On 27-28 August 2026, the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) hosted a two-day FUNDISA (Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa) business meeting attended by 23 representatives who head departments that offer nursing programmes in South African universities. The gathering took place at the Richards Bay Campus.
The delegates were hosted by the Department of Nursing Science’s Head of Department Professor Siphiwe T. Madlala who thanked the University Management for giving the department an opportunity to host such an important forum for nursing education in South Africa.
Student Engagement Portfolio Committee: focuses on all matters pertaining to student engagement in learning.
Proceedings on the first day commenced with an opening address by Professor Nontokozo Mashiya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, who welcomed the delegates and wished them well for the two-day discussions. This was followed by presentations by three delegates from the South African Nursing Council (SANC), the regulating body for the nursing profession in South Africa.
On the second day, the delegates were graced by the presence of the English Department’s Prof Aghogho Akpome who delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the decolonisation of the nursing curriculum in South Africa.
The forum was closed by the chairperson, Prof Portia Jordan, who thanked the hosting university for its hospitability and excellent planning for the forum.
About FUNDISA
In pursuit of promoting scholarship, FUNDISA identified portfolio committees which speak to education, practice, research and student engagement in nursing. In addition to overseeing FUNDISA projects in the relevant areas, these committees further FUNDISA’s strategic objectives related to nursing education, practice and research.
This forum consisted of four portfolio pillars:
Education Portfolio Committee: focuses on all matters pertaining to undergraduate as well as postgraduate nursing and midwife education.
Practice Portfolio Committee: focuses on all matters pertaining to nursing and midwifery care and practice.
Research Portfolio Committee: focuses on all matters pertaining to research in nursing and midwifery education and practice.
The resolutions taken on the four portfolio pillars will be implemented by the forum and reviewed in the next FUNDISA meeting to be held in Tshwane University of Technology on the 29-30 October 2026.
Article supplied by Professor Siphiwe Madlala, Head of Department of Nursing Science.
Isithombe: Xolani Ncube
