04/08/2026
🇿🇦Strengthening Military Nursing through International Collaboration.
The 🇿🇦South African National Defence Force and the 🇿🇲Zambia Defence Force continue to strengthen military healthcare through a bilateral agreement that includes the exchange of nursing students undertaking a Diploma in Nursing Programme. This important initiative promotes academic excellence, professional development, and cross-cultural learning, while exposing future military nurses to diverse healthcare practices essential for participation in international and multinational operations.
As part of the exchange programme, the 🇿🇦South African Military Health Service has nominated and approved Lance Corporal E.T. Mafole and Private T.H.S. Kumalo to pursue a three-year Diploma in Nursing at the Defence School of Health Sciences in Lusaka, 🇿🇲Zambia, from 25 July 2026 to 31 December 2028. In return, SA Military Health Service proudly welcomed three nursing students from Zambia Defence School of Health Sciences, Sergeant C.D. Mischeck (Zambia Army), Sergeant G. Phiri (🇿🇲Zambia National Service), and Senior Aircraftman N.L. Shamizinga.
During a farewell and welcoming ceremony, Director Nursing, Brigadier General A.E. Makumbane warmly received the Zambian students while bidding farewell to the departing SA Military Health Service members. Addressing the students, she described the exchange programme as a once in a lifetime opportunity that will shape their nursing careers, broaden their cultural understanding, and strengthen professional competence. She encouraged each student to embrace the experience with dedication and to proudly represent their respective countries with honour, dignity, and integrity.
The exchange programme reflects the shared commitment of both defence forces to developing highly skilled military nurses who are equipped to deliver quality healthcare while fostering international cooperation and lasting professional partnerships.
Article and Photos by Military Health Training Formation Corporate Communication.
Credit: South Africa Defence Force