Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has again proven to be a fertile ground for cultivating exceptional scientific talent. Among its recent success stories is Pearl Keatile Segwagwa, a driven young scientist whose academic journey from Midrand to graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Science (Anatomical Pathology) is both inspiring and instructive.
Born in Gqeberha, formerly named Port Elizabeth, but raised in Gauteng, Segwagwa first earned her BSc in Biomedicine, a degree she describes as the bridge between science and healthcare. This foundation ignited her interest in medical research, particularly in addressing gaps in South Africa’s healthcare landscape through innovation. Her choice to pursue Honours at SMU was strategic: as one of the few institutions offering this specialisation, it provided the perfect environment for her to refine her expertise while contributing to a growing body of local medical research.
“SMU’s identity as a dedicated health sciences university drew me in,” she says. “I knew I would be surrounded by people whose passion and strength lay in advancing healthcare.”
Unlike the undergraduate experience, SMU’s Honours in Medical Science programme combined rigorous coursework with advanced laboratory training. Here, Segwagwa moved from consuming knowledge to generating it, culminating in an intensive research project:
Her dissertation, “Histopathological Spectrum of Paediatric Hepatic Tumours at a Tertiary Laboratory in Tshwane,” explored rare but critical paediatric liver tumours over 10 years. Reviewing 66 biopsy cases, she found a tumour prevalence of 13.6%, with hepatoblastoma — particularly its aggressive mixed subtype — being the most common. The tumours demonstrated early onset, underscoring the urgent need for early detection, clinician awareness, and targeted monitoring in paediatric oncology.
The project faced unexpected hurdles, including data access delays caused by a cyberattack on the National Health Laboratory Service. Undeterred, Segwagwa adapted by sourcing information manually from recorded archives — a process she describes as “time-consuming but invaluable for teaching adaptability and resourcefulness.”
Among her coursework, molecular pathology stood out as both a formidable challenge and a deep fascination. She was captivated by the field’s power to trace disease origins down to single mutations and its potential to transform diagnosis and treatment in South Africa.
“Molecular pathology is evolving rapidly,” she explains. “We’re catching up with global standards, and it’s exciting to contribute to a field that will directly improve patient care in our communities.”
Graduating cum laude was the result of discipline, time management, and an insatiable curiosity. She credits her success to maintaining consistency, integrating theory with practical skills, and leaning on a robust support system of family, peers, and supervisors.
Her supervisory team — led by Dr Nosipho Thobakgale and supported by Ms Lucia Mhlongo and Dr Katlego Motlhatlego — provided both expertise and encouragement. “They nurtured my creativity, challenged my thinking, and helped me find my confidence as a researcher,” she recalls.
Segwagwa is now pursuing a Master of Science in Medicine in Anatomical Pathology at SMU, with the goal of becoming a registered medical scientist. Her long-term vision is to advance diagnostic precision, integrate molecular techniques into routine laboratory practice, and contribute to paediatric genomics research, a passion she hopes to return to later in her career.
Her message to aspiring scientists is clear: “Work hard, research your options, and have the courage to take that leap. Resilience and patience will carry you through the challenges.”
Segwagwa extends heartfelt thanks to her family, mentors, and fellow students, describing them as “the foundation of my success.” For her, science is not an abstract pursuit, but a human one: “Behind every test and report is a patient — someone whose life can be improved by what we do. That’s what keeps me inspired.”
In her journey, Segwagwa embodies SMU’s mission: producing health professionals and scientists who are not only technically competent, but also deeply committed to transforming healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
