Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) horticulturist Mpho Mmako will represent South Africa and the University at a prestigious agricultural green development seminar in Beijing, China, from 15-28 October 2026, strengthening the institution’s commitment to sustainability, food security and community well-being.
Born and raised in Mehlareng Village, Zebediela, Limpopo, Mmako has been selected to participate in a programme hosted and facilitated by the Management Institute of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs in Beijing. The seminar brings together agricultural practitioners and leaders from Belt and Road partner countries to exchange knowledge on ecological agriculture, sustainable food systems and green development.
As the horticulturist responsible for managing SMU’s ornamental grounds and productive food gardens, Mmako will use the opportunity to explore practical approaches that can be adapted to the University’s environment and broader community needs. His participation will focus on three key areas: sustainable grounds management, intensive urban food gardening, and developing university food gardens as community training hubs.
The first area of focus is green grounds management, particularly water-saving technologies, composting of green waste and climate-resilient landscaping. These practices could support the sustainable management of SMU’s extensive estate in Gauteng, where water conservation remains an important priority.
Mmako will also examine China’s intensive urban farming techniques, including high-yield small-space farming, biofertilisers, and intercropping systems. These approaches could improve the productivity of SMU’s Student Food Garden, increase access to nutritious food, and support students experiencing food insecurity.
A further priority is exploring how university food gardens can become platforms for community learning and skills development. By transforming these spaces into training hubs for sustainable agriculture, SMU could strengthen the connection between education, food production and community engagement.
Reflecting on the seminar’s significance, Mmako said the opportunity would enable him to learn from China’s experience applying sustainable agricultural practices at scale.
“For SMU, this is about health beyond the clinic. A healthy university starts with healthy grounds and healthy food. Our Student Food Garden is already teaching students that nutrition security and environmental stewardship are part of health sciences. In China, I want to learn how these principles have been scaled to support sustainable food production in cities,” he said.
He added that the knowledge gained would help strengthen the University’s sustainability initiatives and extend their impact beyond campus.
“This field trip directly aligns with SMU’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement and student wellness. I look forward to bringing back practical knowledge that can strengthen our food gardens, improve grounds management and support opportunities for students and surrounding communities,” Mmako said.
Mmako’s participation demonstrates how SMU’s work extends beyond conventional clinical and academic settings. Through its commitment to environmental stewardship, nutrition security, and student-centred development, the University continues to explore innovative ways to contribute to healthier communities.
The seminar gives SMU an opportunity to strengthen international knowledge exchange while advancing its broader mission of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. By integrating sustainable agriculture into the university environment, SMU is reinforcing the connection between healthy ecosystems, nutritious food, education and the well-being of the communities it serves.
By Tumelo Moila
