The Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) Faculty of Health Sciences, through its Department of Pharmacy, hosted a White Coat Ceremony on 17 June 2026 for first-year Diploma in Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy students. The ceremonial donning of the white coat marked an important milestone in the students’ professional journey, symbolizing the responsibilities and ethical obligations they are beginning to embrace as future healthcare practitioners. Sponsored by RGCO Healthmed Eswatini, the ceremony introduced students to the fundamental values that underpin pharmacy practice, including professionalism, integrity, accountability, trust, compassion, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Kolase Kumwenda Vilakati, Pharmacy Manager at Ezulwini Private Hospital (EPH), encouraged students to approach their pharmacy journey with dedication, discipline, curiosity, and resilience. She emphasized that pharmacy is a profession centered on service and human impact, with pharmacists providing not only medicines but also comfort, hope, and peace of mind to patients. She urged students to support one another, be patient with their growth, and explore the diverse career opportunities available in pharmacy, including clinical practice, research, academia, industry, technology, and supply chain management.
The Faculty Leadership, Acting Dean Dr B. Sibandze, and Head of Department Ms. Simise Sikhondze, emphasized the importance of diligence, professionalism, and service to the community. They also urged the students to pursue academic excellence and uphold the highest ethical standards throughout their training and future careers.
University Management congratulated the students on choosing pharmacy as a career and encouraged them to remain dedicated, resilient, and focused as they progress through their academic and professional journey. The University also expressed its gratitude to RGCO Healthmed Eswatini for sponsoring the ceremony and to Mrs. Kolase Kumwenda Vilakati for sharing her professional insights and experiences with the students. The involvement of industry partners was emphasized as a key element of healthcare education, enhancing students’ learning experiences, fostering stronger connections between theory and practice, and contributing to the development of a competent and highly skilled healthcare workforce.
