Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to produce forward-thinking students who are determined to drive innovation and position the university at the forefront of technological advancement. One such student is Khanyisa Mokgolobotho, whose passion for technology and entrepreneurship has led her to spearhead a new tech movement at SMU.
In 2024, Mokgolobotho immersed herself in numerous tech events, including those hosted by Geekulcha, where she connected with a dynamic network of tech enthusiasts, innovative entrepreneurs, and students from various institutions who were actively solving real-world problems, upskilling, and forging industry connections. Witnessing this thriving ecosystem, she recognised the need for SMU to be part of this movement, inspiring her vision to establish a tech society at the university.
Her goal is to empower SMU students with opportunities to participate in hackathons, integrate Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), and compete on national and international platforms, ultimately enhancing their employability and positioning SMU as a key player in the evolving tech landscape.
“I’m excited to share that I have successfully established the society, and it has been officially approved in partnership with Geekulcha,” says Mokgolobotho. “Given that we are in an age where tech is dominating, part of my vision is to make the society inclusive to all students who are interested in technology. We already have a few events coming up as the Geekulcha Student Society (GKSS) chapters exist across universities nationwide.”
Mokgolobotho’s passion for technology and innovation was ignited through her participation in hackathons and datathons, where she witnessed firsthand how technology could be used to solve real-world problems. “Being recognised as the Best Female Student Participant at the CSIR DIRISA Hackathon in 2022 opened doors for me, leading to funding for my studies and exposure to South Africa’s tech ecosystem. Over time, I have grown into an entrepreneur and a tech leader, advocating for more students, especially from health sciences, to embrace technology in their fields.”
Recognising the gap in access to tech opportunities at SMU, Mokgolobotho was determined to bridge this divide. “Establishing GKSS is an opportunity to introduce more students to tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring they are equipped for the digital future,” she emphasises.
“Technology is not just a tool; it is a catalyst for change. It plays a crucial role in enhancing research, improving healthcare, and driving economic growth. Students who embrace technology gain a competitive edge, and society benefits from innovations that improve everyday life.”
To align GKSS with Geekulcha’s mission of building a tech talent pipeline, Mokgolobotho outlined a roadmap that includes hosting workshops to upskill students, connecting them with industry professionals for mentorship, encouraging cross-disciplinary projects that integrate tech into health sciences, and establishing internship and WIL opportunities.
In its first year, GKSS at SMU aims to establish a strong foundation by focusing on key strategic goals. With the support of its parent body, Geekulcha, the society will leverage established industry connections and expertise to facilitate key partnerships with tech companies and organisations. These collaborations will create avenues for mentorship, internships, and industry exposure, ensuring members gain valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, all GKSS events, including hackathons and skill-building workshops, will be made possible through its affiliation with Geekulcha, allowing students to engage with a broader network of innovators while maintaining the society’s unique identity and focus on SMU. The society will kick off with an official launch event to raise awareness and attract students from diverse disciplines who are eager to explore technology and innovation. To enhance opportunities for members, GKSS will actively seek partnerships with tech companies and organisations, creating avenues for mentorship, internships, and industry exposure. Additionally, the society will facilitate student participation in hackathons and specialised tech skill-building workshops, equipping them with hands-on experience in software development, data science, and emerging technologies. Beyond technical training, GKSS is committed to fostering a vibrant community of student innovators by encouraging collaboration across different fields, ensuring that technology becomes an integral part of healthcare and other disciplines at SMU.
“By bringing industry leaders to campus, offering hands-on learning experiences, and exposing students to real-world tech challenges, we will ensure that students see technology as a practical tool for problem-solving, not just a theoretical concept,” Mokgolobotho says.
GKSS initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ exposure to the tech industry include tech boot camps in software development, data science, and cybersecurity; entrepreneurship programmes to teach students how to build start-ups; a mentorship programme pairing students with professionals; and industry visits and internships in tech companies.
To ensure a dedicated and skilled team leads GKSS, the executive committee was selected based on experience, leadership potential, and passion. “We chose students who have participated in hackathons, innovation programmes, and entrepreneurship societies to ensure we have a team that can drive impact,” Mokgolobotho explains.
“I adopt a collaborative and impact-driven leadership style. I believe in empowering my team, providing direction, and leading by example,” she adds. By fostering an inclusive culture where all ideas are valued and encouraging teamwork across different disciplines within the School of Science and Technology, she aims to maintain a collaborative and supportive environment within GKSS.
Executive Committee Members:
- Khanyisa Mokgolobotho (Chairperson) – A Software Engineer, former SRC Residence Officer, and an entrepreneur passionate about tech and innovation.
- Thandi Sebola (Deputy Chairperson) – Former SMU Postgraduate Officer and host of the Job4Billion Summit 2024.
- Rosemary Erawemen (Secretary) – Participant in the CHPC 2024 Hackathon and DIRISA 2023, with expertise in data science.
- Rudzani Munyai (Treasurer) – Participated in the CHPC 2024 midyear qualification rounds, bringing fresh perspectives.
- Mpho Mutengwe (Manager: Technology and Innovation) – An experienced hackathon participant with a strong background in problem-solving.
- Oreneile Hlalethwa (Manager: STEM Programmes) – The SMU EDHE Student Leader, fostering entrepreneurial initiatives on campus.
- Noluthando Sibiya (Manager: Community Outreach) – Passionate about community engagement and outreach and participated in the Geekulcha Hackathon.
To ensure students gain exposure to the tech industry, GKSS will organise industry networking sessions, internship opportunities with tech firms, and collaborations with start-ups and incubators. Skill-building workshops and hackathons are also planned, including:
As part of its commitment to equipping students with essential tech skills, GKSS has planned a series of skill-building workshops and hackathons designed to provide hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge. The society will host Intro to Programming sessions to introduce beginners to coding fundamentals, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can develop computational thinking skills. AI and Machine Learning boot camps will offer advanced training, allowing participants to explore cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare and beyond. Additionally, the Tech and Entrepreneurship Summit will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and aspiring student entrepreneurs to discuss emerging trends, start-up development, and the role of technology in solving real-world challenges. These initiatives will not only enhance technical proficiency but also foster a culture of innovation, preparing students for the evolving digital economy.
“By combining theory with hands-on projects and ensuring that students apply what they learn through real-world case studies, we will prepare them for real-world challenges in tech and innovation,” Mokgolobotho says.
Socially responsible leadership is a core value of GKSS. “Socially responsible leadership means using tech to solve societal problems. GKSS will run initiatives to upskill underprivileged students, host coding workshops in local schools, and drive impactful projects,” Mokgolobotho states.
The society will also engage with the local community through tech outreach programmes, collaborations with non-profits, and projects addressing real community challenges.
Looking ahead, Mokgolobotho envisions GKSS becoming a leading tech society at SMU, producing industry-ready graduates and laying the foundation for a HealthTech Hub at the university. “The aim of Geekulcha is not merely to foster collaboration between departments but to integrate technology throughout the entire university. As SMU serves as a hub for healthcare, our goal is to establish a lasting HealthTech legacy—one that provides students with the essential resources to excel in the tech industry while thriving as healthcare professionals, particularly in the era of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR).”
Through her visionary leadership, Mokgolobotho is ensuring that SMU students are not only exposed to technology but are also active participants in shaping South Africa’s digital future.
By Tumelo Moila
