, which the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as critical components for achieving Universal Health Coverage. The initiative aligns closely with the 2026 International Nurses Day global theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses save lives.” The national education curriculum is slated for completion by the end of 2026, after which it will be piloted across selected hospital sites throughout South Africa.
Strengthening Local Partnerships: NWU and Potchefstroom Hospital
In tandem with the national launch of NurseLead, local celebrations for International Nurses Day on May 12 highlighted the vital operational partnerships driving nursing excellence on the ground. The NWU School of Nursing, led by Deputy Director Prof. Khumo Shopo, joined forces with the executive management of Potchefstroom Hospital to honour healthcare workers.
The event featured addresses from Potchefstroom Hospital’s leadership, including Acting CEO Dr Michael Shakung and Acting Nursing Service Manager Sr Henda Aslett. Both extended deep appreciation for the dedication of the frontline staff, with Dr Shakung noting, “There is no hospital without nurses.”
Key Attendees & Leadership | Institution / Role |
Prof. Siedine Coetzee | NWU NRF Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science |
Dr Mirriam Matandela | Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer, National Dept of Health |
Prof. Khumo Shopo | Deputy Director, NWU School of Nursing |
Dr Michael Shakung | Acting CEO, Potchefstroom Hospital |
Evelyn Nkhumane | Director for Nursing Education and Training |
Speakers at the event echoed the International Council of Nurses (ICN) directive that true empowerment requires eliminating structural barriers and providing sufficient resources and functional equipment. A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of certificates of recognition to outstanding nurses across all categories, Enrolled Nurse Auxiliary, Enrolled Nurse, Professional Nurse, and Best Operational Manager. Notably, the recipients were selected by NWU undergraduate and postgraduate diploma students. This annual collaboration strengthens the ongoing relationship between the university and the hospital, which encompasses work-integrated learning placements, joint research, and community engagement initiatives.
Ultimately, the launch of the NurseLead programme represents a long-term investment in the broader South African healthcare ecosystem. By equipping current and future nursing figures with the tools to lead high-performing teams, North-West University and the National Department of Health are working to ensure that the nation's healthcare system remains resilient, ethical, and fully prepared to meet future demands.
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