by Lorato | Jun 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
A groundbreaking study by Dr Tshepiso Sharlotte Kepadisa, a newly graduated PhD physiotherapist from the Department of Physiotherapy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has demonstrated that a structured home-based vestibular rehabilitation programme can significantly improve balance, gait and visual function in stroke survivors living with vestibular dysfunction.
The research, titled The effect of a home-based central vestibular system rehabilitation programme on nystagmus, smooth-pursuit, balance and gait following stroke, offers promising evidence for improving stroke rehabilitation outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings where access to specialised rehabilitation services remains limited.
Conducted under the supervision of Professor Douglas Maleka and Professor Veronica Ntsiea, the study investigated both the current management of vestibular dysfunction in stroke rehabilitation and the effectiveness of a six-week home-based intervention programme.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with dizziness, balance impairment and falls affecting up to 70% of survivors. While vestibular rehabilitation therapy has been shown to improve recovery, its implementation within many public healthcare settings has remained inconsistent.
“The findings demonstrate that a structured home-based vestibular rehabilitation programme can make a meaningful difference in the lives of stroke survivors,” said Dr Kepadisa. “Participants who received the intervention showed improvements in balance, gait and visual tracking, while also experiencing a reduction in symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunction.”
The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase surveyed physiotherapists working in public hospitals across the North West province to assess their knowledge and management practices relating to vestibular dysfunction after stroke. The survey revealed significant gaps in training and practice. Although 26 physiotherapists participated, none had received formal vestibular rehabilitation training or reported using standardised vestibular rehabilitation protocols.
“These findings highlighted an important need for professional development and capacity building among rehabilitation practitioners,” Dr Kepadisa explained. “Physiotherapists are often managing complex stroke cases, yet many have not been equipped with specialised vestibular rehabilitation skills.”
The second phase involved a randomised controlled trial with 31 stroke survivors diagnosed with central vestibular dysfunction. Participants were assigned to either a control group receiving conventional stroke rehabilitation or an experimental group receiving conventional rehabilitation combined with a structured home-based vestibular rehabilitation programme.
Results showed that participants in the experimental group achieved greater improvements in smooth-pursuit eye movements, balance performance and walking ability. The intervention group also demonstrated significantly better scores on the Dynamic Gait Index, indicating enhanced mobility and reduced risk of falls.
According to Prof. Maleka, the research provides practical solutions for healthcare systems facing resource limitations. “One of the most important aspects of this study is that the programme can be implemented within patients’ homes, making rehabilitation more accessible and sustainable. This has significant implications for improving long-term recovery outcomes following stroke.”
Prof. Ntsiea added that the study contributes valuable evidence to the growing body of knowledge on neurological rehabilitation in South Africa. “The research demonstrates that evidence-based interventions can be adapted to local healthcare realities while still producing meaningful clinical outcomes.”
Beyond her doctoral research, Dr Kepadisa brings more than two decades of experience in neurological rehabilitation, healthcare management, community-based rehabilitation and physiotherapy leadership across public healthcare, private practice, academia and the non-profit sector. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to improving rehabilitation services and strengthening healthcare systems in South Africa.
The study further found that improvements achieved during the six-week intervention were sustained beyond the completion of the programme, suggesting successful consolidation of vestibular compensation and long-term functional benefits for participants.
This research underscores the critical role of innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies in improving the quality of life for stroke survivors. It also reflects SMU’s commitment to advancing health sciences research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges and contributes to better patient outcomes. Through research excellence and innovation, SMU continues to strengthen its contribution to transforming healthcare delivery in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
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.
