Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its academic leadership by promoting 36-year-old Professor Tshiamo Ramalepa from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science. The appointment reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, postgraduate development and the advancement of healthcare through innovation.
Professor Ramalepa’s promotion follows his successful fulfilment of the University’s rigorous promotion criteria, which recognise sustained excellence in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership, community engagement and the ability to secure external research funding. His appointment reinforces SMU’s strategic vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while strengthening its reputation as a leading health sciences university.
Since joining SMU as a lecturer in 2022, Professor Ramalepa has built an outstanding academic profile. He progressed to Senior Lecturer in 2025 and now serves as Associate Professor and Postgraduate Diploma Programmes Coordinator in the Department of Nursing Science. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules while leading several academic and quality assurance initiatives that contribute to student success and programme excellence.
“This promotion represents far more than a personal milestone,” said Professor Ramalepa. “It reflects the confidence that SMU has placed in me to contribute to the University’s vision through impactful research, quality teaching and the development of future healthcare leaders. I remain committed to producing knowledge that improves lives and strengthens South Africa’s health system.”
Professor Ramalepa has established himself as a recognised researcher in nursing science, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, role modelling, public health and nursing education. His scholarly portfolio includes more than 20 publications in accredited journals, a research monograph, book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed articles published nationally and internationally. His research continues to address critical healthcare challenges while informing policy and professional practice.
His work has also attracted competitive external funding, including his participation as a co-investigator in the R9.3 million U’GOOD Climate Change and Mental Health project, funded by the National Research Foundation, Foundation Botnar, and the Human Sciences Research Council. In addition, he secured international seed funding as the principal investigator for a research project exploring family planning knowledge and attitudes among first-year university students and two other seed funds as a co-investigator
Equally significant is his contribution to postgraduate education. Professor Ramalepa has supervised a doctoral graduate and five Master’s graduates to completion, while continuing to supervise additional Master’s and PhD candidates. He also serves as an external examiner and research reviewer for several South African universities, contributing to the quality and integrity of postgraduate scholarship across the higher education sector.
His academic achievements have earned national recognition, including being named among Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars in 2026. He also received SMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Community Engagement Project in 2025 and has previously been recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, 100 Africa’s Young Bright Minds and Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young South Africans.
“My priority is to expand collaborative research, strengthen postgraduate supervision and mentor emerging academics who will shape the future of nursing science,” Professor Ramalepa said. “Universities have a responsibility to generate knowledge that improves healthcare and delivers meaningful impact in the communities they serve.”
Professor Ramalepa’s promotion reflects SMU’s continued investment in academic excellence, research leadership and the development of health professionals who will advance healthcare nationally and beyond. Through outstanding scholars and innovative research, the university continues to strengthen its contribution to education, scientific discovery and the well-being of communities across South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
