Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again made its mark on the global academic stage through the leadership of its Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Dr Moreoagae Randa, who has played a pivotal role in an international collaboration funded by the British Academy.
The programme, valued at £29,577 and running from 2023 to 2025, was awarded to De Montfort University (DMU) in the United Kingdom as the lead applicant. Dr Randa serves as the principal South African partner, ensuring the effective disbursement and accountability of funds to SMU. The project, themed “Strengthening South African Writing for Academic Outputs”, reflects her longstanding commitment to advancing research and innovation at SMU and beyond.
The initiative represents a strategic partnership between SMU, Stellenbosch University, DMU, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Nottingham. Co-led by Dr Kathyrn Hinsliff-Smith of DMU and Dr Randa, the project has supported 22 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) drawn from six South African public universities, including 11 from SMU. These researchers, either completing their PhDs or engaged as postdoctoral fellows, were provided with a two-year structured, mentored writing experience.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Randa said: “This programme has strengthened the capacity of early career researchers to publish, secure grants, and engage globally. Its impact will continue to resonate across institutions, disciplines, and the country’s research agenda.”
Workshops, mentoring sessions, and virtual engagements have enabled participants to strengthen their writing capabilities, expand professional networks, and produce tangible research outputs. Activities included an inaugural three-day workshop in November 2023 at Stellenbosch, online group sessions focusing on academic search strategies, and a recorded open forum with representatives of the National Research Foundation (NRF). These interventions provided participants with crucial insights into academic publishing, grant writing, and the South African promotion system for academics.
The outcomes of the programme are already evident. Participants have delivered successful journal publications, completed doctoral studies, secured research grants, and forged international collaborations. According to co-lead Dr Hinsliff-Smith: “The progress of these researchers has been remarkable. This project has not only improved their writing skills but has also created new opportunities for collaboration across borders.”
The diversity of disciplines represented by the cohort further amplified the programme’s impact. Researchers came from fields as varied as public health, pharmacy, cultural and political studies, radiotherapy, psychology, and optometry. This breadth fostered interdisciplinary learning and exchange, creating a platform for cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies that enriched the experience for all involved.
The collaboration culminated in the “Road to Success Conference” hosted at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo International Airport from 18–20 February 2025. Here, the ECRs showcased their progress, shared experiences, and celebrated achievements alongside mentors and international collaborators.
One of the participants, Portia Ramashia, Lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Radiation Therapy at the University of Johannesburg, noted: “The mentorship provided a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow. I now feel equipped to publish confidently and to position myself for future academic opportunities.”
The recognition of Randa’s leadership in this programme builds upon her earlier work in collaborative projects addressing pressing social issues, such as gender-based violence, where she partnered with UK counterparts and local organisations to develop training materials for health professionals.
Through her vision and dedication, Randa exemplifies the values of academic excellence, international collaboration, and societal impact, positioning SMU as a key contributor to research and innovation both nationally and globally.
By Tumelo Moila
