DEPUTY Director of Health Services Rejoice Nkambule has passed on.
She died yesterday morning while undergoing treatment at the Ezulwini Private Hospital.
Sources close to the family said Nkambule had been admitted to hospital after a short illness. Her sudden death sent shockwaves through the ministry and among members of the public health fraternity, many of whom described her as a dedicated and hardworking public servant who devoted many years to strengthening the country’s health sector.
The sad news was confirmed by Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Khanyakwezwe Mabuza.
Mabuza said details surrounding her death were still scanty at the time because the family was yet to be formally engaged.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ms Nkambule. It was shocking news for all of us, especially because some colleagues were saying she was at work on Friday,” said Mabuza.
Those who knew Nkambule said they were taken aback by the news as she had reportedly attended a church service around Mbabane on Sunday.
The church’s members said she had attended the service together with youth members who were participating in a health-related engagement programme.
“We were shocked when we received the news that she is no more,” said one member.
Nkambule served for many years in the civil service and became one of the prominent figures within the Ministry of Health, particularly in the area of public health services and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In 2023, she received international recognition for her contribution towards combating HIV and AIDS in Eswatini. Nkambule was recognised by the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for her role in strengthening the country’s HIV response.
During her years in the ministry, she played a key role in coordinating public health programmes aimed at improving disease prevention, community health awareness and access to treatment services.
Colleagues described her as a passionate health professional who consistently advocated for stronger public health systems and youth health empowerment initiatives.
Eswatini has over the years made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, becoming one of the countries recognised globally for reducing new HIV infections and improving access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment.
Health insiders said Nkambule was among the officials who contributed immensely towards achieving these milestones through policy implementation and public health coordination.
Messages of condolence continued to pour in yesterday from colleagues, church members and members of the public.
