Date: 18/04/2007

Source: Free State Provincial Government

Title: Belot: Inauguration of Free State School of Nursing Council

Speech by the MEC of Health, Mr ST Belot at the inauguration of the Free State School of Nursing Council

Programme Director
Ladies and gentlemen
Honoured guests

It is my pleasure to address this important occasion of the Free State School of Nursing Council. The Free State Nursing Education Act, 1998 (Act No 15 of 1998) establishes the Free State School of Nursing Council. I have been advised that the first Council was established seven years ago in line with the provisions of the Act. Over a period of time community members in the council gradually participated less and less in the activities of council until only the chairperson Ms Nel remained with other appointed members such as the student representatives, the Rector, registrar and Deans of Free State School of Nursing (FSSON), employees representing the Department of Health and those representing the University of the Free State. This implied reduced community participation at a strategic level of the FSSON.

Programme Director, the event here today marks the re-opening and strengthening of dialogue at a strategic level between the school of nursing and the community of the Free State. The importance of this ceremony must be seen as laying an important foundation of participation in the school by the community through the six community members who will be appointed to the council. It is important that council members find assistance and support to enable them to perform their function of representing the community of the Free State. I wish to urge all council members to participate in their work with enthusiasm and zeal.

Programme Director, governance structures have become a critical part of our organisation to assist with transformation matters and also to deal with matters of corruption, new performance and contribute essential skills that may assist the school in delivering upon its mandate of training appropriately skilled nurses. It is essential that we give recognition to the important role the council plays and will continue to play in the development of nurses.

Programme director, Ladies and Gentlemen, to remind ourselves, the functions of the council are to:

* advise the Executing Authority (MEC) on Nursing Education and Policy
* promote access of students to nursing education
* ensure effective management of the School
* advise the department
* approve rules regulating students' selections, admissions, tuition, examinations, promotions and graduation
* review and recommend the annual budget of the School to the department
* ensure the establishment of a Student Representative Council.

I would now like to call forward the members of the Free State School of Nursing:

* Mr I Setsipane
* Ms Regenass
* Dr Mosese
* Ms S Yster
* Mrs Lebona
* Rev Motsoenyane.

I need to mention that the new members each represent the geographical areas of the Free State. Congratulations on your appointment and I am sure you will serve the Free State community with vigour and enthusiasm.

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous input given by Ms Nel, who is the outgoing chairperson and will be retiring for a well deserved rest. Ms Nel, on behalf of the Free State community, the nursing fraternity and myself, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your role in ensuring the continuity of the council and its functions to date.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
18 April 2007