Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently hosted its flagship Research Days 2025, a three-day celebration of discovery, excellence and innovation under the theme “Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Health.” The event brought together academics, researchers, students and policymakers in a dynamic exchange of ideas aimed at shaping the future of health sciences and developing solutions that matter.
The occasion culminated in a prestigious gala dinner, where exceptional researchers and students were honoured for their groundbreaking contributions. More than an awards ceremony, the evening reflected SMU’s vision: to be a hub of research-driven innovation and a catalyst for transformation across the African continent.
Opening the event, Professor Dini Mawela, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research, emphasised the power of research in driving meaningful change. “Research Days provide an essential platform for showcasing our university’s intellectual prowess and for forging partnerships that drive impactful solutions to the pressing health challenges of our time,” she said. Her words set the tone for an inspiring programme, blending intellectual depth with a shared commitment to improving lives.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, highlighted the transformative role of education and research in building resilient societies. “Education is the foundation for empowering women to drive innovation. Tonight, as we gather, we are not merely here to hand over awards but to bear witness to the extraordinary power of science, service and humanity,” she said. She urged researchers to ensure that their work extends beyond laboratories to make tangible impacts in clinics, villages, operating theatres, classrooms and policy spaces. “Research is the bridge between knowledge and societal progress,” she affirmed.
Quoting Ghana’s founding president, Kwame Nkrumah, she added: “We face neither East nor West. We face forward.” This philosophy, she explained, is at the heart of SMU’s ethos— “Boldly African, unapologetically excellent and radically future-facing.” She described the university as a sanctuary of imagination and a crucible of African pride, where the dreams of rural children meet the cutting edge of medical science.
This year’s Research Days attracted over 160 participants daily, both in person and online, with nearly 80 oral and 80 poster presentations across multiple disciplines. From molecular biology and pharmacology to neuroscience, public health and health education, the research showcased SMU’s breadth of expertise. Studies explored subjects such as antimicrobial resistance, genetic characterisation of pathogens, innovative teaching strategies in anatomy and the medicinal potential of indigenous plants. Each presentation reflected a shared vision: research that is globally competitive yet deeply rooted in African relevance.
At the gala dinner, first place in the Poster Presentation category was awarded to Sdady Lucas Kgwete for his research on rotavirus strain characterisation in Pretoria. Second place went to Kabo Masego Moletsane for a study on the anti-inflammatory properties of Drimia sanguinea, while third place was awarded to Oreoluwa Olufunmilayo Priscila Ojobaro for her work on the anti-cancer properties of Schinus molle fruit isolates.
In the Oral Presentation category for undergraduates, Enos Motaka Malatji took first prize for a study on MRI diagnosis of spinal TB and thoracic aneurysm. Among postgraduate students, first prize went to Mahlogonolo Refilwe Motswiane for research on antimicrobial resistance and genome characterisation of A. baumannii, second prize to Senzeni Sandy Hadebe for a morphometric analysis of the thoracodorsal artery, and third prize to Tokologo Prudence Ramothloa for work on Ricinus communis metabolite distribution.
Independent researchers also shone. Dr Tshilidzi Sadiki won first prize for a study on the implication of the updated WHO classifications of CNS tumours on pediatric brain tumours diagnosis: A South African perspective. Daniële Kristen secured second prize for exploring student perspectives on instructional design in anatomy, while Dr Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo received third prize for research into the antibacterial properties of biogenic silver nanoparticles.
Closing the event, Professor Mapaseka Seheri, Director of Research and Innovation, praised the quality and diversity of research. “This year’s Research Days attracted more than 160 participants daily, both physical and online. We had nearly 80 oral presentations and 80 posters. The quality of work underscores the depth of talent and dedication within SMU,” she said. She called on researchers to build on this momentum, reinforcing SMU’s role as a leader in health sciences research, entrepreneurship and knowledge creation.
The 2025 SMU Research Days were not simply an academic gathering—they were a movement. A declaration that Africa’s health future will be shaped by African scholars, innovators and visionaries. As the applause faded and conversations continued, one message echoed clearly: SMU will remain steadfast in its mission to advance health and well-being for all through research that is relevant, impactful and unapologetically African.
By Dimakatso Modise
