Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has conferred qualifications on a record 1 525 graduates during its 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies, marking the highest number of graduates in the institution’s autumn graduation cycle and reinforcing its growing role in strengthening South Africa’s health sciences sector.
Held over three days at the university’s sports complex, the ceremonies celebrated academic achievement across all five schools of the institution, including the School of Dentistry, School of Health Care Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and School of Science and Technology. The milestone reflects SMU’s continued commitment to producing healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers and innovators equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development and the advancement of the African continent.
Of the 1 525 graduates, 1 033 (67.7%) received undergraduate qualifications, while 492 (32.3%) graduated with postgraduate qualifications. The postgraduate cohort included 122 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 188 Honours graduates, 168 Master’s graduates and fourteen doctoral candidates who were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
A deeply emotional moment during the ceremonies was the posthumous conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing to the late Moroti Elizabeth Mahlangu. The qualification was accepted on her behalf by her daughter, SMU alumna Dr Busi Msikinya, née Mahlangu.
“Receiving this degree on behalf of my mother is both heartbreaking and inspiring,” said Dr Msikinya. “She dedicated her life to nursing, education and uplifting communities through healthcare. This achievement is a reminder that perseverance, sacrifice and purpose can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The graduating class also reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to transformation and widening access to higher education. African graduates constituted 1 444 graduates, representing 94.6% of the cohort, while the class included ten Coloured graduates, 24 Indian graduates and 47 White graduates. Women continued to dominate the graduating cohort, with 1 052 graduates, accounting for 69% of all graduates.
A standout feature of the 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies was the success of SMU’s Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), which supports students from diverse educational backgrounds in accessing and succeeding in higher education. This year, 153 undergraduate students who entered the University through the programme graduated, highlighting the impact of SMU’s academic support and student development initiatives.
Benedict Masenamela, Senior Officer: Alumni Coordination at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, said the graduation ceremonies reflected the University’s growing impact in transforming lives and strengthening the country’s healthcare and science & technology workforce.
“Every graduate represents a story of resilience, determination and hope. As SMU, we take pride in producing professionals who are not only academically equipped, but who also embody compassion, leadership and a commitment to serving communities across South Africa and the continent,” Masenamela said.
The ceremonies also celebrated academic excellence, with 64 graduates receiving summa cum laude distinctions in recognition of exceptional academic performance. Among them was Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery graduate Trevor Mashabela, who also received the School of Medicine Dean’s Award.
“This achievement represents years of discipline, sacrifice and support from my family, lecturers and peers,” said Mashabela. “SMU gave me the opportunity to grow academically and personally, and I am proud to join a generation of healthcare professionals committed to serving communities with excellence and compassion.”
According to the graduation statistics, the School of Medicine produced the highest number of graduates at 497, followed by the School of Health Care Sciences with 383 graduates and the School of Science and Technology with 366 graduates. The School of Dentistry produced 144 graduates, while the School of Pharmacy conferred qualifications on 135 graduates.
The record-breaking graduation ceremonies reaffirm SMU’s position as a leading institution in health sciences education, research, innovation and community engagement. Through the graduation of professionals across healthcare, science and technology disciplines, the university continues to strengthen South Africa’s healthcare system while advancing socio-economic development and transformation.
SMU congratulated all graduands and their families on this milestone achievement and wished them success as they embark on the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.
By Tumelo Moila
