Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its standing as an institution of excellence by cultivating exceptional student leaders like Fhulufhelo Ntsieni. At just 24, Ntsieni, the newly elected Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council (SRC) for the 2024/2025 academic year, embodies the calibre of students SMU consistently nurtures—visionaries equipped with academic brilliance, leadership skills, and a commitment to community upliftment.
Fhulufhelo Ntsieni has made her mark in literature, achieving national acclaim for her poetry, including the prestigious South African Literary Award and top honours at the AVBOB Poetry Competition and the Funda Mzantsi National Championships.
Hailing from the small village of Tshirenzheni in Venda, her inspiring journey speaks to the transformative opportunities provided by SMU. Raised by hardworking parents and deeply rooted in her Christian faith, she was driven by a determination to rise above challenges. Today, she is pursuing her Honours in Biochemistry while conducting groundbreaking research on potential synergies between herbal plants and conventional drugs in combating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome—a highlight of SMU’s fostering of cutting-edge scientific inquiry.
“SMU has given me the tools and environment to push boundaries, not only in science but in leadership and social impact,” says Ntsieni. Her research, guided by esteemed academics like Dr Vuyisile Thibane and Professor Stanley Gololo, exemplifies the university’s commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence and innovation.
A literary trailblazer and community champion
Beyond the lab, Ntsieni has made her mark in literature, achieving national acclaim for her poetry. Her anthology, Rudzani, earned her the prestigious South African Literary Award, adding to an impressive résumé that includes top honours at the AVBOB Poetry Competition and the Funda Mzantsi National Championships. These achievements, supported by SMU’s enabling environment for holistic development, have positioned her as a rising star in South African arts and culture.
Ntsieni’s leadership extends beyond personal accolades. As the founder of Hope to the Hopeless, a community organisation, she has worked tirelessly to uplift vulnerable populations, a value she brings to her SRC role. Her four-year tenure as a class representative has prepared her to serve as a bridge between the university administration and the student body, ensuring every student’s voice is heard.
Her role as SRC Secretary-General places her in influential university forums like the Institutional Forum and the Senate Academic Planning Committee. Her vision is clear: to create an inclusive campus where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. “Leadership is about listening and acting on behalf of the people you serve. At SMU, we are building a community where every student can flourish,” she states.
Her multi-faceted talents as a scientist, poet, and leader exemplify the high calibre of students SMU produces. Her success is evident in the university’s dedication to student empowerment through robust academic programmes and leadership opportunities.
Ntsieni’s election as SRC Secretary-General highlights her extraordinary abilities and reflects SMU’s role as an enabling institution committed to developing leaders who will shape the future. As SMU continues to rise as a premier health sciences university, students like Ntsieni are living proof of the institution’s impact.
