In a groundbreaking collaboration, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has joined forces with the Aurum Institute, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and international partner Johns Hopkins University to revolutionise health research in South Africa. This innovative partnership brings together leading experts in health sciences research, public health, data science, and implementation science to address the complex health challenges facing the country and the African continent.
Professor Mathildah Mokgatle, SMU representative, Head of Public Health, Co-director, and Chair of the BAMMISHO Steering Committee, expressed her enthusiasm about the node’s potential impact. Our vision is to develop a world-class Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) that generates high-quality evidence to inform policy and practice locally, nationally, and globally. This initiative is built on long-standing relationships with the Royal Bafokeng Nation, local government, and industry stakeholders,” she says.
By combining their strengths and expertise, these partners aim to establish a robust health research ecosystem that drives innovation, translation, and impact. The collaboration is dedicated to developing and implementing evidence-based solutions to pressing health issues, ultimately improving health outcomes in South Africa and beyond.
A pioneering initiative under this collaboration, the BAMMISHO (Bafokeng Health & Demographic Surveillance Node) project, has been launched under the leadership of the AWISE (Aurum-Wits-Sefako Makgatho) Consortium. This initiative aims to address the health and socio-economic challenges faced by peri-mining communities in the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) of the Bojanala District, North West Province.
BAMMISHO emerged as a winner in a national competitive grant award led by the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN). The initiative was spearheaded by SMU Alumnus Professor Geoffrey Setswe, who identified key collaborators from The Aurum Institute, Wits, and SMU. Johns Hopkins University contributes additional global research expertise to the project.
The BAMMISHO Node will focus on understanding the impact of mining and migration on health and socio-economic outcomes in the 29 villages that make up the RBN. The consortium’s research agenda includes critical areas such as HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, climate change resilience, and the economic impacts of disease and migration.
Setswe highlighted the project’s alignment with existing SAPRIN nodes, ensuring a seamless integration of research methodologies and data management systems. “Our team has successfully enrolled over 70,000 participants in research projects valued at more than $12 million. With BAMMISHO, we aim to make a significant contribution to South Africa’s broader health research landscape,” he explains.
As the Director of Community Engagement, Mokgatle is responsible for fostering collaboration between researchers and the community. She emphasises the importance of direct involvement from local leaders. “The chiefs of all 29 villages were invited to a community engagement meeting during their end-of-year 2024 Lekgotla to discuss the implementation of BAMMISHO. We are proud to have the full support of His Majesty King Leruo Molotlegi and the Royal Bafokeng Administration,” she states.
A key strength of the BAMMISHO Node is its access to robust research infrastructure. The Aurum Rustenburg CRS will serve as the operational hub, equipped with clinical facilities, laboratories, and advanced data management capabilities. Researchers will collect data from 114,000 individuals using digital tools compatible with SAPRIN’s existing network, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
The initiative has been designed with sustainability in mind. While initial funding is provided through SAPRIN, the consortium is actively seeking additional resources through research grants and collaborations with industry stakeholders. Mokgatle reiterates the team’s commitment, stating: “We see the BAMMISHO Node as a lifelong legacy that will continuously monitor and improve the health and well-being of the Royal Bafokeng Nation for generations to come.”
The formal launch of BAMMISHO in November 2024 was marked by a large community ceremony attended by SMU leadership, local government representatives, and national media. With comprehensive plans and risk mitigation strategies in place, the project has commenced smoothly and is well-positioned to deliver meaningful insights into the health dynamics of peri-mining communities.
Reflecting on the journey that led to BAMMISHO’s creation, Setswe and Mokgatle express their deep sense of purpose in giving back to their community. “As proud Bafokeng and SMU (MEDUNSA) alumni, we felt a strong responsibility to develop a project that would put SMU on the map while serving the people who raised us. BAMMISHO is our way of expressing gratitude to the ‘People of the Dew’—our home, our heritage,” they conclude.
The BAMMISHO Node is poised to become a vital contributor to SAPRIN and a globally recognised centre for health and demographic research. With its solid foundation, dedicated team, and community-driven approach, the project promises to be a transformative force in addressing the pressing health challenges of the Royal Bafokeng Nation and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
