Martin Muleya
MUTARE-The medical fraternity was plunged into mourning following the death of veteran nurse, educator and ophthalmic specialist Josephine Chikuse last Monday after a long illness.
Chikuse (76) was laid to rest yesterday at Dangamvura Cemetery in Mutare, where family, colleagues, friends and members of the nursing fraternity gathered to bid farewell to a woman whose career spanned several decades.
Born on June 10, 1950, Chikuse was widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s outstanding nurse educators, boasting a Master of Education, Bachelor of Adult Education, Diploma in Nurse Education, Registered Midwifery and Registered General Nursing qualifications.
She also specialized in ophthalmic nursing and was among the first Zimbabwean nurses to receive such training in South Africa.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chikuse served in various capacities as nurse educator and ophthalmic nurse while also contributing to the work of professional bodies, including the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Nurses Association.
She will be remembered for her high level of professionalism, academic excellence and impeccable professional decorum, colleagues said.
Peggy Dube head of the Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing, spoke highly of Chikuse’s contribution to the nursing profession, describing her as a distinguished professional who made an impact at both national and international level.
“If my memory serves me right, Josephine Chikuse served for several years as a member of the examinations committee for the then Health Professions Council, and Nurses Council of Zimbabwe,” Dube said.
She recalled that Chikuse worked alongside several prominent figures in the nursing regulatory fraternity, including former chairpersons Dr. Rosemary Bakasa, Clara Nondo and Patricia Mackenzie, as well as registrars S.A Nduna and Muriel Mothobi.
“I think even first Education Officer, Agnes Taruvinga, rubbed shoulders with Josephine Chikuse. These accolades make her a distinguished cadre from a national and even international perspective,” Dube added.
Dr. Esther Mufunda, a senior lecturer in Health Sciences at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), described Chikuse as a dedicated and seasoned nurse education guru.
“While she was still a senior tutor at Mutare School of Nursing, she joined the ZOU as a part-timer before she finally joined the ZOU Manicaland Health Sciences team. I worked with her as her chairperson from 2006 until her retirement. She was a very hardworking team player,” highlighted Dr. Mufunda.
Chikuse’s career was characterized by a commitment tp professional development and the training of future generations of nurses, with colleagues crediting her with helping shape nursing education in Zimbabwe.
Her passing leaves a significant void in the nursing profession, particularly among those who worked with and were mentored by her during her long career.
Chikuse is survived by four children and nine grand-children.
