Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) student leader Tumisho Manyama has earned international recognition after receiving the Most Sustainable City Award at the 8th IASAS Student Leader Global Summit 2026 in Hong Kong. The achievement highlights the university’s commitment to developing socially responsible, innovative and globally minded graduates.
Manyama, a medical student and former Secretary of the School of Medicine Student Representative Committee for 2025/2026, was among only 35 student leaders from around the world selected to attend the summit at Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Held under the theme “Global City, Local Soul: Student Leadership for Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Communities”, the four-day gathering brought together student leaders, academics and university representatives to exchange ideas on leadership, sustainability, governance and community development.
The award-winning achievement came through an international team project in which he collaborated with fellow participants to design a sustainable city. The project challenged participants to combine perspectives and develop solutions that address the needs of diverse communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Manyama said the collaboration demonstrated the importance of diversity in developing effective solutions. “The strongest solutions are often built collectively,” he said, adding that the recognition reinforced the belief that “diversity is not a barrier to progress, but one of our greatest strengths”.
Beyond the conference sessions, the summit also provided opportunities for practical community engagement. During a programme in rural Hong Kong, the male student and other participants worked alongside residents and shared sustainable living practices, gaining insight into how leadership can contribute to community development.
The experience strengthened his understanding of leadership as a commitment to service, not simply holding a position. “Leadership is not about being at the front or simply holding a position. Leadership is about serving, listening, empowering and working alongside people,” he said.
The international opportunity was particularly significant following an earlier setback. He had previously been selected to attend the IASAS summit in Ireland but could not travel because of visa challenges. The opportunity to participate in Hong Kong offered a renewed chance to represent SMU and South Africa on an international platform.
For the male student, the lessons gained from the summit extend beyond student governance into future professional practice and healthcare delivery. “Whether I am serving patients in the future, advocating for students today, or contributing to my community, the foundation remains the same: people, empathy and service,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to SMU, the Directorates of Student Affairs and Internationalisation for supporting the opportunity and investing in student development. The summit also facilitated international friendships, professional connections and exposure to different approaches to leadership and sustainability.
The achievement reflects SMU’s broader commitment to excellence in education, effective leadership, inclusion and community engagement. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU aims to prepare graduates who can contribute meaningfully to healthcare and society.
By supporting students to participate in international platforms, SMU creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, personal development and collaboration across borders, strengthening its international presence while advancing its mission to transform health services through excellence and innovation.
By Tumelo Moila
