Second-Year Nursing Students Strengthen Teamwork and Embrace Cultural Heritage at Seula Zimbili Camp

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As part of their Community Nursing Science module, second-year Nursing students recently participated in a formative three-day team-building retreat at Seula Zimbili, a scenic riverside camp nestled near the Tugela River.

The retreat aimed to develop teamwork, leadership and cultural awareness - essential skills for their future roles in Nursing.

The retreat began with a sense of energy and connection.

On the first day, students took part in group challenges including bridge-building, archery and obstacle courses - designed to build co-operation, communication and mutual support. For many, it was their first structured experience of working in teams, similar to the collaborative settings they will encounter in clinical training and future practice.

The second day tested both courage and trust, with activities like ziplining, wall climbing, and abseiling encouraging students to rely on one another for support. In the afternoon, a guided historical hike offered a rich educational experience in Zulu heritage, as students visited culturally significant landmarks - including ancestral graves and a historic meeting site used during engagements with British forces.

Evenings offered time to relax and connect. A lively talent show and fireside singing allowed students and lecturers to engage more informally, strengthening relationships beyond the classroom.

On the final day, a spirited tug-of-war challenge brought the retreat to a close, marking the end of a journey that left students with lasting memories of unity, growth, and self-discovery.

‘This trip helped us understand each other better, strengthened our class spirit, and reminded us that teamwork truly makes the dream work,’ shared Ms Amahle Mkhize a student nurse.

This retreat not only served as a break from the classroom but also reinforced a vital message: teamwork is at the heart of Nursing practice. As students begin their Community Nursing Science module and prepare to engage with communities, learning to collaborate effectively in teams is foundational - not only for academic success but for delivering quality, patient-centred care in the future.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied