Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) celebrated women whose leadership, resilience and achievements continue to shape the University and wider society at the VC’s SMU Women in Leadership Dinner 2026, held as part of Women’s Month.
Hosted by Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Dini Mawela, the intimate gathering brought together women from across SMU to celebrate achievement, strengthen connections and reflect on the importance of women supporting one another in leadership and professional spaces.
The evening provided an opportunity for attendees to exchange perspectives on leadership while recognising the challenges and responsibilities that accompany positions of influence. In her opening words and message of appreciation, Professor Mala Singh, Interim Executive Director: Human Capital and Transformation, emphasised the importance of solidarity among women. “As much as leadership might be difficult sometimes, we need to stick together and work together,” said Professor Singh. Her message reinforced the value of collaboration and collective strength in creating workplaces where women can succeed and contribute meaningfully.
The programme also featured a Women’s Month leadership reflection by Odette Ramsingh, Acting Executive Director: Institutional Support. Her reflection paid tribute to the late SMU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, whose recent passing left a lasting impact on the university community.
Ramsingh reflected on Professor Matsha-Erasmus’ leadership and the legacy she left at SMU, providing a poignant moment of remembrance during an evening dedicated to recognising women who have made significant contributions to the institution and society.
The keynote address was delivered by Zetu Makandela-Mqudulwa, Ombudsman for the City of Cape Town, who Professor Mawela introduced. Drawing on her personal and professional experiences, Makandela-Mqudulwa highlighted the responsibility women have to nurture, empower and advance one another.
She stressed that meaningful leadership is strengthened when women deliberately create opportunities for others to grow and succeed. She also reflected on her mother’s influence on her personal development and career, demonstrating how women’s support and guidance can shape future generations of leaders.
Makandela-Mqudulwa further drew on her experience in Parliament, where she engaged with prominent women leaders, including struggle stalwarts Albertina Sisulu and Lindiwe Sisulu. Her reflections underscored the importance of learning from women who helped shape South Africa’s history and applying those lessons to contemporary leadership.
An engaging question-and-answer session allowed attendees to interact directly with Makandela-Mqudulwa and Professor Mawela. Discussions focused on leadership, mentorship, resilience and the need to create supportive environments in which women can flourish.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Acting Director: Advancement and Communications, thanked the speakers and attendees for contributing to an evening centred on connection, reflection and celebration.
The dinner reaffirmed SMU’s commitment to cultivating leadership, collaboration and excellence across its community. It also highlighted a broader understanding of leadership — one that extends beyond individual achievement to empowering others, building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for future generations.
Through initiatives that recognise and strengthen women’s leadership, SMU continues to advance its institutional values while contributing to a more inclusive and empowered health sciences sector.
By Dimakatso Modise
