UKZN Hosts National FUNDISA Meeting to Advance Nursing and Midwifery Education

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted a two-day meeting of the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (FUNDISA).

The gathering brought together nursing education leaders and academics from across the country to engage in key discussions on the future of nursing education, practice and research.

FUNDISA, a registered non-profit organisation, serves as the national voice for South Africa’s university-based nursing and midwifery programmes. It facilitates collaboration and critical dialogue among its 21-member university Nursing departments and two associate members, with hosting duties rotating among institutions.

The meeting was officially opened by Professor Anna Voce, Dean and Head of the School of Nursing and Public Health. In her address, she emphasised the strategic importance of forums such as FUNDISA in shaping a responsive and progressive Nursing education system.

Professor Busi Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health Sciences, delivered the welcoming address. She highlighted the urgent need to train more nurses - particularly midwives - to address healthcare gaps in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa.

The event featured keynote presentations from two leading Nursing scholars. Dr Sharlene Parasnath presented: ‘Expanding the Frontiers of Nursing in Stem Cell Transplantation and Donation in South Africa’, sharing developments in this emerging area of healthcare. Professor Jennifer Chipps followed with a presentation titled: ‘Into the Future: New Immersion Clinical Learning’, which explored innovative approaches to practical training in Nursing education.

Over two days, delegates engaged in discussions, brainstorming sessions and decision-making processes focused on addressing current challenges and identifying opportunities in the sector. The meeting reaffirmed FUNDISA’s commitment to advancing excellence and transformation in Nursing education.

UKZN’s hosting of this year’s meeting underscored its leadership and commitment to advancing health sciences and nursing scholarship in South Africa.

Words and photograph: Nombuso Dlamini