Engagement with DALRRD and ARC on the re-introduction of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Health at SMU

by Lorato | Oct 31, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbati hosted a delegation from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) on the 14 October 2022 at SMU. This meeting comes against the backdrop of an initial meeting that the VC held with the Minister of DALRRD, the Honorable Thoko Didiza and her Department to explore the possibility of the reintroduction of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Health at SMU, necessitated by the realization that there is an increased need for veterinary training in the country.

As a way of introduction, the Chief Director for Sector Capacity Development, Ms. Lebogang Botsheleng, who led the Departmental delegation, made a brief contextual presentation with regard to the increased need for veterinary training in the country. She indicated that Cabinet has taken a decision regarding the introduction of veterinary Sciences and Animal Health to be hosted by at least two additional universities; and that SMU was encouraged to submit a proposal for consideration by the Department. The ARC was represented by its CEO, Dr. Litha Magingxa and its Group Executive Animal Sciences, Dr. Andrew Magadlela.

In response, the VC indicated that SMU has a new business model, which amongst others, seeks to ensure that the university diversifies its PQM and increases its student enrolment to ensure that it becomes financially sustainable. In this context, it is anticipated that the reintroduction of a range of veterinary studies will make a significant contribution towards this strategic objective.

The VC further indicated that the university has commissioned a feasibility study with regard to the reintroduction of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Health, which will be completed by the end of November 2022. He stated that this study will inform proposals on a responsive curriculum and the required capacity (human, physical and technical), which will be done in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders.

The meeting also acknowledged that, internationally, South African graduates are in high demand; which is an indication of the quality of veterinary training that South Africa provides; a strength which needs to be harnessed.

In conclusion, the parties made a commitment for further consultative meetings to consider the outcomes of the SMU commissioned feasibility study and to chart a way forward.

SMU Council crafts levers to grow a world class Health Sciences University

by Lorato | Oct 15, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media

In a departure from the routine Council workshops, the SMU Council spent considerable time and energy in a strategy reflection workshop from 14 – 15 September 2022 re-imagining a new operating model that
would catapult SMU into the league of World Class Universities, becoming globally competitive and simultaneously remaining locally relevant. The Chairperson of Council Ms. Maria Rambauli emphasized urgency in a shift towards SMU becoming a sustainable self-funded institution, with the academic enterprise at the centre of its operations.

In this context, the university needs to ensure that it attracts excellent academics, professionals, administrative staff and students. It is envisaged that this will ensure that SMU is academically and administratively competitive and becomes the “go to” institution in the HE sector, locally and abroad. The need for collaboration with industry and other institutions of higher learning, and the utilization of alumni for resource mobilization, coupled with an emphasis on impact of SMU initiatives was emphasized. Ms. Thaaniya Isaacs of PwC made a compelling case for the adoption of technology to increase teaching and learning efficiencies in a Health Sciences University. Her presentation was premised on the 2022 PwC survey conducted amongst Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors of the 26 South African public universities.

On transforming SMU into a World Class University, the Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati stated that there has to be a deliberate intent and purpose from within an institution to grow into a world class university while change management towards achieving this goal is key to successful transformation. According to Mbati, the establishment of a World Class university requires, above all, strong leadership, a bold vision of the institution, and clarity of its mission and goals. In this regard, SMU must craft a clearly articulated strategic plan to translate this vision into concrete targets and programmes. Prof. Patrick Demana (former Acting DVC Academic and Research) made a compelling case in his presentation on “Reimagining a World Class Academy at SMU”. This possibility is real, with the need for SMU to expand its PQM, consideration for a hybrid programme delivery model, the need for state-of-the-art infrastructure, striving for teaching excellence, improved rankings and the strengthening of community engagement. On the backdrop of the presentation by the Acting Dean of the School of Oral Health Sciences Prof. Dini Mawela, Council was convinced of the need for strong, principled, cohesive and caring leadership.

In his presentation, the CFO Mr. Eminos Manyawi focused on the new business model as central in achieving financial sustainability. Among others, the model seeks to be increase programme offerings and double student numbers over time, increase infrastructure capacity on campus, improve its third-stream income by amongst others commercialization of SMU land. SMU will consider changes with regard to, amongst others, enrolment targets and its pricing model. The Registrar Dr. Jeffrey Mabelebele led a discussion on the current SMU SWOT analysis while the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mfanfikile Sibanyoni presented the status of infrastructure development on campus, and future possibilities.

SMU meets with the Chinese Embassy

by Lorato | Aug 10, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has taken a conscious decision to place the Academic Project (teaching and learning and research and innovation) at the centre of its operations. This involves the
establishment of national and international partnerships and collaborations to ensure that it has adequate capacity to support its strategic objectives.

It is against this background that SMU, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbati, hosted the Chinese Embassy at SMU on the 27 July 2022. The Chinese delegation was led by the Chinese Minister Counsellor for Science and Technology, Mr Long SHEN and the second Secretary for Science and Technology, Mr. Wei XIE. The meeting follows on initial discussions with the Chinese Embassy as well as the prestigious Wenzhou Medical University located in Zhejiang, China.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Mbati said that “SMU has taken a de- liberate approach to establish partnerships to help address heath issues locally, continentally and globally through teaching and learning and research and innovation”. He further indicated that central to the discussion was the need to, broadly, deepen the relationships between SMU and Chinese higher education institutions.

In response, the Chinese Minister Counsellor emphasised his government’s commitment to advance health sciences and innovation, including the development of vaccines and research in smart agriculture. He further emphasised China’s commitment to fund research projects on the African continent. In this regard, the first project that will be initiated between SMU and the Chinese government is skills development and training in the field of ophthalmology, involving the Wenzhou Medical University.

The highly ranked Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) was identified as the partner of choice for collaboration with SMU. The initial engagements with WMU were aimed at the introduction of an Ophthalmology and Optometry Advanced training programme and the envisaged collaboration between SMU and WMU. This drew on ongoing SMUs efforts to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships between academia and industry nationally and internationally.

As part of the meeting, SMU’s Director for Research and Innovation, Prof. Mapaseka Seheri made a presentation focusing on the establishment of the Centre of Pandemic Diseases. In her presentation, she indicated that as part of SMU’s strategic goals the university seeks to ensure that through the establishment of the Centre, it “contributes to ensuring an understanding of emerging pandemics and how best to treat them, and to strengthen health policies, equip policy and decision makers with evidence-based research interventions”. Furthermore, the Centre seeks to build collaborations with internationally recognized centers of excellence”, Prof. Seheri said. Possible collaborations with the Chinese government in this regard were considered.

To conclude what, in all respects, was a successful meeting, the Chinese visitors were taken through a campus tour where they visited the following laboratories: MECRU, Microbiology, Centre of Entrepreneurship and the EMU facility. What has become evident is the commitment between SMU and the Chinese Embassy to forge a partnership and to contribute to the training of health sciences practitioners and to address health challenges in South Africa, China and globally.

SMU VC Prof Peter Mbati launches the Harambee Fund to help needy students

by Lorato | Jul 20, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media

SMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Mbati has pledged to donate R10 000 once off payment to the Harambee Annual Fund. Mbati made this announcement during the launch of the fund on 18 July 2022 and further committed to contribute R1000 every month and urged all staff members to complete the employee deduction forms to make their monthly contributions.

Mbati explained that Harambee – a Swahili word, means coming together of a community to assist each other to achieve a common purpose. The proceeds of this fund is to help academically deserving yet financially constrained students. “The target is to have all staff members to contribute a certain amount to the fund on a monthly basis. A number of the executive and senior management team have pledged to contribute R500 every month. This fund will ensure that vulnerable students can pursue their academic dreams with dignity and in a caring environment”, explained the Vice-Chancellor. He further emphasized that the SMU Annual Fund will be the University’s umbrella strategy to raise funds through various activities targeting own internal staff and students, Convocation and Alumni, business and foundations at both national and international levels.

“My dream is that ALL the staff members at SMU will find it within their hearts to become part of this unique SMU initiative by making monthly contributions towards the fund, thereby becoming guardians of our needy students. It takes a village to raise a child. Let the spirit of Harambee live in us” said the VC. I have a lot of faith that the spirit of Ubuntu that lives in all of us will be our guiding conscience, and that this initiative that we have launched today will be sustained year round, he said.

SRC President Philani Mdakane used the occasion to challenge everyone to make a minimal contribution of R67. Let us use the 67 minutes of Mandela day and turn it into R67 contribution for this important cause. He pledged to make a personal contribution of R670 in line with the theme for Nelson Mandela Day. Mdakane said the SRC cannot turn a blind eye when students go to sleep without a meal. He said the spirit of giving must first start with the SMU community before soliciting contributions externally. He said this year the SRC helped more than 300 students through the hands of compassion as compared to previous years.

Ms Karabo Raphokoane who is a lecturer and an Executive member of of the University Alumni, urged all alumni to make a contribution to the fund. She hinted that the University’s alumni is willing to make a contribution and is supportive of initiatives of this nature. She committed to rally them to support the initiative through various activities. Ms Raphokoane reminded everyone that the same Alumni came to the rescue of students when Covid-19 hit our shores by contributing R25 000 towards their transportation. She further called on alumni that are on Campus to heed the call.

Dr Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi, the Chairperson of Nehawu encouraged staff members and students to make their contribution to the fund. “It takes a village to raise a child, all of us seated here are products of people who believed in us. Somebody somewhere made sacrifices”, said Mulaudzi. He said by making contributions, this will encourage others elsewhere to do the same. He said it is difficult for students to function optimally when they are hungry and called on everyone including big corporates to make contributions to the Harambee Fund. Mulaudzi also said he will climb Mount Kilimanjaro as part of raising funds for students.

The APSA/SAPTU union Chairperson Mr Monedi Lekabe also pledged support to the initiative. “The Vice-Chancellor alone cannot resolve the magnitude of the social ills of the past. It is for this reason that we request the whole SMU community to make a meaningful contribution to this Harambee fund to achieve the goal of raising the 1 million rand”, said Lekabe.

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SMU and Ga-Rankuwa Community signs a protocol of engagement

by Lorato | Jul 18, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the community of Ga-Rankuwa recently signed an engagement protocol. The protocol provides a framework for effective communication and engagement between the two parties. Speaking at the signing ceremony, SMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati said, a university’s relevance is steeped in its commitment in uplifting the community within which it is located.

“We are a national asset and therefore belong rightfully to the entire country. Nonetheless, we have to be alive to the immediate community in which we are located, the Ga-Rankuwa community. By signing this protocol today, we agree to give effect to this aspiration. The protocol will help us to outline the modalities on how this will be done and govern our relationship moving forward”, emphasized Prof Mbati.

Mbati further emphasized that SMU is a University first and foremost and operates in terms of the Higher Education Act with a specific mandate to produce a certain caliber of health professionals. “This means that the teaching and learning must be correct, the support we give to our students and staff must be correct and the environment and training platform must also be conducive for them”, he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also told the community representatives that SMU is at an advanced stage of finalizing the process of commercializing the University land wherein business and the community will be given an opportunity to work with the institution on a variety of projects. He cautioned that it is important to be prudent when utilizing the University funds and be accountable for every cent spent. Furthermore, Mbati stressed that the university will not compromise on quality and pricing and will continuously conduct market surveys to have an appreciation of costs of goods and services to ensure value for money.

He lauded the teams that worked hard for the improvement of the community engagement protocol and called for all stakeholders to have an appreciation of their different roles. Speaking for business and the community, Mr N Maselela said when the first protocol was signed in 2016, they felt that the University was not listening to the community and a decision was made that a document that will guide the relationship between the two parties be created.

“Today we have revised the old document. In order for us to achieve the benefits, the must be a continuous process of engagement and it must be a peaceful process and therefore, no one should be undermined”, said Maselela. He called upon all parties to play their role so that the material conditions of people can change for the better. Maselela further said going forward, they want to see a company from the community of Ga-Rankuwa being given a huge responsibility by the University as part of building capacity. He cautioned against any form of segregation in business.

The Chief Financial Officer of SMU Mr Eminos Manyawi explained that the process to finalize the community engagement protocol was not easy with a lot of concessions having to be made. He mentioned that Council requested that the protocol should be revised considering that a lot had changed since the 2016 version was put in place. The CFO said despite the difficulties endured along the way, the protocol was a reflection of the harmonious relationship between the University and the community of Ga-Rankuwa. Manyawi explained that through this protocol, the University will communicate to the Ga-Rankuwa community the employment, business and developmental opportunities associated with the implementation of the infrastructural and other supply projects of the University.

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