Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to shine as a beacon of innovation, excellence, and transformation. This graduation season, we celebrate a historic achievement that perfectly embodies the university’s mission to nurture talent that drives positive change in South Africa and beyond.
Dr Raikane James Seretlo, a PhD graduate in Public Health and a lecturer appointed through the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), has made remarkable strides by completing his doctorate in record time—just two years—while simultaneously developing a nationally recognised mobile health (mHealth) innovation that is already making a significant impact in the public health sector.
Seretlo joined SMU in March 2023 through the nGAP initiative. That same month, he enrolled for his PhD in Public Health. By March 2025, he had successfully completed his doctoral degree—an extraordinary feat that sets a new benchmark for academic excellence at SMU.
But his achievements extended well beyond academic requirements. In just two years, Seretlo authored five peer-reviewed journal articles based on his PhD research, presented his work at five major conferences (three national and two international), and co-authored an additional eight peer-reviewed papers through collaboration and community engagement—a total of 13 published works, both locally and internationally.
His academic journey has been underpinned by unwavering discipline, strategic time management, and a deep passion for health equity. “I created a strict study plan, stuck to it, and turned consistency into a lifestyle. I stayed up late, woke up early, and never lost sight of the bigger picture,” he shares.
Motivated by the urgent need to address gaps in healthcare access for queer communities, Seretlo developed Query Wellness Hub, a mobile health application that offers inclusive, stigma-free sexual and reproductive health information tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community.
This copyrighted innovation stems from his Master’s research at SMU, which revealed that public healthcare systems often lack inclusive policies and practices. Seeing a critical need for equitable digital health solutions, he transformed his findings into an accessible, user-focused platform aimed at bridging this gap.
Despite challenges such as limited funding and access to expertise, Seretlo’s perseverance bore fruit. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) awarded him R800,000 in seed funding to refine and commercialise the prototype. This achievement not only affirms the national relevance of his innovation but also underscores the power of research-driven development in solving real-world challenges.
“This isn’t just an app; it’s a voice for those often ignored in mainstream healthcare. It’s a step towards dignity, inclusion, and improved health outcomes for queer individuals,” he explains. Seretlo’s story is more than a personal triumph—it is a powerful testament to Black excellence. Born in the rural village of Lephalale, he defied the odds to become a symbol of resilience, brilliance, and community impact.
“Black excellence means pushing beyond the boundaries placed before us. It means creating, excelling, and giving back, regardless of where you come from,” he says. His growing academic legacy includes mentoring four Master’s students at SMU. Three of them will graduate alongside him this May, with one earning a cum laude distinction. The fourth is expected to graduate in September 2025.
Seretlo’s influence extends beyond South Africa’s borders. He was recently nominated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) to represent the country at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore—a prestigious international gathering of emerging scientific minds. “The summit was a game-changer,” he reflects. “Visiting the Innovation Factory and learning about design thinking, AI integration in healthcare, and academic entrepreneurship showed me how our ideas can evolve into scalable, global solutions.”
Seretlo, the journey has been as spiritual as it has been academic. “It’s a God-led journey,” he affirms. “Everything—from registration to ethical clearance, data collection, publications, and funding—fell into place. I believe I was walking on purpose.”
He credits his success to divine guidance, tireless effort, and the steadfast support of his supervisors, Professor Mathildah Mokgatle and Dr Hanlie Smuts, along with the SMU Technology Transfer Office and the nGAP team. Seretlo’s journey embodies the core values of SMU: innovation, transformation, academic rigour, and social impact. As SMU celebrates his graduation this May, we also honour a legacy in the making—one that reminds us of the transformative power of education, purpose, and community.
By Dimakatso Modise
