At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the future of security doesn’t rest solely in patrols and gates; it’s being quietly redefined by women like Patience Mabunda, who are transforming campus safety from within its systems. As an Administrative Officer in the Department of Security Services, Mabunda is at the forefront of modernising the operations that keep the university safe, efficient, and inclusive, one upgrade at a time.
Mabunda joined SMU in 2021, bringing with her over a decade of experience in administration from the Department of Justice, South African Weather Services, and the Department of Labour. Now in her fourth year at the university, she supports one of the institution’s most vital components: campus security.
Her duties span the full spectrum of administrative coordination. “I handle procurement, manage access control, and oversee biometric enrolments for students, staff, and contractors,” she explains. “I also ensure that both in-house and outsourced security teams are properly deployed, all through compliant supply chain processes.”
Mabunda’s journey into the university environment began during her experiential learning at varsity. “That exposure helped me realise how dynamic and fulfilling a university setting can be. It pushed me to continue learning and to enrol in an LLB, which I’m currently pursuing in my third year,” she says. She believes her legal studies complement her security role and will further strengthen her professional capabilities.
Among her proudest contributions to SMU is the creation of a weekly activity reporting system. Initially developed in Excel, the tool tracked progress in operations, investigations, and administration. “It was later converted into an online document by the technical team, and it’s now a central part of how we work. It has improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” she notes.
Each day at SMU begins with structure and intention. “I live by the motto: ‘People who plan their days get most of their work done.’ It helps me manage multiple demands without becoming overwhelmed.”
Her efforts are especially vital in a 24-hour operation like campus security. “Working under pressure is normal here, but our management team is responsive and solutions-focused. When issues arise, they’re addressed quickly because we function as a unit,” she says.
Mabunda has witnessed major strides in modernising security on campus. “We’ve moved from outdated access cards to biometric and facial recognition systems. It’s exciting to be part of that transformation.” Passionate about women’s empowerment and mental health, she sees her work as a platform for broader impact.
Her message to the SMU community is simple but powerful: “Success begins when you commit to excellence.” Looking ahead, she hopes to contribute even more to SMU’s progress: “I want to keep modernising our systems, transforming security, one solution at a time.”
At SMU, operational excellence is no longer gendered; women like Mabunda are leading critical support functions, proving that transformation reaches every part of the institution.
By Tumelo Moila
