Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is accelerating its role as a leader in health sciences innovation following a significant donation of specialised diagnostic equipment to its Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology. An initiative that reinforces the university’s commitment to research excellence, industry collaboration, and student development.
The donation, secured through a partnership with AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd), a Durban-based biotechnology start-up, introduces advanced instrumentation designed for the batch-top fabrication of medical devices, including lateral flow diagnostic assays widely used in point-of-care testing. The collaboration signals a decisive step toward strengthening South Africa’s local capacity in diagnostic development.
“We are proud to support innovation that advances accessible healthcare solutions and strengthens local scientific capacity,” said Dr Mandizvo Tawanda, Director and CEO of AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd). “Partnerships like this are essential in translating research into real-world impact.”
“This partnership reflects a shared vision to build innovation ecosystems that respond to real healthcare challenges,” said Professor Phumlani Mdluli, who played a key role in securing the donation and collaboration. “We are not just enhancing infrastructure; we are creating pathways for impactful research and skills development.”
Under the leadership of Professor Tshwafo Motaung (HOD), the Department is positioning itself as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship, where research translates into practical green solutions and spins into enterprises. The newly acquired equipment directly addresses critical gaps in prototyping and fabrication, enabling the transition from theoretical work to real-world application.
According to departmental leadership, the impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels will gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant technologies, significantly improving their readiness for the workforce.
“Exposure to this level of instrumentation changes everything,” said Dr Reagan Mohlala, a Natural Scientist in the Department. This sentiment was echoed by Mutendela Tabile Olivier, a lecturer, who added, “It allows our students to engage with the realities of medical device development, not just the theory behind it.”
The collaboration also opens doors beyond the laboratory. Internship opportunities, joint research initiatives, and potential technology transfer projects are already being explored, offering students valuable industry exposure and positioning SMU graduates as competitive contributors to the health sector.
University–industry partnerships, experts note, are no longer optional in higher education; they are essential. By aligning academic research with industry needs, institutions can remain relevant while driving innovation and economic growth.
“This is a clear example of what happens when academia and industry move in the same direction,” added Prof Mdluli. “The results are tangible, scalable, and beneficial to society.”
Strategically, the initiative aligns with SMU’s broader mission to transform health services through innovation and excellence. It also strengthens the Department’s focus on three niche research areas: bioanalytical chemistry and medical device development, biodegradable polymer-based materials, and advanced photocatalytic nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Looking ahead, the Department plans to fully integrate the equipment into its research programmes, while expanding collaboration with industry partners to co-develop next-generation diagnostic technologies.
“We are building something that carries the dreams of our people,” said Prof Motaung, “This is not just a once-off achievement, it is the seed of a legacy rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and hope. It is about giving meaning to the struggles we have endured, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities where there were none. Long after we are gone, this work will continue to speak for us, uplifting lives, transforming communities, and reminding future generations that change is possible when we dare to build with purpose.”
As SMU continues to invest in strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, the university reinforces its position as a key player in advancing healthcare innovation in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
