For Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumnus Given Baloyi, success is measured not only by professional achievements but by the lives he has transformed through sports physiotherapy. From graduating as the Best Sports Medicine Student at the then Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa) to serving as Chief Physiotherapist for Athletics South Africa (ASA), Baloyi’s inspiring career reflects SMU’s commitment to producing healthcare professionals who excel locally and internationally through dedication, innovation and service.
Originally from Muyexe Village outside Giyani in Limpopo, Baloyi enrolled at Medunsa in 2002 after initially studying towards a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Venda. The decision proved to be life-changing, providing him with the academic foundation and practical experience that would launch an accomplished career in sports physiotherapy.
“I registered at Medunsa in 2002, and that decision changed my life. I found my purpose in Physiotherapy, and in 2005, I proudly graduated as the Best Sports Medicine Student of the Year. That achievement motivated me to pursue excellence in everything I do,” said Baloyi.
After completing his community service, Baloyi returned to Medunsa (now SMU) in 2007 to pursue a Master of Public Health, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. He credits several lecturers and mentors, including Bafana Sihlali, Dr Bhekiwe Mtshali, Dr Muziwakhe Tshabalala and Godfrey Sepuru, for nurturing his talent and inspiring him to strive for excellence throughout his career.
“From my first day at Medunsa, I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. My mentor, Mr Bafana Sihlali, together with Dr Bhekiwe Mtshali, Dr Muziwakhe Tshabalala and my senior, Godfrey Sepuru, believed in me and guided me throughout my journey. Their support inspired me to become the professional I am today,” he said.
Baloyi attributes much of his success to the University’s emphasis on combining academic excellence with practical clinical exposure. Through clinical blocks, sports activities and community outreach programmes, he gained invaluable hands-on experience, including providing physiotherapy services at marathons while still a student. One of those opportunities saw him supporting athletes at the 2005 Comrades Marathon, an event he would later complete as a runner himself.
Over the years, Baloyi has represented South Africa at some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics and Paralympic Games, the World Athletics Championships and the African Games. He has also served as physiotherapist for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana and now leads the medical support team as Chief Physiotherapist for Athletics South Africa, working with elite athletes such as Akani Simbine, Elroy Gelant, Melikhaya Frans, Caster Semenya and Prudence Sekgodiso.
“Representing South Africa on the international stage has been one of the greatest honours of my career. Every event exposed me to new knowledge, world-class professionals and invaluable experiences that have shaped me as a sports physiotherapist,” he said.
Baloyi’s passion for sport extends beyond treating athletes. Inspired by coach Samuel Sepeng, he embraced distance running, completing his first marathon in 2016 before qualifying for the Comrades Marathon. After finishing his first Comrades in under 9 hours, he successfully completed the 2026 race, an achievement that deepened his understanding of the physical and mental demands endurance athletes face.
“Completing the 2026 Comrades Marathon reminded me that success is built through preparation, consistency and mental strength. Running the race also makes me a better physiotherapist because I understand first-hand the physical and mental demands endurance athletes experience,” he said.
Encouraging current SMU Physiotherapy students to pursue their ambitions with confidence, Baloyi said the University’s graduates have the potential to excel anywhere in the world.
“The sky is not the limit for SMU graduates. We are capable of representing South Africa with distinction worldwide. Success comes through dedication, discipline, hard work and mental toughness. Never stop believing in your potential because your education can take you further than you ever imagined,” he said. Through graduates such as Baloyi, SMU continues to demonstrate how excellence in health sciences education produces professionals who advance healthcare, inspire future generations and proudly represent South Africa on the global stage.
By Dimakatso Modise
