PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 April 2025

GA-RANKUWA, PRETORIA—Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor. The decision was unanimously taken by the University Council at its ordinary meeting held on 3 April 2025. She will serve for a term of five years.

Moumakwa, a highly respected medical practitioner and executive, is an alumna of the erstwhile Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), where she obtained her MBChB in 1987. Her impressive academic portfolio also includes a Management Advancement Programme from Wits Business School and a General Management Programme from Harvard Business School—testaments to her enduring commitment to education and leadership development.

Amongst other roles, she is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mohau Equity Partners (MEP). Over the years, she has held several senior executive roles across the healthcare and business sectors. These include:

• Executive Head at Thlabi Family Practice (1992–1995)
• Chief Executive Officer of Transmed Medical Fund (1996–2000)
• Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Healthcare Funders (2002–2005)
• Director: Keycare Product Development at Discovery Limited (2005–2011)
• Group Head of Human Resources and Sustainability at Discovery Limited (2011–2018)

Moumakwa is widely recognised for her visionary leadership and pioneering work in healthcare and health financing. Her influence spans clinical practice, healthcare policy, corporate governance, and transformation, leaving an indelible mark on both the private and public healthcare landscapes in South Africa.

Her appointment as Chancellor reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and inclusive leadership.

Moumakwa brings not only a wealth of expertise but also a deep sense of purpose and integrity that will strengthen the university’s mission in health sciences education and research.

In her congratulatory message, Chairperson of the SMU Council Maria Rambauli states: “I would like to thank Dr Moumakwa for agreeing to serve the university as the Chancellor for the next five years and wish her success in this role.”

Moumakwa’s appointment marks a bold step forward for SMU as it strenghtens its mission to become a globally competitive health sciences university, guided by transformative leadership and a commitment to advancing health equity across the continent.

About Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a leading South African institution shaping the future of healthcare across the continent and beyond. Based in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Pretoria, SMU is a globally competitive hub of academic excellence. Through groundbreaking research, transformative teaching, and a firm commitment to social justice, the university is preparing a new generation of health and science professionals to tackle Africa’s most urgent health challenges.

For media enquiries, please contact Dr Lusani Netshitomboni, Director: Communications and Marketing at lusani.netshitomboni@smu.ac.za

Cell: 083-3965-885.