Laughter, chatter, and smiles filled the air at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) as the Student Buddies were celebrated for their outstanding leadership during the 2026 Orientation Week. What began as a small student-led initiative has grown into a vital support system for first-time entering (FTEN) students, easing the often-daunting transition from high school to university life. Guided by their motto, “serving from the heart,” these students do more than guide—they inspire.
Founded by Alizwa Boco and Bonolo Malema, both MBChB Year 4 students, the Student Buddies manage the First Year Experience Programme. They coordinate orientation sessions, social events, and peer mentorship to ensure every incoming student feels welcomed and supported. Their dedication was formally recognised during a special lunch hosted by the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, celebrating both service and leadership.
Tulani Nkutse, Acting Executive Director: Student Affairs, conveyed the VC’s warm message: “Vice-Chancellor Tandi Masha Erasmus sends her heartfelt regards and regrets not being here in person. She is immensely proud of the impact you’ve had on first-year students’ lives.”
He highlighted the power of peer support in shaping a nurturing campus culture: “Seeing students collaborate to assist others is the embodiment of the community SMU strives to foster.”
For the Student Buddies, the recognition was both humbling and energising. Musa Mulaudzi reflected: “It’s truly rewarding to see the difference we make. Helping first-year students find confidence and a sense of belonging gives us purpose. Being part of this team has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my university life.”
Co-founders Boco and Malema expressed pride in their team’s achievements. “We started with a simple goal—to serve from the heart—and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” said Boco. Malema added, “Every smile, every question we help answer, and every student who feels welcomed keeps us motivated. This isn’t just leadership; it’s care in action.”
Eunice Modiba, Administrative Officer in the Student Affairs Department, praised the students’ commitment: “The Student Buddies embody empathy, teamwork, and leadership. They take ownership to support their peers, and this lunch is a well-deserved celebration of their contributions and impact.”
The Student Buddies’ work is both dynamic and impactful, with key highlights that are easy to recognise and follow. Orientation sessions ensure FTEN students receive clear academic guidance while settling socially into university life. Through peer mentorship, first-year students are paired with experienced mentors, creating a reliable support network that eases the challenges of transition. Social engagement initiatives bring students together, fostering a sense of community and belonging that goes beyond the classroom. The team also provides emotional support, offering guidance, reassurance, and encouragement to help new students navigate stress and uncertainty. Finally, the programme emphasises leadership development, equipping Buddies with skills that extend into professional and personal life, ensuring that they grow as capable, compassionate leaders while uplifting their peers.
The First Year Experience Programme ensures that every incoming student adapts confidently to university life, reflecting SMU’s core values of accountability, integrity, respect, and Ubuntu. Through structured activities, Student Buddies instil a sense of belonging and inspire new students to embrace the university community fully.
The VC lunch reinforced SMU’s commitment to student leadership and volunteerism. By empowering students to mentor and serve their peers, the university demonstrates that leadership is measured not by titles but by the positive impact one makes on the lives of others.
As the event concluded, the Student Buddies left with renewed energy and purpose, ready to guide the next wave of first-year students. Their dedication ensures that SMU continues to cultivate leaders who serve with heart, compassion, and vision, reminding the entire university community that support, care, and collaboration are the foundations of lasting success.
By Dimakatso Modise
