The Eastern Cape Provincial Government welcomed the mortal remains of the late Sister Kholeka Tunyiswa in Gqeberha today, who passed away in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 05 March 2023, at the age of 90.

Sister Tunyiswa was one of the nurses that came to be known as the 20 Nightingales, who left South Africa in 1962 to contribute in rebuilding the health system in Tanzania following its independence, which resulted in a massive departure of British nurses. They were received by President Julius Nyerere and ANC President Oliver Tambo and were placed in hospitals around the country, to treat patients and to supervise local nurses.

Mama Tunyiswa was cremated in a private family ceremony in Tanzania and her ashes have been returned to her hometown of Gqeberha, where she will officially be laid to rest.

A memorial service will be held in April 2023 in Gqeberha.