​The Gauteng College of Nursing (GCoN), under the Gauteng Department of Health, has celebrated the graduation of 940 nursing professionals who have successfully completed their studies across a range of accredited programmes. 
The ceremonies, held from 2 to 4 September 2025 at the Bonalesedi and Ga-Rankuwa campuses, marked a significant moment for the province's healthcare sector as these newly qualified nurses prepare to enter the workforce.
Among the graduates were 493 students who earned the Diploma in Nursing (R.171), 137 who completed the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R1497), and 310 who received Postgraduate Diplomas (R635) in specialised fields including Primary Care Nursing, Child Nursing, Adult Critical Care Nursing, and Midwifery.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, attended the Postgraduate Diploma ceremony at Bonalesedi Campus. She congratulated graduates across the province and reaffirmed the department's commitment to ensuring that all R.171 nurses are registered with the South African Nursing Council. Already, 396 graduates have been successfully registered and are ready to serve Gauteng's communities with professionalism and care.
In her address, the MEC reflected on the college's growth, noting that the initial intake of 200 students in the Diploma in Nursing programme had increased to 550 by 2022. She praised the graduates for their resilience and encouraged them to uphold the values of compassion, integrity, and excellence as they enter the healthcare sector.
Since receiving accreditation in November 2019, GCoN has become a leading institution in nursing education. With six accredited campuses, the college has implemented programmes aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub Framework and the National Qualifications Framework, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare.
The graduation ceremonies were not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a powerful reminder of the vital role nurses play in building a healthier society. As these newly qualified professionals step into their roles, they carry with them the hopes of a province and the promise of quality care for all.