Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has recognised the achievements of its 16 academic and support staff members after they completed the 2026 Supervisory Development Programme offered at Wits Business School (WBS), with certificates awarded on Friday, 6 November 2026.
The intensive six-month programme was designed to strengthen participants’ leadership, supervisory and management capabilities, equipping them with practical skills to improve performance and lead teams effectively.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Catalyst Crew research syndicate receiving the programme’s top syndicate award for its project, titled Developing a Community Health and Medicine Safety Awareness Campaign for the Ga-Rankuwa Community.
The team comprises Benedict Masenamela, Senior Officer: Alumni Relations; Nokukhanya Nyawo, Operations Manager, School of Pharmacy; Dr Phumzile Skosana, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy; Thokozile Okaecwe-Mosiane, Acting HOD, Department of Pharmacy Practice; and Tumelo Moila, Acting Manager: Communications and Public Relations.
Individual excellence was also recognised, with Masenamela named the overall best student. Boipelo Motswane, Head of Residence: Student Affairs, secured second place, while Moila and Okaecwe-Mosiane were tied at third place overall.
Masenamela described the recognition as humbling and rewarding. “Being named the overall best student is a humbling and rewarding achievement. The programme has strengthened my understanding of leadership, teamwork and effective management. It has also reinforced the importance of applying the knowledge gained to make a meaningful contribution to the University,” he said.
He added that the Catalyst Crew’s research award reflected the team’s collective commitment, collaboration and dedication to addressing community health needs.
Delivering the University’s address, Dr Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi, Director: Finance Operations (Acting) and WBS alumnus, described the programme as an investment in the University’s most valuable asset – its people.
“People are the most valuable asset we have. A building does not mentor a new staff member. A system does not calm a tense meeting or notice when a colleague is struggling. People do. Supervisors do,” he said.
Mulaudzi encouraged graduates to view supervision as an act of stewardship, emphasising that effective leadership should prioritise employees’ development and wellbeing. He challenged them to consider whether their teams were better off because of their leadership.
Acting Executive Director: Student Affairs, Tulani Nkuntse, also emphasised the importance of developing capable supervisors to strengthen the University’s institutional performance.
“Leadership development is essential to building an effective and responsive University. As supervisors, these graduates can create supportive working environments, strengthen accountability, and ensure their teams contribute meaningfully to SMU’s mandate. The real value of this programme will be demonstrated through how they apply their knowledge and lead others,” said Nkuntse.
Nonhlanhla Sindane, Skills Facilitator at SMU, said the programme was an important investment in developing leadership capacity and critical skills pipelines across the institution. She encouraged participants to apply what they learned and transform their work environments.
The programme forms part of SMU’s broader leadership development initiatives, supported through its partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA). Previous initiatives include executive, transformational leadership and middle management development programmes.
Following the introduction of the Supervisory Development Programme in 2025, when 15 delegates participated, a further 16 employees completed the 2026 intake.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela congratulated the participants and highlighted the programme’s 100% pass rate. She also acknowledged two employees from the University’s Cleaning Department who completed the programme, demonstrating SMU’s commitment to staff development across different occupational levels.
Through these initiatives, SMU continues to invest in its people, strengthen leadership capacity and build teams that advance its teaching, research and community engagement mandate.
