SMU lists amongst SA’s top ten institutions in THE World University Rankings

by Lorato | Oct 10, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media

In a groundbreaking achievement coinciding with its 10th anniversary, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has solidified its position as one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions by securing the 10th spot in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025. This accomplishment marks a new era for SMU, showcasing its rapid ascent within the competitive field of health sciences, signalling its growing influence on the global stage, and cementing the university’s status as a health science powerhouse.

SMU’s rise in the rankings comes hot on the heels of its impressive performance in the 2024 Webometrics Rankings, where it placed 18th nationally. Now, having cracked the top 10 in the most prestigious and competitive university rankings, SMU is positioned as a dynamic and influential force in higher education. This remarkable achievement is especially notable as SMU competes against long-established institutions, further underscoring the impact the university is making within a relatively short time.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 evaluated more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries, employing a comprehensive methodology that includes 18 finely tuned performance indicators. These criteria assess universities across key areas such as teaching, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook, making the rankings one of the most respected measures of global academic performance.

Professor Bassy Marvey, SMU’s Director of Institutional Planning, attributes this success to the university’s strategic focus on raising its local and global visibility and reputation. “This remarkable achievement, coinciding with our 10th anniversary, reflects the collective dedication of our staff and students. Their commitment has propelled SMU into the ranks of the nation’s best universities. We are also grateful for the dedication of our Institutional Researcher, Ben Ntshabele, whose ongoing collaboration with ranking bodies contributes to such accomplishments,” says Marvey.

SMU’s success extends beyond the general university rankings, with standout performances in subject-specific rankings. Nationally, SMU ranks 7th in Medicine and Dentistry and other health-related subjects and 8th in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Psychology. On the global stage, SMU is placed in the 1201-1500 band, sharing the spotlight with leading institutions such as the University of South Africa and the Durban University of Technology.

The university’s rise in the rankings was further celebrated by Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Minister of Higher Education, who praised SMU for its exceptional progress during a speech delivered at the 3rd Higher Education Conference, organised by Universities South Africa (USAf). “I am delighted to see two newcomers in the rankings—Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, led by Professor Peter Mbati, and the University of Fort Hare under Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. Congratulations to both institutions for their remarkable achievements,” said Nkabane.

As SMU continues to grow its reputation in health sciences, this milestone reflects its commitment to pioneering innovation in healthcare education and research. With a student-centred approach and a focus on global excellence, SMU is rapidly carving out its place among the world’s most respected universities, a point of pride for its students, staff, and alumni.

SMU makes strides in global Webometrics Rankings

by Lorato | Sep 9, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has made significant strides in the Webometrics rankings for 2024. In the mid-year update, SMU broke into the top 3,000 globally, moving up from its previous rank of 3,058 to 2,869. This progress reflects SMU’s commitment to enhancing its digital presence and academic performance. On the local rankings, SMU moved up 2 places, to assume position 18 nationwide.

SMU’s improved ranking demonstrates the university’s growing influence and visibility in the global academic landscape. By actively participating in the ranking systems and increasing its online engagement, SMU has showcased its research output and institutional achievements to a broader audience. “This upward trajectory in the Webometrics rankings highlights SMU’s dedication to academic excellence and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the digital arena. It not only elevates SMU’s recognition within the international academic community but also positions it as a competitive institution in the rapidly evolving digital landscape”, stated SMU Institutional Researcher, Mr Benjamin Ntshabele.

About Webometrics
Webometrics is a global ranking system developed by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), the largest public research organisation in Spain. Initially aimed at promoting web publication and supporting Open Access initiatives, Webometrics has evolved into a comprehensive tool for evaluating the digital presence and impact of universities worldwide. Webometrics emphasises a university’s overall online presence, offering a holistic view of institutional influence in the digital space. Webometrics ranks over 30,000 tertiary institutions worldwide, including universities, private institutes, and colleges, providing a broad analysis of global academic performance. The ranking system updates its results twice a year, offering universities an opportunity to track their progress and make improvements as needed. The primary objective of Webometrics is to measure the visibility, transparency, and excellence of higher education institutions (HEIs) by analysing the quality, quantity, and accessibility of their web content. Through this approach, Webometrics not only encourages universities to increase their digital engagement but also provides a broad perspective on their global standing in the academic community.

Webometrics Methodology
The Webometrics ranking system uses three core indicators to evaluate universities:
• Visibility (50% weighting): This indicator measures the number of external networks (subnets) linking to the institution’s web pages. The more external references a university has, the higher its visibility score, which reflects the global impact of its online presence.
• Transparency or Openness (10% weighting): This metric evaluates the number of citations from the top 310 authors at each university, excluding the top 30 outliers. This indicator is designed to assess the transparency of the institution’s academic contributions.
• Excellence (40% weighting): This component measures the number of papers published by the university that are among the top 10% most cited in their respective disciplines over the last five years. Excellence indicates the university’s research impact and academic quality.

The importance a good ranking
“Rankings increase the university’s visibility on the global stage and promotes initiatives geared towards internationalization, which is key to forging partnerships and networks amongst universities thus leading to cross-pollination in the academic space and the sharing of resources through students and staff exchange initiatives”, concludes Professor Bassy Marvey, Director of Institutional Planning and Quality Assurance at SMU.

Strengthening Research and Development – SMU and CSIR sign Memorandum of Understanding

by Lorato | Apr 22, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media

The SMU Vice-Chancellor: Prof Mbati and CSIR CEO: Dr Thulani Dlamini are proud to announce that Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research have formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research, technology development, training, technology transfer and knowledge dissemination for the public good and national interest.

The CSIR, as a pre-eminent research and development organisation in South Africa, brings its expertise in various scientific disciplines to the partnership. On the other hand, SMU is a public higher education institution specialising in health sciences, renowned for its academic excellence, research and community engagement initiatives, dedicated to producing skilled professionals and contributing to the advancement of healthcare in South Africa.

The MoU between the CSIR and SMU underscores their mutual commitment to collaborate in the designated areas. By pooling their resources, expertise, and networks, both institutions aim to leverage their respective strengths to achieve greater impact in research and development.

By formalising their partnership through this MoU, the CSIR and SMU reaffirm their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation and improving public health outcomes.

As the journey of collaboration unfolds, the CSIR and SMU look forward to realising the full potential of their partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of communities across South Africa.

SMU Sport Officer Scoops Administrator of the Year Award

by Lorato | Mar 5, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media

SMU Sports Officer, Ms Busisiwe Sijora scooped the Administrator of the Year award during the Gauteng Women in Sport Awards 2024, held in Kyalami, Midrand, on Saturday, 2 March 2024. The award is bestowed on individuals who have significantly advanced opportunities for women in sports, demonstrated excellence in their administrative roles, fostered inclusivity, contributed to capacity building, engaged in self-development and promoted excellence in sports management.

Being a finalist amongst esteemed sports administrators in the province was a testament to the calibre of competition and the rigorous standards set by the award criteria. Winning this award undoubtedly opens doors for Busisiwe to further her career, providing opportunities to engage in more significant initiatives, expand networks and to inspire others in the field of sports administration. “Winning the Administrator of the Year award was an unexpected honour amidst fierce competition. It reaffirmed the significance of persistent dedication and unwavering commitment to sports administration. This recognition not only validates the demanding work invested but also serves as a motivation to continue pushing boundaries and making impactful contributions to the sports community,” said Busisiwe.

As an administrator, her approach to performing duties diligently is founded on two key principles, namely, effective planning, and continuous personal development. “Firstly, I precisely organise tasks through a detailed to-do list, breaking them down into manageable segments on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. This structured approach ensures that I stay on track and effectively manage my workload. Secondly, I prioritise communication with student-athletes, actively engaging with them to understand their challenges, aspirations, and feedback. By listening attentively, I can tailor administrative approaches to better meet their needs and foster a supportive environment,” shares Busisiwe.

Ms. Sijora recognises the importance of personal development in staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. To this end, she regularly participates in short courses and seeks opportunities to network with senior administrators. Additionally, she draws insights from Europe-based content on sports management, recognising that she can learn valuable lessons from institutions that are ahead of us in this field. “Furthermore, I actively seek guidance from mentors and engage with other professionals in senior sports positions at different spaces in the sports industry. This allows me to gain valuable insights into effective administrative practices and refine my approach accordingly. By continuously learning and adapting, I ensure that I am equipped to effectively meet the demands of sports administration and contribute positively to the field,” she said.

Her plans for the Sports Officer portfolio at the SMU Sports and Recreation Department involve implementing initiatives to enhance inclusivity and diversity within sports programmes, ensuring equitable opportunities for all; strengthening partnerships with external organisations to provide additional resources and opportunities for sports development; to enhance administrative efficiency through the implementation of innovative technologies and streamlined processes; continuously advocate for the advancement of women in sports through targeted initiatives and awareness campaigns; Foster a culture of excellence and sportsmanship within the university’s community through various engagement activities and events; Putting SMU Sport and  Recreation out there in terms of sharing our stories.

“Additionally, I feel there is a strong need to develop and expand mentorship programmes to nurture leadership skills and personal development among student-athletes. These kinds of programmes would aim to provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth, empowering students to reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

In addition to her role as a Sports Officer at the SMU Sports and Recreation Department, she is actively engaged in the following leadership positions within the sports community: Vice Chairperson – USSA Football, Secretary – USSA Handball, and EXCO Member – South African Handball Federation. “Two years ago, I started an initiative to support sports graduates by creating a WhatsApp group dedicated to sharing sports-related job opportunities every week. This platform has served as a valuable resource for aspiring professionals, providing them with access to career opportunities and networking connections within the sports industry. I am proud to say that this initiative has not only opened doors for numerous sports graduates but has also brought hope and encouragement to many individuals pursuing their passion in sports administration and management,” she recalls.

Busisiwe is a multi-award-winning administrator, boosting an award-laden cabinet that encompasses a ten-year awards haul:

• 2024 Administrator of the Year – Gauteng Women in Sports Awards – Provincial
• 2023 Champion of Service – SMU Student Affairs Excellence Awards
• 2023 Full Colours – SMU Student Affairs Excellence Awards
• 2023 Administrator of the Year – Gauteng Women in Sports Awards – Tshwane
• 2022 Administrator of the Year – Gauteng Women in Sports Awards – Tshwane
• 2017 Administrator of the Year – TUT Sports Awards
• 2017 International Participation – TUT Sports Awards
• 2014 Best Student Administrator of the Year – TUT Sports Awards

Through her multifaceted involvement in sports leadership roles and initiatives, she is deeply committed to driving positive change and fostering growth within the sports community. She believes that collaboration, innovation, and mentorship are essential components for advancing the field of sports administration and creating impactful opportunities for all individuals involved.

SMU Commemorates Rare Disease Day

by Lorato | Mar 1, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the Rare Advocacy Movement (RAM) in partnership with Rare360 observed Rare Disease Day (RDD) on the 29th of February 2024 under the theme ‘developing a global rare disease centre of excellence’. The day was commemorated to raise awareness about rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals living with unusual diseases.

A rare disease is a medical condition that affects a small number of people compared to the general population. Types of rare diseases include Gaucher disease caused by enzyme deficiency that leads to the storage of complex lipids in certain types of blood cells, Haemophilia a blood disorder that stops blood from clotting properly and Cystic fibrosis is a genetic (inherited) disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in organs, including the lungs and the pancreas amongst others.

SMU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati welcomed all esteemed guests at the event and indicated that this day was held in honour and celebration of the incredible strength and resilience of those who are affected by rare diseases. He informed the audience that the Health Equity Diagnostic Infrastructure (HEDI) Initiative hosted by the RAM will partner with the university to establish a medical infrastructure as a global rare disease centre of excellence within SMU that will offer diagnostic and clinical services and support therapeutic research and development programmes. “My humble request to you is to help champion this course and for the Department of Health to work closely with us in the establishment of this global rare disease centre of excellence,” said Prof Mbati.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said in her address that, it was an honour to stand before the audience on this occasion of Rare Disease Day. She explained that this day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggles faced in our country by individuals with these diseases and the importance of collective action taken in addressing these challenges. “In South Africa, many individuals with rare diseases face not only health challenges but also social and economic barriers. It is our duty as a community to ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of health equity. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the university and its leadership for hosting and organizing this event,” shares the MEC.

Founder and Chief Executive Office of Rare Disease South Africa Kelly du Plessis stressed issues around the Rare Disease Ecosystem. She showed that the ecosystem of rare diseases is overlooked within the borders of South Africa. She explained that numerous rare diseases silently affect lives by challenging individuals and families in ways that many of us cannot fully comprehend. “The ecosystem of rare diseases encompasses not only the patients, but also the healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers and carriers, and caregivers that navigate the intricate landscape of diagnosis, treatment, and support on a day-to-day basis. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of collaborative efforts by fostering a network of medical professionals, researchers, and advocates,” said Du Plessis.

Master of Science in Biochemistry student Siphesihle Mkhwanazi said his highlight of the event was meeting the exhibitors. He mentioned that he was able to exchange contacts and foster relationships for future collaborations, which could lead to publishing together with one of the exhibitors.

About 72% of rare diseases are estimated to have a genetic component. Starting in childhood: Around two-thirds of people living with a rare disease are children. Having a broad range of symptoms: Symptoms can vary greatly from disease to disease, and even from person to person with the same disease. Being difficult to diagnose.

In addressing the initiatives to prioritise the needs of rare disease patients and their families, RDD brought together a vibrant confluence of partners including advocacy groups, academia, industry professionals and allies, as well as regulatory authorities, public policy professionals, and political leaders. All of whom supported the rare disease community by advocating for improved access to treatment and allied services, as well as by engaging in activities that discuss novel solutions, the latest clinical cases and the future of rare disease therapeutics.