A group of final-year nursing students from the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Faculty of Health Sciences recently underwent practical training aboard South Africa’s iconic Phelophepa Healthcare Train.
The mobile healthcare unit travels around the country’s most underserved communities to provide much-needed services.
Conducted at the beginning of each year, the students participated in two weeks of hands-on clinical practice and outreach, gaining practical skills while learning how to deliver primary healthcare with empathy and adaptability.
This year, the UFH students were stationed in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, and Xesi (Middledrift), Eastern Cape. They recently shared their reflections on this life-changing experience, highlighting how it deepened their clinical competencies, strengthened their passion for nursing, and prepared them to serve with compassion.
Rebabatle Aviwe Telile – Stationed at Lion’s River, Howick (KwaZulu-Natal)
Rebabatle described his time on the Phelophepa Health Train as structured and enriching. Each day involved conducting physical assessments, diagnosing conditions under supervision, and administering medication. He also participated in school outreach programmes, engaging learners through health education.
“The work was fast paced yet rewarding, demanding both clinical accuracy and emotional resilience,” he said.
He reflected on his personal and professional development: “I became more self-aware, empathetic, and resilient. Professionally, I developed independence, critical thinking, and confidence in essential nursing procedures.”
He added that the experience deepened his understanding of healthcare equity. “I gained a deeper understanding of how socio-economic factors impact healthcare-seeking behaviours and patient outcomes.”
Wandile Mzuku – Stationed at Lion’s River, Howick (KwaZulu-Natal)
Wandile highlighted the professional value of working under supervision in a community health setting. His daily duties included assessing patients and administering medication. Also, adapting communication styles for patients across all age groups, especially during school visits.
“I worked independently under supervision, which helped sharpen my diagnostic and decision-making skills,” he said. “Academically, I was able to apply classroom theory in a real-world setting.”
Wandile also enjoyed interacting with the local community during sports days. “A memorable highlight was bonding with the community through soccer games,” he said.
The experience solidified his career goals: “This affirmed my passion for nursing and highlighted the importance of community health outreach. It shaped my vision of being a compassionate, skilled nurse who treats, educates, and empowers patients.”
Rita Zizipho Mbopha – Stationed at Xesi, Eastern Cape
Rita’s role rotated between the train’s health clinic and outreach services. She often attended to more than 70 patients per day on the train, and over 90 patients during community outreach at schools and nursing homes.
“Each day brought new stories, new faces, and a chance to make a tangible difference in someone’s life,” she said.
The practical challenges, including high patient volumes and occasional equipment limitations, helped build her resilience. “I gained confidence in my clinical judgment and improved my communication skills through constant patient interaction,” she explained.
She also learned to analyse complex medical histories to identify the main presenting complaint, a skill she said is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Rita described the experience as transformative for her career: “It confirmed my interest in working in rural or underserved areas after graduation. Despite limited resources, quality care can still be delivered with compassion, competence, and collaboration.”
Asisipho Mzolisa – Stationed at Lion’s River, Howick (KwaZulu-Natal)
Asisipho began her day early with a team briefing and prepared the consultation rooms for patient visits. Her duties included head-to-toe examinations, diagnosing, health education, and prescribing medications.
According to her, she encountered cultural challenges, especially around stigma and patient beliefs related to chronic conditions like HIV. Despite this, she found ways to educate and connect. “The Phelophepa train didn’t just teach me how to be a nurse, it taught me why to be a nurse,” she reflected.
She valued the exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork: “Working alongside dentists, psychologists, and optometrists showed me that holistic care isn’t optional, it’s essential.”
For her, the experience was nothing short of life-shaping. “The Phelophepa Train of Hope was more than a clinical rotation. It remains my north star, a reminder that exceptional healthcare doesn’t require a towering hospital, just willing hands and the courage to go where you’re needed most.”
UFH Health Science Faculty Council Chairperson, Kamvalethu Mgwantashe, said this experiential learning is a powerful extension of the Faculty’s mission and values to develop and produce competent, compassionate, and socially responsive health professionals.
“The value of this exposure cannot be overstated. It goes beyond clinical skills. It places students at the heart of diverse and real-world scenarios. The experience fosters humility, adaptability, and emotional intelligence qualities essential for any healthcare provider in a multicultural society like ours.”
“As the Faculty Council, we remain committed to advocating for transformative opportunities that align academic learning with service, leadership, and social impact. The journey on the Phelophepa Train may be brief, but the lessons it provides shape careers and lives for years to come.”