by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
The School of Medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked 30 years of continuing medical education through its 2026 Healthcare Workers Refresher Course, held from 11 to 13 September at The Maslow Time Square Hotel in Menlyn, Pretoria.
The three-day programme brought together healthcare professionals, specialists and academics under the theme, “From Traditional Health Care Worker to the Next Generational Health Care Worker”. It focused on strengthening clinical knowledge and preparing practitioners to respond to emerging medical, technological and ethical challenges.
Professor Mojakgomo Hendrick Motswaledi, Head of the Department of Dermatology at SMU, delivered the opening remarks and served as programme director during the opening sessions. The first day featured presentations on women’s health, obstetric care, primary healthcare, chronic conditions and acute medical management.
Professor Lineo Matsela, an obstetrician and gynaecologist recently inaugurated as President of the South African Menopause Society, presented “Building a Supportive Culture Around Menopause”. Her contribution emphasised the importance of improving practitioners’ understanding of menopause and strengthening patient-centred care.
Further sessions addressed basic obstetric ultrasound, antenatal care from a South African perspective, prevention and population health, and digital transformation in primary healthcare. Participants also explored practical approaches to chronic diarrhoea and chronic kidney disease, alongside updates on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, paediatric surgical emergencies, breast cancer screening and viral hepatitis.
Saturday’s programme placed particular emphasis on ethics and multidisciplinary practice. Discussions covered multidisciplinary team management, atopic eczema, asthma, pulmonary pathologies, anaphylactic shock, acute burns and diabetic foot sepsis. Delegates also examined the assessment and management of polytrauma patients and acute coronary syndromes in primary healthcare.
The ethical use of artificial intelligence by current and next-generation healthcare workers featured prominently, reflecting technology’s growing influence in clinical practice and the need for responsible professional judgement.
A major highlight was the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which celebrated three decades of excellence in continuing medical education. The evening included reflections on the refresher course’s history, an address on promotion and funding, recognition of contributors and sponsors, and an anniversary toast.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela delivered the Welcome Address, while Professor Risenga Frank Chauke, Dean of the School of Medicine, led the recognition of contributors and sponsors. Past and present organisers, long-standing supporters and healthcare professionals were acknowledged for their role in sustaining the initiative.
The final day addressed bleeding patients, re-emerging viral diseases in South Africa, early diagnosis of multiple myeloma, erectile dysfunction and the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Ethical discussions focused on intimate partner violence, compassion fatigue and moral injury in professional decision-making.
The 2026 course reaffirmed that preparing the next generation of healthcare workers requires more than clinical expertise. It also demands ethical judgement, technological awareness, resilience, collaboration and a sustained commitment to patient-centred care. Through continuing medical education, SMU continues to strengthen professional practice and help develop South Africa’s healthcare workforce.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its research profile by recognising emerging academics whose work shows the potential to make a sustained contribution to knowledge and healthcare. Among them is Prof Tshiamo Ramalepa, an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science, who has recently obtained a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y2 rating.
The Y2 rating recognises young researchers who have demonstrated the potential to establish themselves as researchers, based on the quality and productivity of their recent research outputs. The recognition places Prof Ramalepa among emerging researchers whose scholarly trajectory shows promise for continued research contribution.
Prof Ramalepa’s rating follows a growing body of research spanning adolescent sexual and reproductive health, role modelling, learner pregnancy, nursing education, youth-friendly healthcare services, HIV and AIDS, work-life balance among nurse educators, and healthcare-related psychosocial challenges. His research reflects a sustained focus on addressing challenges affecting healthcare systems, professionals, young people and communities.
His publication record has continued to expand across peer-reviewed research, scholarly books, and chapters. In 2025, he published a book titled ASPIRE strategies for strengthening adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health role modelling, while his recent research has examined adolescent primigravidae’s first antenatal care experiences, contraceptive awareness and decision-making, sexual and reproductive health role modelling, and work-life balance among nurse educators.
“Research must remain connected to the realities experienced by communities and healthcare professionals,” Prof Ramalepa said. “For me, academic work is about generating evidence that can contribute to better health outcomes while developing the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.”
His contribution to research development also extends to postgraduate supervision. At SMU, he has supervised students through doctoral and master’s qualifications, with completed research contributing to areas including nurse educators’ work-life balance, adolescent antenatal care, youth-friendly services and maternity care. He currently supervises four master’s and three doctoral students, supporting the development of the next generation of health sciences researchers.
Prof Ramalepa’s research trajectory is further reflected in his success in attracting competitive research funding. He is a co-investigator on the U’GOOD Climate Change and Mental Health project, supported by the NRF, Foundation Botnar and the Human Sciences Research Council. He has also served as principal investigator and co-researcher on reproductive health projects supported by the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan.
His growing research profile complements his academic leadership responsibilities. Appointed Associate Professor in June 2026 and a member of the Senate Committee, he also serves as the Postgraduate Diploma Programmes Coordinator, overseeing programmes in Health Service Management, Occupational Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Nursing Education. He previously served as a lecturer and Senior Lecturer at SMU and a postdoctoral fellow at Tshwane University of Technology.
“SMU provides an environment where research, teaching and community engagement can intersect meaningfully,” he said. “My goal is to continue contributing to a culture of excellence while ensuring that research has relevance beyond the university.”
The NRF recognition adds to a series of achievements that have marked Prof Ramalepa’s academic journey. In 2026, Inside Education named him among the 100 South African Shining Stars. In 2025, he received an SMU Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Community Engagement Project in the School of Healthcare Sciences, while in 2024 he was recognised as an Inspirational Teacher in the School of Healthcare Sciences.
Through the achievements of emerging researchers such as Prof Ramalepa, SMU continues to advance its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research. His NRF Y2 rating underscores the university’s role in nurturing research talent, generating knowledge that responds to healthcare challenges and developing scholars who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s health system.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its contribution to pharmaceutical research and innovation through the work of Dr Pedzisai Makoni, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy, whose research, postgraduate supervision and external scientific engagements are advancing the development of innovative drug-delivery systems.
A pharmacist and PhD-qualified pharmaceutical scientist, Dr Makoni is an NRF Y2-rated researcher, a recognition that signals his potential to establish himself as a leading researcher through the quality and trajectory of his recent research outputs. With more than 15 years of combined industrial, teaching and research experience, his work reflects SMU’s commitment to developing research capacity that responds to complex healthcare challenges.
His research focuses on formulating and developing novel dosage forms for targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, with particular expertise in lipidic nanocarriers, pharmaceutical analysis, and characterisation. This includes using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve the delivery of poorly soluble medicines.
“Pharmaceutical sciences provide an important bridge between scientific discovery and improved healthcare. My research is focused on developing drug-delivery systems that can address practical challenges in medicine formulation while contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes,” said Dr Makoni.
His research portfolio includes investigations into lipid-based delivery systems for medicines with significant therapeutic applications. During his postgraduate research at Rhodes University, he investigated efavirenz-loaded lipid nanocarriers, which could improve medicine delivery while addressing challenges associated with antiretroviral therapy. His doctoral research examined clarithromycin-loaded lipid nanocarriers for potential use in treating non-tuberculous bacterial keratitis.
Since joining SMU in March 2024, Dr Makoni has also helped expand the University’s research infrastructure and collaborative research capacity. His research activities have attracted funding from several competitive programmes, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Post-PhD Track and the SA/France PROTEA programme.
A significant achievement is his involvement as a co-user on an NRF National Equipment Programme grant valued at R10 million. The investment represents an important contribution to research infrastructure and could strengthen researchers’ capacity to undertake advanced scientific investigation and generate high-quality research outputs.
“Access to appropriate research infrastructure is critical to producing rigorous, competitive research. The R10 million equipment investment creates opportunities to strengthen analytical and research capabilities while supporting collaboration and the development of postgraduate researchers,” he said.
Beyond his research outputs, Dr Makoni is actively involved in postgraduate supervision, teaching and academic examination. He has supervised MSc, MPharm and PhD students, while also examining postgraduate theses across several South African and international-linked institutions. His academic responsibilities include teaching Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pathophysiology to BPharm students.
His expertise also extends beyond the university. Since 2020, he has served as an external expert evaluator for the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Pharmaceutical and Analytical Committee, contributing specialist knowledge to the evaluation of pharmaceutical products and regulatory matters. He has further participated in research collaborations and product reformulation projects with industry.
Dr Makoni’s growing research profile, competitive funding, postgraduate supervision and professional engagement collectively contribute to SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. His work shows how research at the University can strengthen scientific capacity, develop future researchers, and contribute to solutions relevant to pharmaceutical development and healthcare delivery.
Through academics such as Dr Makoni, SMU continues to build a research-intensive health sciences environment where innovation, advanced training, and scientific collaboration contribute to the University’s broader impact on healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
A Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student has placed the university and South Africa on the global surgical map after being selected among only 24 students worldwide for the prestigious Future Surgeons Programme (FSP) at International Surgical Week (ISW) 2026 in Mexico City.
Tebogo Sekgarametso represented South Africa as the National Delegate of the International Association of Student Surgical Societies (IASSS) at the 51st World Congress of Surgery, held recently at the Hotel Camino Real Polanco. Convened by the International Society of Surgery, the congress brought together leading surgeons, researchers, policymakers and emerging professionals to address surgical disparities in low- and middle-income countries and develop the next generation of global health leaders.
Sekgarametso’s selection for the FSP placed him among an elite international cohort of emerging surgical leaders. The programme provided opportunities for mentorship, professional development and direct engagement with senior figures shaping the future of global surgery.
“It was a momentous occasion to stand alongside international peers and represent South Africa on a global platform,” said Sekgarametso. “We received certificates of achievement as members of the IASSS Future Surgeons Programme.”
His contribution extended beyond participation. Sekgarametso chaired the IASSS “Spartan Surgeon” session, facilitating discussions on resourcefulness and resilience in surgical training in resource-constrained environments. The theme has particular relevance to South Africa, where healthcare professionals continue to navigate complex demands while working to expand access to quality surgical care.
The congress also exposed him to emerging technologies and competencies that will shape the future of the profession. The session “The Digital Era of Surgery” examined the growing role of artificial intelligence and automated imaging in surgical planning, while “Looking to the Future: What Every Junior Should Know” focused on the non-technical competencies required by tomorrow’s surgeons.
Academic development was another key component. At the World Journal of Surgery’s Early Career Writers’ Workshop, Sekgarametso gained practical insight into manuscript preparation and peer review, including direct mentorship from Rowan Parks, Past President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
“Having him personally guide our table through the nuances of manuscript preparation and peer review was an invaluable highlight for my academic development,” he said.
The trauma programme aligned closely with SMU’s clinical and academic strengths, covering trauma teamwork, resuscitation and the development of resilient trauma systems. A landmark session on the 20-year collaboration between the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) and the World Health Organization examined developments in trauma training, systems strengthening and the evolution of the Surgical Safety Checklist.
Sekgarametso also engaged leading international surgical figures, including Thavam Thambi-Pillai, World President of the International College of Surgeons; Joji Kotani, President of the International Association for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition; and Neil Wetzig, President of the G4 Alliance. Discussions covered professional development, perioperative nutrition and strengthening Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia capacity.
Wetzig’s insights, Sekgarametso said, “directly mirror the challenges we face and study within the South African healthcare framework”.
His participation further included engagements with Ari Leppäniemi and Kenneth Boffard, President and Secretary-General of the International Society of Surgery respectively.
Sekgarametso’s achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education, research and professional development. It also strengthens the university’s contribution to international surgical discourse while enabling students to bring global knowledge and expertise back into South African healthcare.
Through opportunities such as the Future Surgeons Programme, SMU continues to equip emerging health professionals to contribute to the transformation of healthcare and advance surgical excellence in South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) researcher Dr Vusani Muswa Maphiri has received a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising his potential to establish himself as a researcher based on the quality and productivity of his research.
Dr Maphiri, a senior lecturer in the Department of Physics in SMU’s School of Science and Technology, specialises in energy storage, materials science and advanced materials characterisation. His research focuses particularly on supercapacitors, microsupercapacitors and nanomaterials, with applications in energy storage and related technologies.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Maphiri said the rating represented an important milestone in his academic journey. “This Y2 rating is an important recognition of my research potential and the work I have undertaken in the field of energy storage and materials science.”
The Y2 rating places Dr Maphiri among young researchers recognised for their potential to establish themselves as researchers within five years of evaluation. The NRF category applies to researchers aged 40 or younger who have held a doctorate or equivalent qualification for less than five years at the time of application.
Dr Maphiri earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Pretoria in 2022. His doctoral research investigated thermally reduced graphene oxide using an atmospheric-pressure tube furnace for microsupercapacitor applications. He previously obtained an MSc in Physics, cum laude, from SMU in 2018, following undergraduate studies in physical and mineral science and physics at the university. “This achievement motivates me to continue pursuing research that can contribute to addressing energy-storage challenges while creating opportunities for young scientists,” he said.
His research record reflects a sustained focus on developing and characterising advanced materials for energy storage. His publication portfolio includes studies on graphene oxide, porous carbon, metal oxides, nanophosphors and electrode materials for supercapacitors. His work has appeared in journals including the Journal of Energy Storage, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Carbon and Materials Chemistry and Physics.
One strand of his research examines materials that could improve the performance of supercapacitors, energy-storage devices capable of rapid charging and discharging. His work includes investigations into thermally reduced graphene oxide, activated carbon and metal-based nanostructures.
Beyond publishing research, Dr Maphiri is actively involved in postgraduate supervision and mentorship. He currently supervises doctoral and master’s students working on projects involving supercapacitors, water purification, graphene-based materials and advanced electrode materials. “I believe research should not only generate publications but also develop people and create knowledge that can have a meaningful impact,” Maphiri said.
His professional responsibilities extend to research leadership. Since May 2026, he has served as deputy chairperson of SMU’s School of Science and Technology Research Committee, contributing to research governance, quality assurance and postgraduate research. He also collaborates with the University of Pretoria’s SARChI in Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Water Purification Applications.
Dr Maphiri has accumulated 50 peer-reviewed publications and has an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar, according to his profile.
The Y2 rating highlights SMU’s contribution to the development of emerging researchers whose work addresses contemporary challenges in energy storage and advanced materials. Through research, teaching, postgraduate supervision and collaboration, Dr Maphiri’s work supports the university’s commitment to excellence and innovative research.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) senior lecturer and researcher Dr Amos Nhlapo has received a C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), marking a significant milestone in his academic career and in his research on magnetic materials and their potential applications in healthcare and technology.
The NRF assessment recognised Dr Nhlapo as an established researcher with a sustained recent record of productivity. According to the assessment, reviewers concurred that he had developed “a body of quality work” with coherence and demonstrated the ability to conceptualise research problems and apply appropriate methods to investigate them.
Dr Nhlapo, a senior lecturer in SMU’s Department of Medical Physics, described the rating as recognition of years of research, innovation and academic commitment. “This significant milestone is a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and outstanding contribution to academic excellence,” Nhlapo said. “It’s an honour, and I am proud to have received the C3 NRF rating.”
He said the recognition was particularly meaningful because his research sits at the intersection of academic investigation and practical innovation. His work focuses on experimental and condensed matter physics, particularly the magnetic and electrical properties of bulk and nanosized spinel ferrite materials.
Dr Nhlapo’s research includes the development of novel magnetic nanoparticles for advanced electronic devices and medical applications. He collaborates with local and international researchers and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications. His stated research ambition is to ensure that scientific discoveries move beyond laboratories and contribute to practical solutions.
“It is heartening to be recognised for my efforts in navigating the complicated intersection between rigorous academic research and innovation,” he said. “I am enthusiastic about ensuring that novel magnetic material technologies can move beyond research into practice.”
Nhlapo’s academic record includes a PhD in Physics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the University of Johannesburg, and earlier qualifications in physics and chemistry from the University of the Free State. He joined SMU as a lecturer in 2017 and became a senior lecturer in January 2023.
His research output is complemented by postgraduate supervision, conference participation and research funding. The record lists an NRF Equipment Travelling-Related Grant awarded in 2025, as well as previous support for the University Capacity Development Grant and the DST-NRF Innovation Doctoral Scholarship.
Nhlapo has also supervised students at honours, master’s and doctoral levels, with several projects completed and others currently underway. His publication record includes studies of nanoferrites, magnetic properties, photoluminescence, electron spin resonance and materials with potential medical and technological applications.
Reflecting on the achievement, Nhlapo expressed gratitude to colleagues and the university community. “Above all, I am very grateful to the Department of Medical Physics, the Department of Physics at SMU, and everyone who contributed to this milestone,” he said.
The C3 rating strengthens SMU’s profile as a health sciences university committed to innovative research and academic excellence, while highlighting the potential for its researchers to translate scientific advances into solutions that benefit healthcare and society.
By Tumelo Moila
