Henrietta Stockdale, an Anglican nun of the Order of Saint Michael and All Angels, became the first matron of the new Kimberley hospital. The nurses she trained were much sought after to establish new hospitals throughout the country.
In 1891 Sister Henrietta secured legal recognition for the profession when, through her efforts, an Act was passed by the Cape Parliament which made South Africa the first country in the world to institute compulsory sate registration of nurses.
The statue of Sister Henrietta in front of the St Cyprian's Cathedral is reputed to be the only portrait statue of a nun in the world.
