Government plans to upgrade Good Shepherd College into university
By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, has revealed that the government is working towards transforming Good Shepherd College of Nursing into a fully-fledged university.
This development is expected to greatly expand higher education opportunities in the health sector and beyond.
Speaking during the official opening of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) Golden Jubilee Conference at Esibayeni Lodge, Nxumalo said the proposed upgrade is part of the government’s long-term strategy to broaden access to tertiary education and to strengthen Eswatini’s capacity in producing skilled professionals.
“The government has committed itself to invest in institutions of higher learning, and we are currently working towards upgrading Good Shepherd College into a university,” said Nxumalo.
“This will not only cater for our nation’s health workforce needs but also contribute to academic research and development.”
The Minister explained that the move comes at a time when the country is experiencing an increasing demand for specialised training in nursing, medicine, and allied health professions.
By upgrading the college, students will have access to advanced degree programmes without the need to seek further training outside the country.
Nxumalo further highlighted that the establishment of a new university will complement existing institutions such as the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU), thereby expanding the higher education landscape in the Kingdom.
Education experts welcomed the announcement, saying the upgrade would ease the pressure on the few existing universities and open new pathways for research, innovation, and professional growth.
Health sector stakeholders have also praised the idea, pointing out that Eswatini’s health system needs more qualified professionals to meet growing population demands.
A student nurse at Good Shepherd College, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “This is encouraging news for us. Currently, we must look outside the country if we want to pursue postgraduate studies. Having a university here at home will save us costs and keep us closer to our families.”
Good Shepherd College, located in Siteki, is a Catholic Church–owned institution with a long history of training nurses and midwives for Eswatini and the region.
The Minister’s announcement was therefore fitting, as it was made in the presence of more than 120 Catholic bishops from Southern Africa who had gathered for the IMBISA Jubilee celebrations.
Father Ncamiso Vilakati, Media Liaison Officer of the Roman Catholic Church in Eswatini, said the church was pleased with the government’s commitment.
“The Catholic Church has always placed education and healthcare at the heart of its mission. The news that Good Shepherd will be upgraded into a university affirms the church’s long-standing contribution to nation-building,” he said.
