the Free State School of Nursing Council
18 April 2007
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
