Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its role as a hub of research excellence following the recognition of Professor Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle with the prestigious South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Award for Research Capacity Development and Transformation.
Professor Mokgatle, who serves as Vice-Dean: Research in the School of Health Care Sciences and Head of the Department of Public Health at SMU, described the award as both humbling and affirming. “I am honoured to receive the SAMRC Scientific Merit Award. It is a recognition not only of my work, but of the collective efforts to build research capacity and transform health systems in meaningful ways,” she said.
Her work spans critical areas of public health where evidence directly informs life-saving interventions. “My research focuses on infectious disease prevention and control, sexual and reproductive health, and the development of digital health innovations,” she explained. “These include AI-powered healthcare assistants, health education tools, and conversational agents that support people with reliable information.”
In addition, Professor Mokgatle’s research contributes to strengthening diagnostic systems. “I work on point-of-care diagnostics, validating rapid tests and supporting their inclusion into policy frameworks,” she said. “Diagnostics only have value when they are trusted, used, and implemented at scale.”
Beyond her research outputs, Professor Mokgatle plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of African researchers. As Deputy Chairperson of the UCDP and nGAP Mentorship Committee, she champions long-term academic development. “Mentorship should not end with graduation. I continue working with my graduates as co-supervisors and co-authors, because building sustainable research pathways is essential,” she noted.
Her leadership extends into her daily responsibilities as an academic administrator and research leader. “In my day-to-day work, I mobilise resources, engage implementation sites, and train teams across the full research process — from ethics and fieldwork to analysis and publication,” she said. “My passion for research and teaching remains central to everything I do.”
Professor Mokgatle’s contributions have been widely recognised in recent years. She received an NRF C2 Rating in 2024, followed by the SMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Award for Best Established Researcher in 2025. In 2026, she was further honoured with an NRF SARChI Research Chair in Sexual and Reproductive Health, aligned with the national decadal research plan.
Her collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council has also been instrumental in advancing population health research. As co-Director of the SAPRIN BAMMISHO node, she leads work focused on the Bafokeng Health and Demographic Surveillance Node in the North West Province. The project examines the impact of mining and migration on health and socio-economic outcomes in rural and peri-mining communities.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Mokgatle emphasised the broader significance of the recognition. “I am grateful to the SAMRC for recognising this work and for supporting research that builds capacity, strengthens systems, and delivers impact where it matters most,” she said.
Her achievements underscore SMU’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and transformation in health sciences. Through leaders such as Professor Mokgatle, the university continues to drive solutions that respond to Africa’s most pressing health challenges while shaping a new generation of impactful researchers.
By Tumelo Moila
