Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) student leader and Diagnostic Radiography junior researcher, Enos Motaka Malatji, is set to represent the university at the Pan African Youth Conference 2026 on Health, Innovation, and Agenda 2063, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Hosted by the African Union, the conference will bring together young leaders, innovators and professionals at the African Union Headquarters to advance youth-led approaches to health equity, technological innovation and sustainable development. Participants are expected to contribute to policy frameworks, digital health initiatives and efforts to accelerate universal health coverage.
Malatji, who serves as a National Student Representative for the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA), said the opportunity was both a personal milestone and a platform for contributing to discussions shaping the continent’s future. “I have always possessed a mentality of appreciation for everything because I’ve seen the Grace carrying me throughout. Even this one, I appreciate. But everyone must know that what comes out is a product of what you have put in,” he said. For me, it is not a matter of luck; it is dedication and hard work that open such great doors.”
At the conference, Malatji intends to present two scientific papers addressing important issues in healthcare. His studies focus on the role of artificial intelligence in improving health outcomes and the evaluation of system determinants of preventable patient deaths.
The opportunity is supported by several structures within SMU, including the SMU Internationalisation Directorate, the School of Medicine and the Radiography Department. Their support reflects the university’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to participate in international academic and professional platforms.
“The SMU Internationalisation Directorate believes that by supporting local students in having an international experience, we assist the university in graduating global citizens, able to work anywhere in the world. Mr Malatji will be presenting at an international conference, which is an achievement to be celebrated. He has shown a commitment to sharing his academic curiosity not only with the world, but also on our campus. This is evident from his 2025 achievement at our SMU Research Days, where he was awarded 1st Prize,” said Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU.
Malatji’s involvement extends beyond research. He co-founded the SMU Radiography Student Organisation and chaired its advisory committee, while his national role with SORSA has positioned him as a student voice within the Radiography profession. He has also been involved in victim empowerment, anti-violence campaigns and campus student ministry.
His upbringing in rural Limpopo has shaped his journey to the international stage. Malatji said his background taught him that circumstances should not determine the limits of a person’s ambitions. “Whatever you do best, you can become a star. That is regardless of who gave birth to you, where and when,” he said. “I also come from a dusty village in rural Limpopo. Like many African children, I had no secondary school in my village, so I had to travel every day to Manoke for education. Despite the economic challenges, I still made it this far, so it is possible.”
Malatji has previously presented an undergraduate case report on the effect of patient autonomy on successful diagnosis and treatment at the SORSA-IAFR Congress in Cape Town and has helped organise professional development and continuing professional development symposia that connect students with medical imaging professionals.
His participation in the Pan African Youth Conference aligns with SMU’s commitment to excellence, innovation, student-centred development and the training of health professionals equipped to contribute to society. The university’s mission emphasises excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research, while its vision centres on transforming health services through excellence and innovation.
As Malatji prepares to bring his research interests and student leadership experience to the African Union platform, his journey demonstrates the potential of young South African health professionals to contribute to continental conversations on healthcare, technology, and sustainable development.
By Tumelo Moila.
