The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Class of 2005 reunited in Umhlanga, Durban, for an elegant gala dinner that blended celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to their alma mater. For many, the evening served as a reminder of the bonds forged during their formative years at the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), now SMU, and of the shared purpose that has guided their professional lives over the past two decades. Alumni travelled from across South Africa to reconnect, share stories, and reaffirm their commitment to the institution that helped shape their careers.

A highlight of the evening was a stirring address by Mr Japhta Phala, President of the SMU Convocation and Alumni, who urged his classmates to consider the long-term future of the university. He emphasised that SMU’s growth and excellence depend on more than its curriculum and academic staff—it also requires modern, functional infrastructure. “Our university needs new infrastructure. If SMU is to compete globally and offer a world-class learning environment, we as alumni must play an active role in investing in that progress,” he said. His words resonated deeply, not merely as a call for financial contribution, but as a rallying cry for a more engaged and sustained commitment to SMU’s mission.

Mr Phala framed alumni not only as former students, but as active custodians of the university’s legacy. “Alumni are not just former students—we are custodians of SMU’s legacy. Each contribution, big or small, helps build a stronger foundation for future generations of health professionals.” By linking the university’s future to alumni engagement, he underscored that the reunion was more than a nostalgic gathering; it was a strategic step in ensuring SMU’s continued capacity to train healthcare leaders equipped to meet South Africa’s evolving needs.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof Lebogang Phahladira, Specialist Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, spoke from the heart about the shared journey of the Class of 2005. Born and raised in Limpopo, Prof Phahladira graduated from MEDUNSA with his MBChB in 2005 and has since built a distinguished career in academia and clinical practice. “We are not only marking 20 years since we graduated; we are honouring the resilience, sacrifice, and dedication that carried us from our days at MEDUNSA to where we stand today,” he reflected. His words captured both the individual challenges faced by members of the class and the collective strength gained through mutual support.

Prof Phahladira also emphasised the unity that underpins the cohort’s achievements. “Our unity remains our greatest strength. This reunion reminds us that we have grown not only as professionals but as a community committed to service,” he said. His address reinforced the importance of maintaining ongoing alumni connections—not simply for nostalgia, but for mentorship, collaboration, and the shared advancement of SMU’s mission.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Luvuyo Bayeni, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Chief Director for Human Resources at the National Department of Health. Dr Bayeni’s remarks highlighted the moral responsibilities that accompany a career in health.
“Our work goes beyond clinical skill … it requires a commitment to ethical leadership and the well-being of the people we serve,” he observed. Dr Bayeni praised the Class of 2005 for exemplifying the university’s values throughout their careers.
“You are a class that continues to lead with purpose. Your presence in hospitals, academic institutions, government, and private practice speaks to the excellence that MEDUNSA and SMU instilled in you,” he said, urging alumni to collaborate in addressing national health challenges: “A stronger health system depends on our willingness to work together.”

As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie, celebration, and reflection. Alumni honoured colleagues who had passed on, shared personal and professional milestones, and strengthened long-standing friendships. The night ended with an unmistakable sense of purpose—a collective belief in SMU’s enduring importance and a renewed determination to invest in its future.

Mr Phala’s closing message captured the spirit of the reunion: “SMU’s future is in our hands. When we invest in the institution, we invest in the future of healthcare in South Africa.”

For the Class of 2005, the gathering was not just a celebration of past achievements but a powerful recommitment to what lies ahead, ensuring their legacy continues through new infrastructure, shared purpose, and the unwavering power of alumni to shape the future.

By Dimakatso Modise