The Human Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Chapter at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reinforced its commitment to advancing healthcare education by hosting a two-day Tube Feeding Workshop on 16 and 17 July 2026. Bringing together dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, speech therapists, students and alumni, the workshop equipped healthcare professionals with the latest evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to improve enteral nutrition and patient care. The programme was held at the POME Boardroom II, followed by supervised clinical sessions at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH).
Designed to bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice, the workshop highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing patients requiring tube feeding. Delegates explored the scientific, ethical and psychological aspects of enteral nutrition while gaining hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of experienced facilitators. The initiative reflects SMU’s ongoing commitment to producing highly skilled healthcare professionals capable of delivering quality, patient-centred care.
Opening the workshop, Head of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Mashudu Manafe, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of continuous professional development in an evolving healthcare environment. The programme began with a pre-test, followed by expert presentations on nutrition support, digestive anatomy and physiology, metabolic and gastrointestinal complications, gastrostomy tube placement, nutrition administration, speech therapy interventions, and stoma care. Participants also examined the ethical dimensions of tube feeding, psychological support for patients and caregivers, and heard a moving patient testimony illustrating the life-changing impact of compassionate clinical care.
The workshop concluded with supervised practical sessions at DGMAH, where participants applied their newly acquired knowledge in real clinical settings. A post-test demonstrated improved understanding, reinforcing the value of combining theoretical learning with practical application to strengthen clinical competence and improve patient outcomes.
Senior Officer: Alumni Coordination, Benedict Masenamela, praised the Human Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Chapter for creating a platform that promotes lifelong learning while strengthening professional networks across the healthcare sector. “This workshop, organised by the Human Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Chapter, is an excellent initiative. It gave students and healthcare professionals a chance to gain evidence-based knowledge, develop practical hands-on skills and learn from experienced facilitators,” said Masenamela.
He said initiatives of this nature demonstrate how continuous professional development directly contributes to improved healthcare services. “Focusing on tube feeding and improving patient outcomes shows how continuous learning in healthcare leads to better results and best practices. Every healthcare professional has a responsibility to remain current with emerging knowledge so that patients receive the highest standard of care,” he added.
Masenamela also highlighted the important role alumni play in supporting the university community. “I also appreciate how the alumni continue to support one another and current students by creating platforms for professional growth, networking and knowledge sharing. Workshops like this strengthen the bond between graduates and the university while contributing to better healthcare services and patient care.”
By bringing together experienced practitioners, students and graduates to share knowledge and develop practical expertise, the Human Nutrition and Dietetics Alumni Chapter continues to advance SMU’s mission of excellence in health sciences education. Through initiatives such as the Tube Feeding Workshop, the university is strengthening professional competence, fostering lifelong learning and contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for communities across South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
