Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its status as a premier institution in health sciences education by honouring academic and professional excellence at its prestigious Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards ceremony. Held at The Maslow, Time Square Hotel in Menlyn, Pretoria, the event, themed “Celebrating Excellence in a Digital Era,” recognised outstanding individuals and teams driving innovation, research, teaching, and community engagement—further cementing SMU’s reputation as a leader in transformative education.

Beyond recognising individual achievements, the ceremony underscored SMU’s unwavering commitment to excellence, relevance, integrity, equity, ubuntu, and professionalism—core values that continue to shape the institution’s impact in South Africa and beyond.

 

Delivering a powerful opening address, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in positioning SMU as a 21st-century institution. “In this digital era, our ability to innovate, engage, and support our community depends on our unwavering commitment to excellence. Tonight, we honour the exceptional individuals who embody these values and drive SMU forward,” she stated, reinforcing the university’s role as a catalyst for change in health sciences.

 

Among the evening’s top accolades was the Excellence in Community Engagement Award 2024, presented to Jackson Mahlaba and his team for their groundbreaking Vaccination Catch-Up Campaign. Their efforts to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities exemplified SMU’s mission to integrate world-class education with meaningful societal impact. “This award belongs to every team member who worked tirelessly to bring health services to those who needed them most. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication,” said Mahlaba, emphasising the spirit of ubuntu that underpins SMU’s commitment to public health.

 

Setting new standards in administration and support

 

SMU’s excellence extends beyond academia and research to a culture of exceptional service and leadership. The Administration and Support Category highlighted professionals who ensure the university’s operational efficiency matches its academic prestige.

• Elisa Segaile received the Exemplary Client-Centric Behaviour Award, setting a high benchmark for student and staff service.
• Theo Bhengu was recognised for Outstanding Leadership & Professionalism, a reflection of SMU’s commitment to fostering visionary leaders within its ranks.
• Mpho Mmako earned two accolades—the Collaboration and Teamwork Award and Best Support Employee Award—demonstrating the value of collective success.
• Busisiwe Sijora was named Best Administration Employee, a recognition of her dedication to operational excellence.

 

A university positioned for global competitiveness

 

The 2024 Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards ceremony was more than just an evening of recognition; it was a bold statement of the university’s trajectory in a digital world. By fostering cutting-edge research, impactful community engagement, and excellence in administration, SMU continues to establish itself as a globally competitive institution that not only educates future health professionals but actively contributes to shaping South Africa’s healthcare landscape.

 

The Teaching & Learning Awards recognised:

• “Beginner” Teaching Excellence Award: Dr Sabashnee Govender-Davies
• “Experienced” Teaching Excellence Award: Dr Kebiditswe Masike

 

Several impactful projects were honoured:

• Project: Vaccination Catch-up Campaign (School of Pharmacy) – Group Leader: Jackson Mahalaba
• Project: Korwee Multipurpose Centre (School of Dentistry) – Group Leader: Emma Musekene
• Project: Creating a Healthy School through Physical Education at a School in Mapobane, Gauteng (School of Health Care Sciences) – Group Leader: Ntombenkosi Sobantu
• Project: Mathematics Career Fair (School of Science & Technology) – Group Leader: Joseph Fatlane
• Project: Child Health in the Community (School of Medicine) – Group Leader: Debbie Barnard

 

SMU’s leadership in Research and Innovation was recognised through the following awards:

• Best Emerging Researcher: Dr Bwalya Witika
• Best Overall Female Researcher: Prof Hannelie Meyer
• Best Overall Research Supervisor: Prof Moliehi Matlala
• Best Established Researcher in the School of Health Care Sciences: Prof Mathilda Mpata Mokgatle
• Best Established Researcher in the University: Prof Hannelie Meyer

 

NRF Rated Research Recognition Awards

• Rating Category: C2: Dr X Siwe-Noundou
• Rating Category: C2 (re-rating): Prof A Oettlé
• Rating Category: Y2: Dr LO Jolaoso
• Rating Category: Y2: Dr V Thibane
• Rating Category: C3: Dr G Ugwunnadi
• Rating Category: C2: Prof Mathilda Mpata Mokgatle
• Rating Category: Y2: Dr Bwalya Witika

 

The awards ceremony was a proud moment for SMU, showcasing the university’s dedication to fostering academic and professional excellence.  Matsha-Erasmus closed the event with a heartfelt message to the awardees: “Tonight, we celebrate not just individual achievements but the collective progress of our university and its profound impact on society.”

 

SMU continues to be a beacon of excellence in health sciences education, shaping future leaders and driving transformative change.

By Dimakatso Modise