Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), a prestigious institution known for producing leaders in healthcare, celebrates yet another remarkable achievement with one of its own: Pitso Matji, a third-year Occupational Therapy (OT) student, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa – Students (OTASA-S). With his term set to continue until December 2025, Matji’s leadership promises to bring fresh insights, unity, and a focus on pressing issues to OT students across the country’s universities. His election highlights the calibre of SMU students who are consistently at the forefront of their fields, driving change and innovation.
Pitso Matji, SMU third-year Occupational Therapy (OT) student
As Chairperson, he aims to unite OT students from South Africa’s eight universities that offer OT programmes, encouraging collaboration on vital issues such as mental health, youth substance abuse, and the internationalisation of the OT profession. In addition, he plans to foster active participation in key events like OT Week and World Federation of Occupational Therapy Day. “This role is about mobilising OT students nationwide, helping them understand the value of OTASA membership, and broadening their perspectives through international dialogues,” Matji explains. His vision underscores SMU’s focus on community engagement, professional leadership, and impactful healthcare solutions.
His journey to this influential position began with a nomination from SMU OTASA Facilitator Refiloe Mohotlhoane, who recognised his dedication to the profession and his commitment to establishing a strong OTASA presence at SMU. “Matjie was elected due to his enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, which have demonstrated his capability to lead OT students across South Africa,” Mohotlhoane says. His election exemplifies SMU’s strength in nurturing leaders who actively engage in their communities of practice and contribute meaningfully to national health dialogues.
In his new role, Matji is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. “In my leadership, I will not be selective because all SMU OT students have shown enormous support since my election,” he shares. “I am fortunate to have friends and colleagues by my side, offering encouragement and motivation at every step.” His past leadership experiences, including his roles as a high school Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member and Class Representative at SMU, have equipped him with the skills to represent diverse backgrounds with fairness and respect.
Matjie’s ambitious plans for OTASA-S include engaging first-year OT students in orientation, fostering an understanding of OT’s national and international contexts, and creating a support network to raise awareness about students’ mental health and substance abuse challenges. To realise these objectives, he intends to work closely with his executive committee (EXCO) to ensure effective communication and collaborative planning for all OTASA-S initiatives.
Through his leadership, Matjie exemplifies the values of excellence, compassion, and innovation that SMU strives to instil in its students.
As he takes on this prestigious role, he is setting a standard for future healthcare leaders at SMU, working towards a more united, inclusive, and supportive OT community. His story speaks to the exceptional training and values fostered at SMU, a university dedicated to empowering students who make a difference in the world of health sciences.
