Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has strengthened its position as a leader in health sciences research after securing a Tier 1 Research Chair under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), led by Professor Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) confirmed the award following a rigorous two-phase peer review process, commending both Professor Mokgatle and the institution for successfully addressing the panel’s recommendations. The Chair, focused on sexual and reproductive health through technology-driven solutions and social epidemiology, has now been approved for full Tier 1 funding.
Professor Mokgatle, who serves as Vice-Dean: Research in the School of Health Care Sciences and Head of the Department of Public Health, welcomed the outcome as a significant milestone. “This recognition affirms the strength of our research vision and the collective commitment of the university to addressing critical public health challenges,” she said. “It reflects the importance of evidence-driven, socially responsive research that improves lives.”
The NRF highlighted that the application underwent extensive scrutiny by an independent panel of experts across relevant disciplines. Initially recommended for conditional funding, the proposal was strengthened through revisions aligned with panel feedback, ultimately securing full approval. In its communication, the NRF congratulated SMU and expressed confidence in the institution’s ability to ensure the Chair’s long-term success and sustainability.
At the centre of the Chair is a bold research agenda that integrates digital innovation with public health priorities. “Our work focuses on leveraging technology to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, while addressing infectious disease prevention through a social epidemiology lens,” Professor Mokgatle explained. “We are particularly interested in digital equity, ensuring that innovations reach populations across different settings and contexts.”
A key component of this vision is Project STRIDES@SMU, a national and regional hub designed to deliver scalable, implementation-ready solutions in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/STI prevention. “Project STRIDES brings together rigorous evidence, co-creation and advanced digital tools to produce interventions that are not only innovative, but practical and policy-relevant,” she said.
Beyond research, Professor Mokgatle plays a critical leadership role within the university. As Vice-Dean: Research, she is responsible for revitalising research activities, strengthening performance systems and mentoring academic staff. “I work closely with teams across the full research pipeline — from ethics approval and fieldwork to analysis and publication,” she noted. “Building capacity is central to what we do, and mentorship is key to sustaining research excellence.”
Her work also extends into community-based research as Co-Director of 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 peri-mining communities. “Understanding these dynamics allows us to design interventions that are grounded in lived realities,” she said.
For Professor Mokgatle, the SARChI Chair represents more than an academic achievement. “This is about creating platforms for collaboration, training the next generation of researchers, and delivering solutions that make a tangible difference,” she said. “We are building systems that will outlast funding cycles and continue to serve communities.”
The award underscores SMU’s commitment to advancing research excellence, innovation and transformation in health sciences. By securing this prestigious Chair, the university continues to position itself at the forefront of impactful research that addresses South Africa’s most pressing health challenges while contributing to global scientific knowledge.
By Tumelo Moila
