The Department of Occupational Therapy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) brought past and present together in a vibrant celebration during Occupational Therapy (OT) Week 2025. Themed “Occupational Therapy: Then and Now – Legacy Day”, the event transformed the department’s OT gym into a space of memory, mentorship, and motivation, where alumni and students gathered to reflect on the profession’s journey and its enduring impact.
Organised in collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA), the gathering paid tribute to senior practitioners while guiding the hands and minds of those just beginning their careers. Acting Head of Department, Anna Lesunyane, captured the essence of the day when she remarked, “It is wonderful to see our students engaging with their seniors, learning from their experiences, and reflecting on the rich history of occupational therapy in South Africa. This is how we build a strong, connected OT community.”
The heartbeat of the day came from alumni who returned to their alma mater, each carrying stories that blended personal triumph with professional purpose.
For Samuel Chauke, SMU graduate and current Mr World South Africa (2024–2026), the journey began in 2018 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree. Today, as a Senior Occupational Therapist at Potchefstroom Hospital, Chauke sees the profession as a force that restores dignity and hope. He spoke with conviction about the transformative role of vocational rehabilitation, reminding students that dedication and passion are the keys to meaningful community change. His words struck a chord, leaving many inspired to carry that same determination forward.
Khanyisile Mabena, another proud SMU alumna, brought her own story of impact. A Miss Gauteng Exclusive finalist and Occupational Therapist at Weskoppies Hospital, Mabena, told students that occupational therapy must be seen as more than a career. “Occupational therapy is not just a profession; it is a calling to make a difference every day,” she said. Her message extended beyond clinical practice, highlighting the profession’s reach into schools, families, and communities.
Adding yet another dimension was alumna Millicent Daoduo, who spoke passionately about collaboration in education. Addressing the theme “The Collaborative Partnership between Teachers and Occupational Therapists in Public Special Schools in South Africa”, she emphasised that teamwork between educators and therapists can create inclusive environments for children with special needs. “When teachers and occupational therapists work together, we create inclusive environments that empower children with special needs. It’s about teamwork, understanding, and ensuring that every child can thrive,” she explained.
Together, these stories formed a powerful narrative of what it means to be an occupational therapist in today’s South Africa: a blend of science and service, of skill and compassion.
For students, the event was not just an academic exercise. It was a rare chance to connect with role models who had once walked the same halls, sat in the same lectures, and now stood before them as leaders in hospitals, schools, and communities. The atmosphere was alive with questions, reflections, and the realisation that they too are part of a growing legacy.
As the day drew to a close, Lesunyane reminded all present that learning is a lifelong journey. “Legacy Day is a reminder that learning never stops. Our alumni are living proof that occupational therapy changes lives, not only for clients but also for practitioners themselves,” she said.
Students left the OT gym with renewed motivation, proud to belong to a profession that blends knowledge with humanity. The event reaffirmed SMU’s commitment to producing therapists who are both clinically excellent and socially responsive. Through initiatives such as OT Week, the Department of Occupational Therapy continues to nurture a legacy of healing, innovation, and transformation—one generation guiding the next.
By Dimakatso Modise
