In a landmark partnership that exemplifies the power of global collaboration for local transformation, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has joined forces with the University of Oxford to pioneer South Africa’s first Neonatal Surgical Skills Course. Launched in April 2025, this initiative signals a major advance in paediatric surgical education and reflects SMU’s growing role as a centre of excellence in global health training.
More than a technical course, the collaboration is a statement of purpose: that internationalisation is not an abstract ideal, but a working ethos embedded in SMU’s academic, cultural and clinical mission. As a proudly African institution, SMU continues to reaffirm its commitment to global standards while remaining deeply rooted in local realities.
The course was the brainchild of Dr Elliot Motloung, recently appointed Academic Head of Paediatric Surgery at SMU. After attending a simulation-based neonatal surgery workshop at the 2024 COSECSA Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe, led by the globally renowned Professor Kokila Lakhoo, Dr Motloung was determined to bring a similar experience to South Africa.
“I saw a real need to develop neonatal surgical skills among junior staff here,” he explained. “The Harare course was a turning point for me. I came back inspired and convinced that SMU could lead this kind of transformative training.”
Over two days, 20 selected participants – ranging from surgical registrars to senior consultants – received hands-on instruction in vital procedures such as bowel anastomosis, gastrostomy, and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) repair. Using chicken tissue to replicate neonatal anatomy, trainees practised in a high-fidelity simulation setting designed to mimic the real-life surgical experience without risk to patients.
At the centre of the training was Professor Kokila Lakhoo, the first female paediatric surgeon in South Africa and now Professor of Global Paediatric Surgery at the University of Oxford. Her return to SMU, where she sat her final general surgery exam during its Medunsa days, added a deeply personal layer to the occasion.
“This institution holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “It’s been an honour to return here and help shape the next generation of African surgeons. Their commitment, energy, and determination are nothing short of extraordinary.”
Dr Gerlin Naidoo, a South African PhD candidate at Oxford who played a key role in coordinating the course, was equally effusive in her praise. “The simulation lab at SMU is among the best I’ve encountered. The technical and support staff were instrumental in making this initiative a success.”
Participants found the experience transformative. One registrar reflected, “The TOF simulation was a defining moment in my training. It was realistic, challenging, and incredibly empowering.”
Importantly, the programme was designed with sustainability in mind. A “training of trainers” component ensured that SMU staff gained the capacity to lead future sessions independently. “This is not a once-off event,” Motloung stressed. “We are establishing a long-term model that builds local expertise and continuity.”
Professor Lakhoo echoed this sentiment. “Oxford’s goal is not to lead indefinitely, but to equip partners like SMU to take full ownership. True partnership means building local capacity.”
The impact is already spreading. The course has been accredited for annual delivery, with future sessions to be co-led by Motloung and Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo of the University of Limpopo. Several South African institutions have expressed interest in adopting the model.
Professor Zacharia Koto, Head of Surgery at SMU, called the initiative “a turning point in surgical education. This partnership strengthens our academic standing and builds desperately needed surgical capacity for the country.”
The results speak for themselves: five SMU paediatric surgery registrars have been accepted to present their work at the 2025 Paediatric Surgery Conference. But for Motloung, the work is just beginning. “Our goal is to extend surgical training and services to underserved communities. This course lays the foundation for that vision.”
With local passion, national momentum, and global support converging, SMU’s neonatal surgery course stands as a model for how international collaboration can yield lasting, life-saving change.
By Tumelo Moila
