Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has recognised four outgoing Council members for their contribution to institutional governance, leadership and student representation, marking the conclusion of their respective terms of office at a Council Dinner held at Emperors Palace Hotels, Casino and Convention Resort.
Held under the theme “Honouring and Thanksgiving”, the event brought together Council members, executive management and invited guests to reflect on the outgoing members’ service and its contribution to strengthening the university’s governance foundations. Council Chairperson Nontlaza Sizani and Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela led the occasion.
Those recognised were Mthokozosi Dlamini, President-General of the Student Representative Council; Thato Mongake, Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council; Dr Nathacia Zukiswa Gonya, an additional Council member; and Japhta Phala, former President of Convocation. Each was acknowledged for a distinct contribution to the university’s governance architecture.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dlamini highlighted the complexities of student representation within a formal governance environment. He noted that working within Council’s procedural framework presented challenges when articulating student concerns but also provided valuable exposure to institutional governance and fiduciary responsibility.
Phala reflected on his tenure as President of Convocation, emphasising the value of mentorship, guidance and professional relationships developed through Council service. He described the experience as extending beyond statutory responsibilities to foster a community of practice and lasting relationships built around a shared institutional purpose.
For Dr Gonya, Council service became an important component of her leadership development. She highlighted the value of engaging with diverse perspectives, strategic deliberations and institutional oversight, saying the experience had strengthened her understanding of leadership and continued to inform her work in other spheres.
Mongake focused on representation and transformative leadership, highlighting the significance of women occupying senior leadership positions at SMU. She described this visibility as an affirmation that leadership is inclusive and attainable, reinforcing the importance of creating pathways for future leaders.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by SMU alumnus Dr Mangaliso Mahlaba, a medical doctor, healthcare executive and entrepreneur whose experience includes healthcare management, medical scheme administration and strategic leadership. A former Council member and recipient of the Alumni Governance and Leadership Award, Dr Mahlaba placed university governance within the broader context of strengthening health systems and serving society.
He stressed that effective governance goes beyond compliance, requiring integrity, ethical stewardship and decisions that strengthen institutions for future generations.
“Effective governance is fundamentally about ethical stewardship and sustainability,” Dr Mahlaba said, underscoring the responsibility of institutions to advance equitable access to quality healthcare and educational opportunity in South Africa.
Sizani and Professor Mawela formally recognised the outgoing members during the appreciation segment, presenting tokens of appreciation and commending their diligence, collegiality and commitment to good governance.
The dinner concluded with fellowship and entertainment, while reaffirming SMU’s commitment to accountable governance, transformative leadership and institutional stewardship. The university expressed its appreciation to the outgoing members and wished them continued success in their future leadership endeavours.
By Dimakatso Modise
