Building on a strengthened and evolving partnership, Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) are collaborating further to strengthen healthcare capacity in the Northern Cape and Limpopo through the Specialist Nurse Sponsorship Programme.
As part of the expanded partnership agreement, the SIOC-CDT Board of Trustees has approved an investment of R17 million in SU’s Department of Nursing and Midwifery to train 75 nurses over the next three years. The funding will support practising nurses from the John Taolo Gaetsewe and Tsantsabane communities in the Northern Cape, as well as Thabazimbi in Limpopo.
The first cohort of 13 students is already enrolled in SU’s Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing, Midwifery and Peri-operative Nursing, with the programme running from 9 February to 12 December 2026.
Anita Loots, SIOC-CDT Chief Executive Officer, said the R17 million investment reflects a sustained strategic commitment to both healthcare sustainability and professional development.“Through this strategic investment in human capital, SIOC-CDT is contributing to a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system while creating meaningful career pathways for healthcare professionals in our beneficiary communities.” She further emphasised; “By strengthening clinical capacity at local health facilities, the programme helps reduce patient referral delays and improves frontline care. In rural and underserved areas, access to highly skilled nurses is critical for early diagnosis, maternal and neonatal care, surgical readiness and effective emergency response.”
Prof Portia Jordan, Executive Head of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, said the funding enables the Department to develop highly skilled graduates capable of leading and transforming healthcare practice. “We are grateful to SIOC-CDT and the Northern Cape Department of Health for their support and partnership in this important initiative. It is a privilege to contribute to the training of specialist nurses in South Africa, particularly in provinces where such training opportunities are limited. Their support and visionary leadership have made this project possible,” she said.
Dineo Merementsi of the Northern Cape Department of Health said investing in the training and development of professional nurses will strengthen rural district health services, which are often constrained by limited resources, staff shortages and high patient demand.“Nurses in these settings are frequently required to provide comprehensive and advanced care beyond basic nursing practice. To respond effectively, it is essential to invest in targeted specialised training that addresses the most critical service areas. By enhancing nurses’ expertise, the health system can achieve improved quality of care, better patient outcomes, reduced referrals and stronger community trust in healthcare services. Ultimately, this initiative supports more equitable healthcare delivery and the long-term strengthening of the health system.”
The partnership builds on a pilot phase launched in 2024, when SIOC-CDT contributed R4.8 million to support 21 nurses from the Tsantsabane and John Taolo Gaetsewe district municipalities to complete the year-long SU postgraduate diploma programme. According to Jordan, an impact study found that the programme led to significant improvements in participants’ knowledge, clinical skills and confidence. “The nurses returned to their clinical environments better equipped to apply evidence-based practices and deliver improved patient care,” she said.
Designed to address critical skills shortages, the Specialist Nurse Sponsorship Programme equips practising nurses with advanced, specialised competencies through structured academic and clinical training at SU. The programme focuses on priority disciplines such as midwifery, primary healthcare, adult critical care, emergency care and perioperative nursing – areas essential to improve service delivery and address healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
SIOC-CDT communication
Photo: The first cohort of SIOC-CDT Sponsored Specialist Nursing Professionals graduated from the Stellenbosch University.
