The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has announced the appointment of Nontlaza Sizani as the new Chairperson of its Council, a move expected to strengthen governance and drive the institution’s mission of academic excellence, transformation, and innovation in health sciences education.
Sizani, a seasoned governance professional, brings to the role a wealth of experience spanning audit, accounting, finance, treasury, and public administration. She holds a B.Compt in Accounting, a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA), and is registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as an Associate General Accountant. She is also a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IoDSA).
Her professional journey has included auditing government entities, managing structured finance for large capital projects at Transnet, and serving on audit committees across various institutions. This, she notes, has given her “a deep understanding of governance frameworks, risk management, and the dynamics of effective boards.”
Sizani’s path into higher education governance was driven by a desire to leverage her expertise in the service of academic institutions. “I saw an opportunity to contribute my governance expertise to an environment where academic excellence, institutional integrity, and long-term sustainability intersect to shape the leaders of tomorrow,” she explained.
Having served on the SMU Council since 2019, Sizani has played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s governance trajectory. She chaired sub-committees, engaged deeply with strategic oversight, and in 2024, was appointed Deputy Chairperson of Council. These experiences, she says, deepened her passion for both student success and the advancement of SMU’s academic project.
Looking ahead, Sizani’s vision is to position SMU as a leading health sciences university, centred on student success and academic excellence. She is committed to strengthening clinical platforms, enhancing teaching and research infrastructure, and fostering stronger partnerships with health facilities. “Our students are our greatest asset, and we will place them at the centre of everything we do,” she affirmed.
The Council under her leadership will focus on providing strategic oversight, ensuring sound governance, and supporting innovation in teaching and research. Transparency, ethical governance, and accountability will remain key priorities. “I will ensure our processes are open, well-documented, and aligned with good governance principles. Integrity must always be central to our deliberations,” she said.
Sizani also acknowledges the challenges facing SMU, particularly around infrastructure development and transformation. She emphasised that Council will work closely with management to address delays in infrastructure projects while ensuring transformation is a lived reality reflected in leadership, curriculum, and institutional culture.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, fairness, accountability, and respect. She stresses the importance of collective leadership and constructive engagement between Council, management, and broader stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the community.
“As I begin my term as Chairperson, I hope to leave a legacy of good governance where Council is seen as a trusted partner in advancing SMU’s mission,” she said. “Unity is the virtue we embrace, and I encourage the entire University community to hold hands together in shaping the SMU we hope for.”
By Tumelo Moila
