Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Government has applauded Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Holdings for its continued investment in strengthening healthcare delivery through competency-based nurse training, describing the initiative as a key driver of improved service delivery in the province.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo during the Hwange Colliery Nurses Graduation Ceremony on Friday, Director for Provincial Co-ordination in his office, Mr Tapera Mugoriya, said the Government valued partnerships that enhanced the capacity of critical sectors such as health, particularly in communities hosting major national assets such as Hwange.
He said the graduating group of 36 nurses represented an important step in bolstering health systems in the province.
“As the Government, we are encouraged to see institutions embracing competency-based training, which ensures that our healthcare professionals are not only knowledgeable but are practically equipped to handle the demands of modern healthcare,” said Mr Mugoriya.
“He further highlighted that the province looked forward to continued collaboration with HCCL in strengthening human capital for health.”
In his welcome remarks HCCL Holdings chief executive officer, Mr William Gambiza, expressed pride and optimism as he congratulated the 36 graduates, describing the ceremony as a celebration of dedication, resilience, and the formal entry of a new generation of caregivers into one of society’s most noble professions.
Addressing graduands, traditional leaders, Government officials, company executives and community members, Mr Gambiza said the nurses embodied the future of healthcare in Hwange and the nation.
“What a remarkable day this is. We celebrate not just academic achievement, but the beginning of a calling rooted in service, empathy and professionalism,” he said.
He emphasised that HCCL Holdings remains committed to strengthening the Hwange Medical Company as a standalone commercial health unit, recognising that a strong health system was essential for sustaining workforce productivity and community well-being.
Mr Gambiza said the company’s operations were guided by Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, which place people, safety, and sustainability at the centre of business transformation.
He reaffirmed the company’s support for health education and wellness programmes, noting that a healthy workforce formed “the backbone of sustainable development and productivity.”
“Never stop learning. Never lose your empathy. Nursing is more than a career — it is a calling. The hands you use to heal carry the power to change lives,” he said.
Mr Gambiza also applauded the tutors, mentors and nursing school management for their dedication in training the graduates.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders in Hwange have commended HCCL Holdings for its continued commitment to developing healthcare professionals, with Chief Whange saying the company’s investment in nursing education was transforming communities and strengthening public health systems in the district.
The traditional leader said the graduation of 36 trainee nurses marked a significant milestone in human capital development, not only for Hwange but for the province and the nation.
He paid tribute to HCCL Holdings for sponsoring and supporting the student nurses throughout their studies and further applauded the Ministry of Health and Child Care for its partnership in ensuring training standards remain stringent, professional and well monitored.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of outstanding performers, with 25-year-old Patience Mwembwe emerging as the top achiever of the 2025 cohort. Mwembwe received a trophy for obtaining the highest marks in the hospital final examinations, the Glaxo-Smith Kline trophy for best academic performance throughout training, and the Johnson and Johnson shield for maintaining a consistently high standard.
She further distinguished herself by winning the Datchet Investments silver medal for combining excellent academic ability with the highest standard of practical nursing and commendable professional conduct, before finally being crowned the overall best graduate through the J. Munsaka silver medal.
Several other students were recognised for exemplary performance. Thandekile Sibanda was awarded the HCCH Chief Executive Officer’s prize for achieving the highest marks in the State final examinations, while Nobukhosi Ndiweni earned the CAPS trophy for excelling in the ward management assessment. Teresa Shoko received the Kulkarni trophy for being the best nurse who supports junior students through mentorship and exemplary conduct.
