Source: Triumph and tears as Mpilo celebrates nursing excellence - herald
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter
GRADUATION ceremonies are often marked by ululations, applause and proud smiles, but at Mpilo Central Hospital on Friday, two Bulawayo-born nurses transformed the occasion into an unforgettable celebration of triumph.
Their exceptional academic and practical achievements drew admiration from fellow students, lecturers and families during the hospital's graduation and prize-giving ceremony.
While the event honoured excellence in nursing practice and training, it also revealed the personal sacrifices, aspirations, and resilience behind the white uniforms. For 31-year-old Ms Sheila Garai , the day felt almost surreal.
As her name was repeatedly called, she stepped forward to collect award after award -- eight in total -- including the prestigious Mpilo Gold Medal for attaining the highest marks nationally in the 2024 midwifery final examinations.
Her arms could not carry all the accolades.
Her beaming parents rushed forward to help her hold the glittering trophies, a moment that left many in the audience smiling with admiration.
"I am very happy to have my parents by my side, celebrating this success. This medal belongs to everyone who supported me. If we work together, we can achieve anything," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Ms Sheila's journey into nursing was no accident. From childhood, she felt a strong calling to the profession, spending her school days telling friends that one day she would help deliver babies.
"This was my calling. I always wanted to be a midwife, and my dream is to open a surgery where I can help even those who cannot afford quality care," she said.
Her friends, Ms Sheila added, were instrumental during the demanding training period.
"Special thanks to my friends, who helped me through the sleepless nights. We pushed each other."
Now working at Mpilo Central Hospital, Ms Sheila hopes her story inspires young girls to pursue their dreams with determination.
At just 23, Ms Precious Maphosa from Nkulumane suburb emerged as another star of the ceremony. She walked away with five major awards, including a national gold award for achieving the highest marks in the general nursing state final examinations.
Her journey began at Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, continued at Mandwandwe Secondary School and Founders High School, but it was the Covid-19 pandemic that redirected her path.
"After Covid-19, I realised I wanted to do something meaningful for my community. I want to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves," she said.
Ms Maphosa's accolades also included Best Research Project, Best Graduating Nurse, and Best Academic Performance throughout training -- achievements that reflect years of discipline and sacrifice. Growing up, education was the compass that guided her. She recalls pushing herself late into the night, driven by a desire to transform her family's and community's circumstances.
"Nursing is not for the faint-hearted, but I will keep developing myself so I can continue serving the community," she admitted.
While the female graduates dominated the spotlight, Mr Zimiso Ezinhle Moyo (32) ensured male nurses were proudly represented. Employed by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), he scooped five awards, including the Zimbabwe Nurses Association Cup for Best Practical Nurse.
"I'm grateful to ZPCS for giving me the opportunity to further my studies. There is no one in my family in the health sector, but I always aspired to be a nurse. The nursing profession allows me to make a difference in people's lives," he said.
His awards recognised his outstanding performance in health assessments, council examinations and consistent excellence in practical work.
For Mpilo Central Hospital, the ceremony was more than a graduation; it was a celebration of the future of healthcare -- a future shaped by young professionals whose passion runs deeper than their textbooks.