PUBLIC LECTURE CELEBRATES LEADING FIGURE IN NUSRING EDUCATION

In a bold reaffirmation of her visionary stance on transforming South African education through Problem-Based Learning (PBL), the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences paid homage to Professor Nobesuthu Effie Sokhela by hosting a public lecture in her honour.

The ceremonial tribute was centred around the theme “Fostering Problem-Based Learning as the preferred pedagogy for Education Technology in a South African curriculum”.

It spoke of Sokhela’s advocacy for PBL at WSU, recalling the university’s early efforts to reform its health sciences curriculum during the late 1990s to early 2000s.

Faculty executive dean, professor Wezile Chitha acknowledged Sokhela’s impactful role of integrating PBL into nursing education, which helped shift the focus from traditional lecture-based teaching to case-based, collaborative learning.

“By championing PBL, Prof Sokhela helped lay the groundwork for a research-driven culture in nursing and health sciences and a pedagogical shift that empowers both educators and learners,” said Chitha.

He praised her for actively supporting doctoral research and growing the number of PhD qualified staff.

“Your influence helped initiate participation in the PhD program as you planted a seed to make us see that it is possible to run a PhD program at WSU. Today, many nurses and professionals now hold PhDs and continue to champion PBL in their own teachings. This is a milestone achievement,” Chitha continued.

Forming a vital part of the lecture were discussions and engagement sessions on Sokhela’s enduring impact. Research specialist and Professor of Public Health, Mbuyiselo Douglas and Lilitha College of Nursing Principal, Mrs Nomvuyiseko Links, offered heartfelt reflections on her leadership in nursing and health sciences.

Their tributes painted a vivid picture of Sokhela as not just an educator, but a catalyst for institutional change, someone who redefined what nursing education could be in South Africa.

Meanwhile in her keynote address, Registrar and CEO of the SA Nursing Council, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, urged current and future educators to carry forward Sokhela’s vision, especially in embracing PBL and technology-enhanced learning.

“Her legacy is a living blueprint for innovation, equity, and excellence in nursing education. Prof Sokhela’s contributions are not just historical milestones, but active guides for future transformation. This is a call to action to bridge her legacy with today’s nursing education practices,” Mtshali urged.

With a significant and pioneering impact at WSU, this seasoned academic served as an HoD in Nursing and became the first deputy executive dean from the nursing discipline, marking a historic step in elevating nursing leadership within the university’s executive structure.

Sokhela later rose to the position of faculty executive dean. Her trajectory from HoD to executive dean not only reflected her personal achievements but also symbolised the growing recognition of nursing as a cornerstone of academic and institutional leadership.

By Thandeka Mgqibi