In a significant step towards international collaboration, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has undertaken a historic visit to the United States of America, aiming to strengthen ties with institutions dedicated to advancing education and healthcare. This important initiative began in 2023 when SMU was invited by the Department of Higher Education and Training to join then Minister Dr Blade Nzimande in discussions aimed at enhancing partnerships between South Africa’s Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) and the United States of America’s (USA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The collaboration between these institutions is especially noteworthy, as HBCUs have a proven track record of educating a significant percentage of black professionals in the USA. According to recent research, HBCUs produce nearly 50% of the country’s black teachers, 70% of black doctors and dentists, and 80% of black lawyers. As an HDI, SMU is keenly focused on expanding its international footprint and exploring mutual benefits with such institutions.
Under the guidance of the Internationalisation Director, Dr Carlien Jooste, the university’s delegation, which included the Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences, Professor Douglas Maleka and Acting Dean of the School of Dentistry, Professor Dini Mawela, initiated this pivotal visit. The SMU team was warmly welcomed by Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, a renowned institution committed to transforming healthcare and addressing global health challenges. Meharry’s President, Dr James E.K. Hildreth, emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating: “This groundbreaking alliance between two historically black institutions is a testament to our shared dedication to transforming health care and tackling global health challenges.”
During the visit, the SMU team engaged in a series of meetings and presentations at various prestigious institutions. In New York City, they participated in a hybrid seminar titled: “Bridging the Gap: Connecting Global Health and HBCUs” at the Mount Sinai Health System, which included the Icahn School of Medicine and the Arnhold Institute of Global Health. The delegation also visited the CUNY School of Public Health and Touro College of Dental Medicine, and they met with South African officials, including the Deputy Permanent Resident to the UN and the Consul-General of South Africa to the USA. In Nashville, the team continued their discussions at Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University, another HBCU. They also collaborated with Project C.U.R.E and toured the Tennessee Capital Building, hosted by a City of Nashville Council member.
The visit culminated in the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SMU and Meharry, with more agreements anticipated soon. Both institutions discussed further collaborations at the school level, ensuring a solid foundation for future initiatives. The Internationalisation Directorate encourages interested staff and students to engage with Dr Carlien Jooste for more information regarding potential collaborations and mobility opportunities with these partner institutions.
This historic visit marks a significant milestone in SMU’s journey toward global engagement and positions the university as a key player in the Internationalisation of higher education in South Africa.
