Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has officially entered a defining new era as it inaugurated Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor and Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, marking the first time in the institution’s history that the apex leadership trio, including the Chairperson of Council, is led entirely by women.
This historic moment positions SMU not only as a university on the rise, but as an institution rewriting the narrative of leadership in South Africa’s higher education landscape.
A transformational milestone for higher education
In a ceremony that blended academic tradition with powerful symbolism, the installation of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor affirmed SMU’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and a renewed identity rooted in leadership, integrity, and societal purpose.
Chairperson of Council, Nontlaza Sizani, celebrated the milestone, noting that: “Today, we are witnessing an extraordinary moment for our country, one where women lead with intellect, courage, and clarity. This leadership collective will shape SMU’s future and strengthen its contribution to the nation.”
Upon taking the oath of office, Moumakwa delivered an acceptance address grounded in humility, purpose, and a commitment to service.
She noted: “I accept this honour with deep appreciation and a profound sense of duty. A Chancellor must represent the soul of the institution, its integrity, its aspirations, and its promise to society. I accept that responsibility with reverence, with clarity, and with unwavering commitment.” She also pledged her full support to the Vice-Chancellor, saying: “Professor Matsha-Erasmus, your leadership is already shaping a powerful new chapter for SMU. I look forward to walking alongside you as we strengthen this institution and expand its impact.”
Delivering her inaugural address, themed “The Ascent of SMU: A University Reimagined for Global Impact,” Matsha-Erasmus set out a bold, future-oriented vision for SMU’s next chapter. She emphasised: “There are moments in the life of a nation when an institution steps fully into its purpose. Today is such a moment for SMU. We will not ask for respect, we will earn it. Not by rhetoric, but by results.”
Referencing SMU’s recent rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, she highlighted that the institution is becoming a continental hub for health sciences excellence, research leadership, and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor continued: “We stand at an inflexion point, a moment to honour the history that shaped us and boldly define the future we will create. Our mission is not only to generate knowledge, but to heal, innovate, and impact global health.”
A university on the rise
In their respective addresses, both the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor underscored SMU’s accelerating trajectory as a university on the rise — one positioning itself as a continental force in health sciences education, research, and innovation.
They highlighted how SMU is deepening its footprint in world-class research, evidenced by the groundbreaking patents emerging from its scholars and the increasing visibility of its scientific outputs. This momentum is matched by the university’s bold expansion of its One Health leadership, advancing interdisciplinary solutions in a world where human, animal, and environmental health are inseparably linked.
The leaders further emphasised SMU’s drive to strengthen innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that research does not remain in academic journals but moves into clinics, communities, markets, and manufacturing ecosystems. They articulated a clear vision of SMU as a continental reference point for health sciences training, producing graduates who are globally competent and locally responsive.
Central to this rise is a renewed commitment to student-centred excellence, ensuring that student experience, wellbeing, and opportunity are embedded at the heart of institutional decision-making.
Both leaders also reaffirmed SMU’s responsibility to the country: contributing meaningfully to national health priorities, including the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), universal health coverage, and the future architecture of South Africa’s healthcare delivery.
Together, these ambitions signal a university not only transforming itself but also reshaping the health landscape of South Africa, Africa, and the world.
A new epoch of leadership
This all-women leadership collective—Council Chair, Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor- signals SMU’s entry into a new epoch of institutional renewal, ethical purpose, and academic ambition.
It is a milestone that not only embodies transformation but positions SMU as a university charting a bold path for South Africa and Africa.
*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
