A spirit of celebration and scholarly distinction filled the air as academic excellence took centre stage at a prestigious handover ceremony hosted by the School of Science and Technology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). The occasion marked a significant milestone in the University’s enduring partnership with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), underscoring a shared commitment to advancing student success, innovation, and capacity development within the health sciences sector.

 

The ceremony formally acknowledged SAHPRA’s generous sponsorship towards the Dean’s Excellence Awards, through which high-performing students were awarded laptops to support their academic and research pursuits. The initiative reflects a strategic alignment between academia and regulatory institutions in cultivating a scientifically competent and ethically grounded workforce.

 

Professor Sechene Stanley Gololo, Deputy Dean of the School of Science and Technology, expressed profound gratitude for SAHPRA’s contribution and reaffirmed the value of collaborative partnerships. “Compliments of the new season. On behalf of the School of Science and Technology, please accept our sincere appreciation for SAHPRA’s generous sponsorship towards the Dean’s Excellence Awards. Your contribution is both commendable and impactful, as it meaningfully advances our shared commitment to student success, excellence, and capacity development,” he said.

 

Prof Gololo further highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of the handover ceremony. “To formally acknowledge this support, we deeply value the presence of SAHPRA representatives at the official handover of the laptops to the award recipients. Such engagements reinforce the strategic alignment between academia and regulatory bodies in shaping a responsive and competent scientific workforce,” he added.

 

Four outstanding students were recognised during the ceremony for their exemplary academic achievements. Nkosi Lindokuhle, a Bachelor of Science (Extended Curriculum Programme) undergraduate student, was honoured for academic merit and perseverance. Pitse Thulaganyo was celebrated as the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Overall Achiever 2025, while Kekana Tumisho received recognition as Master of Science Overall Achiever 2025. In a remarkable demonstration of research innovation, Lekgoathi Thabo Lesiba was acknowledged as Patent Holder of the Year 2025.

 

In line with principles of transparency and responsible stewardship, the School confirmed that four laptops were distributed at the ceremony. The remaining laptop will be retained in the Dean’s Office and allocated to a subsequent approved student support initiative, of which SAHPRA will be duly notified.

 

Zingisa Nodada and Khanyisile Mabuza, SAHPRA Learning and Development Specialists, delivered compelling reflections on the partnership with the University, particularly the School of Science and Technology. They emphasised that their collaboration is anchored in strengthening regulatory science, promoting skills development, and ensuring that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to national health priorities.

 

The SAHPRA representatives noted that investing in students extends beyond financial sponsorship; it is an investment in the intellectual capital that will sustain and transform the country’s health regulatory landscape. Their remarks reaffirmed SAHPRA’s commitment to long-term academic partnerships that bridge theory and practice while nurturing excellence.

 

Dr Baratwa Moema, Operations Manager of the School of Science and Technology, also extended heartfelt appreciation to SAHPRA for its sustained support over the years. She acknowledged that the partnership has evolved into a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship grounded in trust and shared vision. Dr Moema expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to flourish, opening new avenues for student empowerment and institutional growth.

 

The handover ceremony thus symbolised more than the presentation of technological tools; it represented a deliberate investment in academic distinction and future innovation. Through strategic collaboration, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and SAHPRA are collectively shaping a generation of scientists equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to advance health sciences in South Africa and beyond.

 

By Dimakatso Modise