At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), excellence is not just a goal but a standard embodied by its exceptional academics. One of SMU’s brightest stars is Lethabo Muila, a Psychology Lecturer and researcher whose work advances understanding of mental health and infertility while placing SMU on the global map as a leader in culturally sensitive health sciences education. Her journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim highlights SMU’s pivotal role in nurturing leaders who make a difference.
Lethabo Muila
Raised in Seshego Township, Limpopo, Muila developed her love for learning under the guidance of her family of educators. Her stellar academic achievements paved the way for her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Limpopo’s Medunsa Campus, now part of SMU. This foundation ignited her passion for mental health and human behaviour, leading her to pursue Honours and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology at SMU, where her master’s research received distinction. Her story reflects the quality of mentorship and resources provided by SMU that empower students to excel.
As a psychology lecturer at SMU’s renowned School of Medicine, Muila is at the forefront of academic excellence. She is deeply invested in developing the next generation of psychologists by teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mentoring students, and innovating curriculum development. Her dedication to her students embodies SMU’s commitment to fostering academic and personal growth.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing students’ growth,” she shares. “Helping them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams brings immense fulfilment, especially during graduation season, a true celebration of SMU’s transformative impact on its students.”
Muila’s groundbreaking research is a testament to SMU’s emphasis on addressing real-world issues through culturally relevant scholarship. Her studies explore infertility from an African cultural perspective, highlighting the integration of traditional practices and modern medical interventions. Rooted in her Bapedi heritage, her work explores how communities view infertility not only as a medical condition but as a cultural and ancestral challenge, with remedies involving rituals and herbal treatments.
Her PhD research, also undertaken at SMU, focuses on the lived experiences of black married men diagnosed with infertility, a field often neglected in academic discourse. By shedding light on their struggles, she is championing SMU’s mission to advance socially responsive health sciences research that benefits society as a whole.
Muila’s academic journey extends beyond SMU, with her research presented at prestigious international forums such as the International Congress of Psychology in the Czech Republic and the International Academic Forum in Japan. These platforms amplify SMU’s reputation as a hub of innovation and thought leadership, demonstrating how its scholars contribute to global health sciences dialogues.
Balancing her roles as an academic, wife to SMU alumnus Dr Seshoka Muila, and mother of three, she exemplifies the SMU ethos of excellence, resilience, and community impact. Her dedication to advancing culturally sensitive approaches to health sciences is a reflection of SMU’s core values.
Muila’s story is not just her own—it is a testament to the transformative power of SMU in shaping lives, advancing knowledge, and addressing societal challenges. Through her work, SMU continues positioning itself as a premier health sciences university, inspiring future generations of students and researchers.
