Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reinforced its commitment to community engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation through its participation in the Soshanguve Business Expo and Summit, held on 3 July 2026 at the Tshwane University of Technology Soshanguve South Campus.
Organised by the Youth in Business Network, the summit brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, students and innovators to explore practical strategies for stimulating township economies and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.
The expo created a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on empowering youth-led enterprises and driving local economic development. Through its participation, SMU demonstrated its continued support for initiatives that advance entrepreneurship, innovation and socio-economic transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, Ntsako Mogobe highlighted the critical role of young entrepreneurs in addressing unemployment and strengthening township economies.
“Young people are not only the future of our economy; they are its present drivers of innovation and growth. We must create environments that allow their ideas to flourish and become sustainable businesses,” he said.
A key highlight of the summit was the presentation by Emmanuel Kiyonga, an accomplished SMU alumnus and founder of pharmaceutical start-up Emmaceutics. Kiyonga shared his journey from student researcher to internationally recognised innovator, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance.
His pioneering work led to the development of a breast cancer and osteoporosis treatment that became SMU’s first registered patent, marking a significant milestone in the University’s research and innovation journey. Since founding Emmaceutics, he has continued developing novel therapeutic molecules, including treatments targeting substance dependence, period pain and certain forms of cancer.
“SMU provided the foundation that enabled me to transform research into solutions that can improve lives and contribute to economic development,” Kiyonga said.
Representing the University’s student community were SMU Brand Ambassadors, Didintle Mangwane, an MBChB student, and Lebohang Mogano, a Physiotherapy student. They engaged with visitors throughout the event, promoting the University’s academic offerings and its commitment to community development and entrepreneurial advancement.
The exhibition also showcased several emerging businesses. Among the exhibitors was SMU student Fhulufelo Ntsieni, founder of Shatter the Silence, a creative arts enterprise that promotes emerging talent through poetry, creative writing, acting, music and dance.
The summit concluded with an exciting business pitching competition sponsored by Absa Group, where aspiring entrepreneurs presented innovative business concepts before a panel of judges.
Among the participants was Oreneile Hlalethwa, founder and chief executive officer of Optify Solutions, who recently secured third place at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals in China.
Also competing was Samkhelo Khoza, founder of SmartFreez, a start-up providing affordable refrigeration solutions for students through accessible fridge rental and delivery services.
The summit underscored SMU’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and community development. By supporting initiatives that empower young entrepreneurs and create practical solutions to societal challenges, the University continues to advance its vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while strengthening its contribution to South Africa’s socio-economic development.
By Dimakatso Modise
