Edition March 2026

Major Neliswa Leticia Cuba’s career is defined by courage, impact and an unwavering commitment to creating platforms for support, recognition and collaboration.

 A multi-award-winning nursing professional, she serves as Head of Student Counselling at the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) Nursing College, where her leadership extends beyond clinical expertise to shaping the wellbeing and development of future healthcare practitioners.

The SAMHS is the specialised branch of the South African National Defence Force established to provide comprehensive medical services, support and training to military personnel. 

In 2024, Cuba was named to the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list – an honour reserved for young leaders whose work is changing the country’s trajectory. The recognition affirmed her role as a bold, authentic voice in community health and underscored the influence she has built within both military and public healthcare spaces.

At the time, she was the youngest Head of Student Counselling at the college. She initiated student-centred programmes and events, supervised the Student Representative Council, and served as Staff Officer: Training and Control in the SAMHS Nursing Directorate of the Department of Defence, contributing to the strategic direction of national nurse training programmes.

“The award meant a lot to me because I held a belief that certain achievements are meant for people with a certain background, so I was very critical of myself. It motivated me to work harder,” she said. 

The milestone became a catalyst for growth. Inspired to expand her reach and deepen her impact, she began attending more nursing conferences, actively engaging and building networks with like-minded professionals across the sector. 

The recognition also sparked a moment of introspection. Rather than viewing the award as a culmination, she saw it as a call to do more; questioning whether she was contributing enough and challenging herself to elevate her influence even further within the profession.

Youth empowerement 

At the beginning of 2025, she channelled that renewed sense of purpose into action by establishing a foundation dedicated to empowering young girls in Grades 8 and 9. The initiative focuses on mentorship, educational support and leadership development, targeting formative years where confidence, direction and aspiration are often shaped.

“I also became part of leadership that established the academic programme for SAMHS undergraduate nursing students at UNIVEN [University of Venda] in 2025”.

The inaugural cohort was limited to five placements, with candidates selected through a rigorous process to ensure academic excellence and leadership potential. Cuba continues to provide structured support to these students as they integrate and study alongside civilian peers.

Plans are underway to expand the programme nationally through partnerships with other universities.

Recognition 

These contributions culminated in her being named a recipient of the South African Heroes Awards (SAHA) in the Community Health category. 

Cuba believes that the selfless work carried out through her foundation gave her an added edge in securing the SAHA accolade  – an award that recognises individuals whose actions inspire and uplift communities, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and unity.

She says seeing the student nurses she has trained graduate and go on to build successful careers remains the true highlight of her professional journey.

Academic and career journey

Cuba joined the SAMS in 2011, where she completed her basic military and officer’s formative training. She went on to obtain a National Diploma in Nursing Science (general, psychiatric, and community) and midwifery from the SAMHS Nursing College.

“The best thing about joining the military services is that you study fulltime towards your qualifications while still getting your full salary as an employee,” she said. 

She completed her community service at several military hospitals including 1 Military Hospital, 2 Military Hospital and 3 Military Hospital. Following this, she was promoted to candidate officer, and later a Lieutenant.

In 2020, she earned a Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree in Education and Administration from the University of Pretoria. That same year, she was promoted to Captain after successfully securing a position as a lecturer at the SAMHS Nursing College.

Breaking gender roles

As a lecturer, she actively encouraged male student nurses to consider specialising in midwifery. Her goal was to address and reduce the apprehension many students felt about the field, particularly fears of potential litigation if a patient or newborn were to experience complications during labour. 

“My aim was to ensure that I instill passion more than just the skill and competence of the subject,” she explained. 

National duty

Working as a military nurse primarily involves providing care across healthcare facilities within the Department of Defence (DoD). However, when other parts of the national health system face strain, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DoD deploys trauma and primary care nurses to areas where their expertise is most needed, both domestically and abroad.

During the pandemic, Cuba was part of the team that established the COVID-19 Department at 1 Military Hospital, playing a crucial role in the country’s emergency response and supporting frontline healthcare delivery.

“That experience was a bit scary in the beginning because this was the first time the world is experiencing this...ultimately, most of us started realising that we were safer at work than out in the streets,” she explained. 

Stepping up

In 2024, she was promoted to Major, a management rank she continues to hold as one of the Heads of Department at the SAMHS Nursing College. In this role, she provides holistic support to students – both academically and emotionally – ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to perform at their best.

In 2025, Cuba graduated cum laude with a Master’s in Nursing Science, specialising in innovative teaching through virtual simulation. Her research was inspired by the COVID-19 lockdown, which compelled educational institutions to either pivot to online learning or temporarily close when in-person instruction was not possible.

Her research demonstrated that nursing education can be delivered effectively through virtual platforms, though it also identified areas requiring improvement. 

The study recommends implementing hybrid training sessions, combining virtual and in-person instruction, to upskill students and ensure comprehensive practical and theoretical learning.

Human rights

As South Africa observes Human Rights Month, Cuba pays tribute to her fellow nurses for leading the charge in upholding citizens’ right to healthcare.

For instance, the SANDF deploys healthcare professionals, including military nurses, to disaster-affected areas, such as KwaZulu-Natal during severe flooding. Equipped to operate in field hospitals, these nurses provide critical care in challenging and urgent conditions.

Reflecting on her journey, Cuba is reminded that opportunities begin with the courage to dream, the determination to work hard and the commitment to serve with purpose.