Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Prof Sechene Stanley Gololo from Associate Professor to Full Professor in recognition of his distinguished academic leadership, research excellence, and sustained contributions to teaching, postgraduate supervision, and community-focused scientific research. The promotion marks a significant milestone in his academic career and reinforces SMU’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in the health sciences.
The appointment reflects the rigorous criteria for promotion to the rank of full professor, including extensive research output, successful postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, academic leadership and national and international scholarly recognition. Prof Gololo’s achievements include supervising more than twenty master’s students and seven doctoral candidates, publishing more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles, contributing to book chapters, securing research funding, and providing strategic leadership within the university.
A phytochemist and biochemist, Prof Gololo’s research focuses on the ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of South African medicinal plants, particularly their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. His work also examines how environmental conditions influence the accumulation of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants and explores the use of phytochemical analysis to assess water quality. His research has contributed to the scientific understanding of indigenous medicinal plants while supporting the development of innovative health solutions.
Among his notable achievements, Prof Gololo led a team of researchers whose work led to provisional approval of intellectual property for “Molle mist” as a potential inhalant remedy for COVID-19. He currently serves as Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Vice-Dean of the School of Science and Technology, while also contributing as a journal reviewer and editorial board member for several international scientific journals.
Reflecting on his promotion, Prof Gololo said, “Being promoted to Full Professor is both a great honour and a humbling recognition of years of dedication to teaching, research and academic leadership. This achievement is not mine alone; it reflects the support of my colleagues, students and the university, whose encouragement has enabled me to pursue research that addresses real challenges facing our communities.”
Looking to the future, he emphasised his commitment to strengthening research capacity and mentoring the next generation of scientists. “My goal is to expand impactful research on medicinal plants, strengthen national and international collaborations and continue mentoring emerging researchers who will shape the future of science. I also hope to contribute to developing innovative, evidence-based health solutions that improve lives while advancing SMU’s reputation as a leading research-intensive institution.”
Prof Gololo joined SMU in 2010 as a Natural Scientist and Lecturer before progressing to Senior Lecturer, Researcher, Associate Professor, Head of Department and Vice-Dean. His career reflects more than a decade of dedication to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and academic leadership within the institution.
Prof Gololo’s promotion demonstrates SMU’s commitment to recognising academic excellence and cultivating research leaders whose work contributes to scientific knowledge, innovation and societal development. As the university continues to strengthen its national and international profile, achievements such as this reinforce its mission to transform health services through excellence in teaching, learning, and innovative research.
By Tumelo Moila
