Media Statement
Approved for public release:
Date: Sunday, 06 October 2024
Deputy Minister Buti Manamela to headline SMU’s Advanced Future Scientists and Healthcare Leaders’ Summit
PRETORIA, 06 OCTOBER 2024: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to set the standard in holistic student development, solidifying its position as a university of choice for aspiring healthcare professionals and scientists in South Africa. With the recent success of the Jobs4Billions Work Readiness Bootcamp, SMU is once again proving its dedication to shaping graduates who are academically strong but also career-ready and future-focused.
The two-day Jobs4Billions Bootcamp was an invaluable experience for students, allowing them to gain critical insights into South Africa’s dynamic job market. Through hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, and real-world advice, participants were equipped with the tools necessary to transition seamlessly into the workforce. The program emphasised job market trends, core skills development, workplace adaptability, and career progression—ensuring that SMU students are steps ahead in their professional journeys.
But SMU isn’t stopping there. Building on the momentum of the bootcamp, the university is now gearing up for the Advanced Future Scientists and Healthcare Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for 9th-11th October 2024 at the SMU Stadium. This three-day event will take student empowerment to the next level, focusing on leadership development, scientific innovation, and fostering collaboration across the healthcare and scientific sectors.
A standout moment of the summit will be the keynote address by Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, on the opening day. His anticipated speech will touch on key issues affecting South Africa’s youth, including education, innovation, and the future of employment in healthcare. Students and attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions designed to inspire a new generation of leaders who will reshape the nation’s healthcare and scientific industries.
“At Jobs4Billions, we’re all about empowering students to go beyond just academic success,” says Mr Munei Tshiovhe, the Chief Executive Officer of Jobs4Billions. “Through initiatives like the Work Readiness Bootcamp, we’re giving young professionals the tools they need to not only succeed but thrive in their industries. Our aim is to develop a mindset of leadership, adaptability, and innovation, ensuring that every graduate is equipped to navigate and make a real impact in the ever-changing job market. It’s about preparing individuals who are not just job-ready, but future-ready,” he adds.
As SMU continues to roll out transformative programs, it strengthens its role as a catalyst for change in South Africa, creating a pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals and scientists ready to contribute and lead in an ever-evolving world.
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For enquiries, please contact Director: Communications & Marketing, Dr Lusani Netshitomboni.
Email: lusani.netshitomboni@smu.ac.za
Phone: 083 396 5885
About SMU:
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is a leading institution committed to producing qualified professionals in the health and science fields, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and student success. SMU’s holistic approach ensures its graduates are ready to thrive in today’s demanding workforce and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare and scientific landscapes.
ISSUED BY SMU COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
