Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to global engagement and academic excellence following an internationalisation oversight visit by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
Held in the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom, the visit brought together representatives from DHET and SMU’s executive leadership to assess the University’s internationalisation strategy, review progress in implementing national policy and explore opportunities for greater collaboration across the higher education sector.
The engagement also coincided with the appointment of SMU’s Director of Internationalisation, Dr Carlien Jooste, to the DHET Reference Group tasked with developing the implementation strategy for South Africa’s Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education.
Welcoming the delegation, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research Professor Douglas Maleka said internationalisation had become a critical pillar of institutional development and a key driver of academic and research excellence.
“Internationalisation is no longer optional for universities seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. It provides opportunities to strengthen academic quality, expand research collaborations and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully in an interconnected global society,” he said.
Professor Maleka added that SMU’s internationalisation agenda remains firmly aligned with the University’s mandate of producing socially accountable healthcare professionals while responding to national and continental development priorities.
Presenting an overview of the University’s internationalisation strategy, Dr Jooste highlighted the work of the Directorate of Internationalisation and its contribution to advancing SMU’s global engagement agenda. She outlined the University’s expanding network of international partnerships, collaborative research initiatives and academic mobility programmes that continue to position SMU as an emerging global health sciences institution.
“Our internationalisation strategy is centred on creating meaningful partnerships that advance teaching, learning and research while ensuring that our initiatives contribute to both national priorities and global knowledge exchange,” she said.
Dr Jooste also reflected on the University’s progress in implementing the DHET Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education and identified opportunities for closer collaboration between universities and the Department to maximise the impact of international partnerships.
Leading the delegation was DHET Deputy Director for University Research Support and Policy Development, Dr Idah Makukule, who engaged with University leadership on policy implementation, governance and institutional readiness. Discussions focused on how higher education institutions can collectively strengthen internationalisation and ensure that global partnerships contribute to teaching and learning, research, innovation and community engagement.
Professor Mapaseka Seheri, SMU’s Director of Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of international research partnerships in addressing complex health challenges.
“International collaborations create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and scientific advancement. They enable researchers to work across borders and disciplines to develop solutions to some of society’s most pressing healthcare challenges,” she said.
The delegation also included Geoffrey Letsoalo, Executive Managing Director of Ywait Solutions and former CAS Pilot Operations Manager for DHET. Drawing on his extensive experience in higher education operations, Letsoalo engaged University representatives on various operational aspects of SMU’s internationalisation processes, prompting valuable discussions on governance and institutional systems.
A significant highlight of the visit was the recognition of Dr Jooste’s appointment to the DHET Reference Group. Her inclusion in this strategic advisory structure reflects national recognition of her expertise and affirms SMU’s growing contribution to shaping the future of higher education internationalisation in South Africa.
The appointment positions SMU at the forefront of national policy development and ensures that the University’s experiences and best practices will contribute to implementing the country’s internationalisation agenda.
The oversight visit concluded with a shared commitment between DHET and SMU to deepen collaboration in support of a coordinated, inclusive and sustainable approach to internationalisation. As the University continues to expand its global partnerships and contribute to national policy development, SMU remains steadfast in its mission of transforming health sciences education through innovation, collaboration and international excellence.
By Dimakatso Modise
