by Lorato | Jun 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Research at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate how locally driven scientific inquiry can generate solutions with far-reaching benefits for healthcare and society. Through innovative research that addresses South Africa’s unique health challenges, the university is strengthening its position as a leader in producing knowledge with both national and international relevance. This commitment to research excellence was recently highlighted by the graduation of Dr Ruth Kobedi, who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anatomy. Her doctoral study has produced findings that could improve orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and forensic identification practices in South Africa.
Conducted within the Department of Anatomy and Histology under the supervision of Professor Anna Oettlé, Dr Sandeepa Rajbaran Singh and Dr Franci Swanepoel from TUT, Dr Kobedi’s research, Assessment of Cephalometrics in a South African Sample, addressed a longstanding gap in healthcare research by establishing population-specific cephalometric standards for Black South African adults.
Cephalometry is a key diagnostic tool used in the assessment and management of dentoskeletal conditions such as malocclusion. However, many of the standards currently used in clinical practice are based on international populations and may not accurately reflect South African craniofacial characteristics. Dr Kobedi’s study demonstrated that craniofacial morphology differs across populations, highlighting the need for locally relevant diagnostic benchmarks.
By providing evidence-based data tailored to South African patients, the research has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen treatment planning and enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes.
“Developing population-specific cephalometric standards is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring that treatment planning reflects the unique characteristics of the patients we serve,” said Dr Kobedi. “This research highlights the importance of generating locally relevant scientific evidence that can directly benefit healthcare delivery in South Africa.”
The study also examined the relationships between malocclusion, prognathism, age and sex using both conventional lateral cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography-derived lateral cephalograms (LC-CBCTs). One of its key findings was that reconstructed LC-CBCT images can be used reliably and interchangeably with conventional cephalograms for cephalometric analysis. This finding may support the wider adoption of advanced imaging technologies in clinical practice while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Beyond orthodontics, the research offers valuable contributions to forensic anthropology and forensic science. Dr Kobedi’s findings demonstrated the potential use of cephalometric models in forensic sex estimation, providing an additional tool for biological profiling and the identification of unknown individuals. As South Africa continues to face increasing demands for forensic investigations, such innovations could strengthen identification processes and support justice and public safety initiatives.
“This work demonstrates how interdisciplinary research can address both clinical and societal challenges,” said Prof Oettlé. “The findings not only advance orthodontic knowledge but also create opportunities for innovation in forensic science and craniofacial research.”
Dr Kobedi’s work has already gained national and international recognition. Her research has been presented at the 29th International Symposium on Morphological Sciences, the 50th and 51st Conferences of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa, the SMU Research Day and the School of Dentistry Research Day. In 2025, she received the First Place Research Presentation Award at the 3rd School of Dentistry Research Day. Her doctoral research has also resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in the South African Dental Journal and one in Forensic Imaging.
Dr Kobedi’s achievement reflects more than individual academic success; it exemplifies the impact of SMU research in addressing real-world challenges through scientific innovation. By generating knowledge that improves patient care, informs clinical practice and contributes to forensic science, her work demonstrates how research conducted at SMU continues to advance healthcare and strengthen the university’s reputation as a leading centre of research excellence.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jun 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), recently hosted a World Intellectual Property (IP) Day Workshop that highlighted the growing connection between innovation, intellectual property protection, and the global sports industry.
Held under the theme “Ready, Set, Innovate”, the workshop brought together researchers, academics, students and industry experts to explore how intellectual property drives scientific advancement, commercialisation, and technological transformation across sectors.
Among the featured speakers was celebrated SMU inventor Emmanuel Kiyonga, whose patented breast cancer drug discovery research was supported by the university’s TTO. Drawing parallels between sports innovation and scientific research, Kiyonga explained how technological advances continue to reshape industries worldwide.
“Just like the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) transformed football, innovation continues to change the way we live and work. Research and development are creating solutions that improve lives every day, and intellectual property protection ensures that these innovations can reach society,” he said.
Kiyonga urged researchers and students to take ownership of their ideas and pursue innovation despite challenges.
“Do not wait for permission to innovate. Do not wait for resources. Resources are limited but innovate anyway. It is important that African researchers develop, protect and commercialise solutions that address our own challenges,” he added.
SMU patent holder Nondumiso Nkosi also shared her innovation journey, explaining how gaps in Hepatitis B testing in resource-constrained settings inspired her to develop a point-of-care diagnostic tool. Her invention became one of the School of Medicine’s early patents, demonstrating the value of transforming research into practical healthcare solutions.
The workshop also provided valuable insight into South Africa’s intellectual property landscape. Dr Elmary Buis from the National Intellectual Property Management Office outlined the significance of the Intellectual Property Rights from the Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, which safeguards innovations arising from publicly funded research.
Bridging intellectual property and sport, Daniella De Fiqueiredo from Adams & Adams Attorneys highlighted examples of trademarks, copyrights and patents shaping the modern sports industry. She highlighted how assets such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup logo, Zakumi (mascot) and official tournament music are protected through intellectual property laws.
She further noted that elite athletes increasingly protect their personal brands through trademarks, while technological innovations, including sensor-equipped footballs, continue to influence the future of officiating and sports performance.
The event resonated strongly with students, including second-year BSc Physical Sciences student and SRC Sports and Recreation Officer’s committee member Pule Mawasha. “I learned the importance of protecting original ideas and recognising the value of creativity. The workshop showed how intellectual property can empower young people to develop, protect, and commercialise their innovations,” said Mawasha.
Representatives from the Technology Innovation Agency and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition also outlined funding opportunities and incentive programmes designed to support innovators from concept development through to commercial production.
Closing the session, TTO acting manager, Mohlatlego Sebola, encouraged researchers and students to continue pursuing innovative solutions that address societal challenges.
The workshop demonstrated SMU’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer, while equipping future scientists and innovators with the tools needed to transform research into meaningful social and economic impact.
By Rose Moreki
by Lorato | Jun 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its position as a leading contributor to health sciences research through groundbreaking doctoral work that has uncovered promising antiviral compounds from South African medicinal plants. Newly graduated Doctor of Philosophy (Botany) graduate, Dr Mmamudi Anna Makhafola, has developed an innovative drug-discovery framework that combines metabolomics, computational biology and laboratory analysis to identify potential treatments targeting SARS-CoV-2 and future coronavirus threats.
At a time when the world continues to seek new strategies to combat emerging infectious diseases, Dr Makhafola’s research highlights the untapped therapeutic value of indigenous medicinal plants. It demonstrates how African scientific knowledge can contribute to global health solutions.
Her doctoral study, titled Metabolomics approaches with in silico molecular docking and dynamics, and in vitro analysis for the discovery of South African plant-derived target drugs focusing on SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease (PLpro) inhibitors, focused on the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro), a critical enzyme involved in both viral replication and immune evasion.
The study explored two medicinal plants widely used in South African traditional medicine for respiratory ailments, Lippia javanica and Acorus calamus. Using an advanced untargeted UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics approach, Dr Makhafola successfully identified key bioactive compounds within the plants, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids and jasmonate derivatives.
“The objective was to establish and validate an integrated metabolomics-guided drug-discovery framework capable of identifying antiviral compounds from South African medicinal plants,” said Dr Makhafola. “Our findings demonstrate that traditional medicinal plants remain a valuable source of bioactive molecules that can be developed into future therapeutic agents.”
Following phytochemical profiling, the study employed advanced computational techniques to assess the therapeutic potential of compounds identified in medicinal plants. Among the most promising were catechin-7-glucoside and S-adenosyl-methionine, which emerged as leading candidates due to their strong and stable interactions with the viral target. The findings underscore the value of South Africa’s rich medicinal plant heritage as a source of novel bioactive compounds that may contribute to the development of future therapies against emerging health challenges.
Laboratory-based analyses further confirmed the antiviral activity of these compounds. The findings demonstrated that selected plant-derived compounds, especially Catechin-7-glucoside, possess promising therapeutic potential and warrant further investigation as candidates for future drug development.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the research was observing how plant-derived compounds could influence multiple biological pathways associated with disease processes,” said Dr Makhafola. “These findings highlight the potential of medicinal plants as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for future therapeutic development.”
The findings were further supported by cellular and metabolic analyses, which demonstrated measurable biological responses associated with the investigated compounds. These results provide additional evidence of the value of integrating metabolomics, computational approaches and laboratory-based validation in natural product drug discovery.
Dr Makhafola gratefully acknowledges the financial support received through the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Research Capacity Development Initiative (RCDI) Nested Scholarship Programme, which funded her doctoral studies. This support played a significant role in enabling the successful completion of the research.
Beyond the scientific discoveries, the research has already generated significant academic impact. Dr Makhafola has published multiple peer-reviewed articles arising from her doctoral work and continues to contribute to teaching, community engagement, postgraduate supervision and research as a part-time lecturer in SMU’s Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences. Her work spans metabolomics, medicinal plant research, drug discovery and infectious disease biology.
The study provides an important scientific foundation for the development of novel therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and future emerging coronaviruses while showcasing the value of South Africa’s rich biodiversity. It also demonstrates the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches that combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies.
Dr Makhafola’s achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research. By advancing scientific discovery, nurturing emerging researchers and translating knowledge into solutions that address global health challenges, the university continues to strengthen its research footprint and contribute meaningfully to improving health outcomes in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jun 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) PhD candidate and part-time junior lecturer, Bontle Jessica Sibiya, has achieved remarkable recognition on both international and institutional platforms for her research addressing critical gaps in our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa.
Sibiya was honoured as one of four best oral presenters sponsored by The FEBS Journal at the prestigious International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) “Translational Virology of Oncogenic Viruses: From Epidemiology to Intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa” Symposium, hosted recently by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban. She further cemented her success by securing first place in the Best Oral Presenter (Student Category) at the SMU School of Medicine Research Day, where she presented the same study to a home audience.
The accolades coincide with another major milestone in her academic journey. Sibiya graduated as part of the SMU 2026 Autumn Graduation cohort after completing her MSc in Medicine (Medical Virology), with the award-winning research forming the basis of her master’s degree.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it validates years of hard work and highlights the importance of addressing overlooked public health challenges,” said Sibiya. “I am honoured that this research has resonated with both international experts and my colleagues at SMU.”
The symposium was co-hosted by UKZN’s Discipline of Virology at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine and the ICGEB, one of the world’s leading intergovernmental organisations dedicated to life sciences research. The event brought together renowned virologists, oncologists and public health experts from across the globe.
Sibiya’s presentation, titled “Translating Epidemiology into Intervention: Urethral High-Risk HPV Burden and HIV-Associated Immunosuppression Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in South Africa,” examined the relationship between HIV-related immunosuppression and urethral HPV infection in MSM.
The cross-sectional study enrolled 199 participants from Gauteng and North West provinces, settings where no prior published data existed on urethral HPV prevalence among MSM. HIV prevalence in the cohort was 66.3%, and urethral HPV infection was detected in 20.9% of participants, with 16.2% of the cohort co-infected with both HIV and urethral HPV. High-risk HPV genotypes accounted for more than half of all urethral infections, with HPV 16, 18 and 68 among the most common. Notably, 60.0% of urethral infections were caused by genotypes targeted by the nonavalent Gardasil®9 vaccine, highlighting a substantial prevention opportunity for MSM. In South Africa, where HPV vaccination is currently offered only to adolescent girls through the national programme using the bivalent Cervarix® vaccine, these findings underscore the need to consider broader-valent vaccines and gender‑inclusive HPV vaccination strategies that explicitly include MSM in high HIV‑burden settings.
Importantly, the research demonstrated a clear association between declining CD4+ T-cell counts and an increased likelihood of HPV infection, highlighting the impact of HIV-associated immunosuppression on vulnerability to oncogenic HPV.
“The urethra has largely been overlooked as a potential reservoir for high-risk HPV,” explained Sibiya. “Our findings suggest that it may play a significant role in ongoing transmission and cancer risk, particularly in settings with a high burden of HIV.”
The research calls for the integration of urethral HPV screening into routine sexual health services for MSM and the expansion of HPV vaccination programmes, particularly the use of the nonvalent vaccine, among high-risk populations. The study was supervised by Dr Ramokone Lisbeth Lebelo and Dr Varsetile Varster Nkwinika from the Department of Virology at SMU.
SMU researchers believe the study contributes critical evidence needed to inform public health policy and strengthen prevention strategies.
“This work exemplifies the kind of impactful, translational research that addresses pressing health challenges in South Africa,” said Sibiya. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that scientific evidence translates into interventions that improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of HPV-associated diseases.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jun 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing health systems innovation through impactful doctoral research aimed at solving some of South Africa’s most persistent healthcare challenges. A newly completed PhD study by Dr Mmabatho Miriam Ndwandwe has introduced a comprehensive governance framework designed to address chronic medicine shortages in public health facilities across the Eastern Cape Province, a problem that continues to undermine patient care and delay progress towards universal health coverage.
Medicine stock-outs remain one of the most critical barriers to effective healthcare delivery in South Africa’s public sector. Despite existing procurement policies and regulatory frameworks, many facilities continue to experience frequent shortages of essential medicines, exposing deep structural weaknesses in governance, accountability and supply chain coordination. Dr Ndwandwe’s research responds directly to this challenge by proposing a practical, evidence-based framework to strengthen medicine governance from provincial to facility level.
At the heart of the study is a clear warning about the systemic nature of the problem. “Medicine shortages in the public health system are not only a supply chain issue, but a governance failure that requires coordinated leadership, transparency and accountability at every level of the system,” said Dr Ndwandwe, highlighting the urgency for structural reform.
Her doctoral research adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data from 394 healthcare professionals with qualitative insights drawn from 20 in-depth interviews with healthcare managers operating at both facility and provincial levels. The study included nurses, pharmacists and medical officers across clinics, community health centres and hospitals in the Eastern Cape, ensuring a comprehensive view of the health system.
The quantitative findings revealed that more than 70 per cent of respondents reported frequent medicine stock-outs that severely disrupted service delivery. Statistical analysis further showed significant associations between perceptions of stock management and professional category, indicating inconsistencies in how shortages are experienced across different healthcare roles.
The qualitative phase provided deeper insight into the structural drivers of these shortages. Participants identified weak pharmaceutical supply chain systems, fragmented communication channels, poor budget transparency, limited functionality of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees (PTCs), and inadequate accountability mechanisms as key contributors to ongoing challenges.
“Health professionals consistently highlighted the lack of coordination between procurement processes and facility-level needs,” Dr Ndwandwe explained. “Without functional governance structures and clear accountability systems, even well-designed policies fail to translate into reliable medicine availability.”
Using the World Health Organization’s Good Governance for Medicines (GGM) Model as a guiding framework, the study developed a four-pillar governance model. This includes strengthened leadership and accountability mechanisms, improved transparency in procurement and financial systems, enhanced functionality of governance structures such as PTCs, and improved capacity-building alongside compliance monitoring.
Stakeholder validation confirmed that the framework is both practical and aligned with the National Health Act and international governance standards. Experts noted its strong potential to improve coordination between provincial authorities and frontline healthcare facilities, thereby strengthening the overall efficiency of medicine supply systems.
Dr Ndwandwe, who brings extensive experience in public health leadership, including roles as a hospital Chief Executive Officer and senior provincial health manager, said her work is grounded in practical experience. Her background in pharmacy, supply chain management and health systems governance adds critical depth to the study’s findings and recommendations.
The research concludes that resolving medicine shortages requires more than logistical fixes; it demands a transparent, accountable and fully integrated governance system that connects policy with implementation. The proposed framework offers a realistic and scalable pathway towards achieving this transformation.
SMU emphasised that research of this nature reflects its broader mission to produce knowledge that directly responds to national health priorities. Through rigorous academic inquiry and innovation, the university continues to strengthen South Africa’s health systems and improve access to essential medicines.
As the country works towards achieving universal health coverage, Dr Ndwandwe’s research stands as a significant contribution, demonstrating how SMU continues to shape solutions that improve healthcare delivery and ultimately enhance the well-being of communities across South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila.
by Lorato | Jun 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
As cardiovascular disease continues to place an increasing burden on South Africa’s healthcare system, groundbreaking research from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is providing new insights into one of the country’s most complex and under-recognised heart conditions. Newly graduated Doctor of Philosophy (Physiology) graduate, Dr Marilet van Hoogland-van Heerden, has produced significant findings that could help improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among black South Africans.
Dr van Hoogland-van Heerden’s doctoral study investigated the relationship between hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal function and treatment in a young-to-middle-aged HFpEF population. The research examined 125 patients diagnosed with HFpEF and compared them with 510 participants without the condition, making it one of the most comprehensive community-based studies of HFpEF conducted in South Africa.
HFpEF is a growing form of heart failure closely associated with hypertension and other cardiometabolic disorders. Through detailed anthropometric, echocardiographic, haemodynamic and pulse wave velocity assessments, the study identified significant cardiovascular abnormalities among affected patients.
“The findings revealed that HFpEF in black South Africans is characterised by markedly increased arterial stiffness and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, alongside a high burden of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease,” said Dr van Hoogland-van Heerden.
“These results highlight the urgent need for earlier intervention, improved risk-factor management and treatment strategies that are tailored to the realities of South African communities.”
The study found that both HFpEF and non-HFpEF participants were predominantly middle-aged and obese. However, patients with HFpEF who also suffered from hypertension showed stronger associations with arterial stiffness and structural changes in the heart. Diabetic HFpEF patients demonstrated more severe cardiovascular disease and related complications, underscoring the compounded impact of multiple chronic conditions.
Importantly, the research revealed that current treatment approaches had limited effects on several key clinical markers, suggesting that more targeted interventions may be required to improve patient outcomes.
“The burden of cardiovascular risk factors identified in this population demonstrates the importance of prevention and early management,” Dr van Hoogland-van Heerden explained. “Addressing these risk factors before heart failure develops could significantly reduce disease progression and improve quality of life.”
The findings contribute valuable evidence to a field that remains under-researched in African populations. By providing detailed data on HFpEF within a South African context, the study offers important guidance for clinicians, researchers and policymakers seeking to improve healthcare outcomes.
Among its recommendations, the study advocates for greater emphasis on lifestyle interventions and consideration of newer therapies, including sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, thiazide diuretics and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for high-risk patients.
Beyond the doctoral research itself, Dr van Hoogland-van Heerden has already published two peer-reviewed articles arising from the study and received several prestigious awards from the Physiological Society of Southern Africa and the South African Medical Research Council, including a Best Oral Presentation Award. She currently serves as a lecturer in SMU’s Department of Physiology, where she combines teaching, postgraduate supervision and research focused on heart failure, hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in African populations.
Her achievement reflects SMU’s growing research footprint and its commitment to generating knowledge that addresses South Africa’s most pressing health challenges. Through innovative, community-focused scholarship, the university continues to advance scientific discovery that not only strengthens healthcare practice but also contributes to improving the health and well-being of communities across the country.
By Tumelo Moila
