Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has produced another outstanding graduate who embodies the institution’s values of excellence and service. Sakhile Innocentia Hlatshwayo, a Summa Cum Laude nursing graduate, has demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving her community. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s mission to shape the future of healthcare in South Africa.
Now serving her community service year at Tambo Memorial Hospital, she is gaining real-world experience and deepening her passion for paediatric nursing. Her path into nursing began at home. Raised by her grandfather, who lived with diabetes and hypertension, she became a caregiver at a young age. “Nursing was never just a career for me,” she said. “It’s a calling to serve, care, and advocate.”
At SMU, Hlatshwayo emerged as the overall top academic performer in the School of Healthcare Sciences in 2025. Her success stemmed from discipline, time management, and an enduring love for learning. “From the first year, I created a routine with my friend Vuyo Dlakude,” she shared. “We scheduled everything — lectures, studying, cooking, rest. That structure kept me grounded.”
Though she mostly studied independently, Hlatshwayo embraced collaborative learning for more complex subjects. She sought help when needed, meeting with lecturers and peers to deepen her understanding. “It wasn’t easy, but I was determined not to give up,” she added.
She faced many challenges — including burnout and difficult modules — but overcame them through support and self-care. “Balancing academics and personal life was tough. But taking breaks, going home, and talking to loved ones helped me stay sane.”
A turning point came during her clinical placement in the neurosurgery theatre at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, where theory met practice. While she initially aspired to ICU and theatre nursing, her current exposure to neonatal intensive care has shifted her focus.
“Working with premature babies is emotionally intense, but it’s deeply rewarding. They can’t speak, but I’ve learned to be their voice,” she said. “It’s shaped me into a more compassionate and confident nurse.”
Reflecting on her SMU experience, Hlatshwayo now sees the rigorous training as necessary preparation for South Africa’s demanding public healthcare system. “The curriculum sharpened our skills and taught us how to think on our feet.”
Looking forward, she hopes to specialise in paediatrics or theatre nursing and pursue a PhD in Nursing. “I want to contribute to healthcare reform and nursing education — not just as a practitioner, but as a leader.”
Graduating Summa Cum Laude was a deeply emotional moment for her family. “It honours every sacrifice made along the way,” she said. “It reminds me of where I started, and how far I’ve come.”
To first-year nursing students, her advice is heartfelt: “Nursing is more than a degree — it’s a calling. Give your best, stay focused, and take care of yourself. The journey is hard, but it’s worth it.”
By Dimakatso Modise
