by Kegorapetse | Feb 15, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is collaborating with the M5 Group to test a herbal mixture developed by the group to help in the response to the fight against Covid-19. In a joint media statement issued recently the University said it recognizes and respects the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and the role of traditional medicine in our health care system. Furthermore, the University stated that it values coordinated efforts in response to pandemics, including the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The University further emphasized that SMU is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and in promoting excellence in all research collaborations and partnerships it undertakes.
“During 2020, the University was approached by M5 MediGroup – a group of traditional health practitioners, to test the safety and efficacy of an herbal product prepared by M5 MediGroup and presented as a potential “alternative remedy” for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection. During January 2021, a formal collaboration was established with the M5 MediGroup and the group handed over samples of their herbal product to SMU, with the understanding that the University will follow all its ethical clearance processes to scientifically evaluate the herbal mixture for safety and efficacy”, said Professor Mapaseka Seheri in a statement. The university emphasized later during a press briefing that the herbal product is not a vaccine.
“The work that we will do include the characterization of the herbal product in terms of phytochemical composition and evaluation for anti Covid-19 activity. This herbal product is not a vaccine, it falls under the alternative medicine category, if we find efficacy, it will serve as a treatment, said Dr Stanley Gololo the Acting Head of Biochemistry at SMU. The University will continue to work with M5 MediGroup in promoting indigenous knowledge systems using best practices. History was indeed made when the Traditional practitioners joined hands with the scientists at SMU through the aforementioned relationship committing to contributing to solving the biggest health challenge we have faced in our time. We hereby give assurance to the public that once the University has completed these tests, a comprehensive scientific report will be provided. This is a developing story.
by Kegorapetse | Feb 8, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
08 February 2021
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is the only dedicated health sciences university in the country. The University recognizes and respects the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and the role of traditional medicine in our health care system. Furthermore, the University values coordinated efforts in response to pandemics, including the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. SMU is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and in promoting excellence in all research collaborations and partnerships, remain paramount.
During 2020, the University was approached by M5 MediGroup – a group of traditional health practitioners, to test the safety and efficacy of an herbal product prepared by M5 MediGroup and presented as a potential “alternative remedy” for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection. During January 2021, a formal collaboration was established with the M5 MediGroup and the group handed over samples of their herbal product to SMU, with the understanding that the University will follow all its ethical clearance processes to scientifically evaluate the herbal mixture for safety and efficacy.
However, it was recently reported in the press that the M5 MediGroup (Traditional Practitioners) had administered their herbal product to more than 500 COVID-19 patients from Rustenburg, Soweto, Boksburg and Limpopo and received positive feedback from their patients thereof. In the light of the above, the University and the M5 MediGroup (Traditional Practitioners) saw it fit to clarify that the process to administer the herbal product had occurred prior to the establishment of the relationship between the University and the M5 MediGroup and was done within the scope of the practice of the group of traditional health practitioners.
Within the existing partnership to test the group’s observational findings, the understanding between the two parties is that the University would develop research protocols to be approved by the SMU Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) for testing the herbal product. Furthermore, that the University will only administer the herbal remedies or products to patients once safety has been proven and efficacy subsequently established. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) would also have to approve the tested product before further distribution.
The University will continue to work with M5 MediGroup in promoting indigenous knowledge systems using best practices. History was indeed made when the Traditional practitioners joined hands with the scientists at SMU through the aforementioned relationship committing to contributing to solving the biggest health challenge we have faced in our time. We hereby give assurance to the public that once the University has completed these tests, a comprehensive scientific report will be provided.
***End of Joint Statement***
Issued by following by: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and M5 MediGroup
Enquiries: Prof M Seheri – Director Research and Postgraduate Studies – SMU
Cell: 082 748 8389
Enquiries: Mogale Mogale Spokesperson – M5-MediGroup
Cell: 082 620 5123
Download Statement SMU and M5 MediGroup on matters relating to herbal mixture for COVID-19
by Kegorapetse | Feb 2, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
02 February 2021
For Immediate Release
One of the primary business of the University is research and development, through the support by National Research Foundation to contribute in knowledge creation, innovation and improving quality of life of all South Africans.
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University congratulates Professor Sphiwe Madiba for attaining a C3 Rating from the National Research Foundation. This NRF C rating category means that she is recognised as an established researcher with a sustained recent record of productivity in her field. The rating further signifies recognition from her peers as having produced a body of quality work and validates her research niche in the university as well as locally and internationally.
Prof Madiba through her research explored 1) HIV status disclosure across population groups, 2) adolescent health and mental health status, and 3) social aspects of HIV with major focus on HIV prevention.
“My research on disclosure is an expansion of my PhD, where I developed a substantive theory that explains the decision by caregivers of children on paediatric ART to disclose or not disclose their HIV diagnosis to children. The interest in disclosure has extended to work in various other areas of disclosure. I have published extensively in the area of disclosure, and my work culminated in a book chapter that focused on the contextual factors shaping disclosure across population groups”, said Prof Madiba.
The NRF rating will also enhance the status of the university to produce more quality research and rated scientists. Prof Sphiwe Madiba joins other NRF rated Professors within SMU.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Media Statement Prof Madiba attains NRF C rating 02 February 2021
by Kegorapetse | Jan 18, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements
The awarding of R320, 000 by PPS for Professionals to upgrade a lecture hall in the School of Oral Health Sciences at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
by Kegorapetse | Nov 20, 2020 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media
Dr Elelwani Madzhia
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) were recently accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) with a subspecialty training unit of Paediatric Oncology. The Paediatric oncologists diagnose, treat, and manage children and teens with cancers, blood cells and bleeding disorders. “We are a 30 bedded unit and we get approximately 50 new admissions per year. We treat all types of childhood cancers (blood and solid cancers for patients up to the age of 18 years), and all the benign haematology disorders,” said Dr Elelwani Madzhia, head of Paediatric Haemotology and Oncology Unit at SMU/DGMAH.
The unit is located at DGMAH (ward 20) and caters for patients residing in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s northern areas (Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve, Mabopane, and Hammanskraal), and North-West province. “We offer medical, surgical and psychosocial therapy to our patients with the help of a multidisciplinary team that comprises of various health practitioners. We also get the support from the cancer support non-governmental organisations like Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), Reach for a Dream Foundation, Rainbows & Smiles Rainbow (Supporting kidz with cancer), and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA),” said Dr Madzhia.
Under the leadership of Dr. Madzhia, the unit hopes to improve the overall outcome of the patients. The unit wish to offer a radiotherapy service and also conduct a lot of research in the near future. The challenges encountered at the unit are more psycho-social and requires preventive measures for patients wellbeing. “There is a lack of awareness in the communities, which results in us receiving patients coming with advanced stages of cancer. With cancer, early presentation is essential in order to achieve an overall high survival rate and a good quality of life,” highlight Madzhia.
“Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not had any positive patients in our unit,” conclude Madzhia, who is an SMU Alumna.
By Tumelo Moiloa
by Kegorapetse | Oct 20, 2020 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media
Prof Honey Mabuza, the newly elected President of the College of Family Physicians, pledges to steer the noble profession with integrity and transparency to enable it to reach a higher level. This is the legacy that he wishes to leave, after his three-year term of office, ends in 2023.
Elected through a secret ballot process, by family physicians, Prof Mabuza brings health care expertise and a wealth of experience in health care to the profession. He completed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor Surgery (MBChB) and a Master’s degree in Family Medicine (M Fam Med), at SMU.
He has a wealth of experience as a clinician, working at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and (DGMAH) and a senior lecturer at SMU. Not satisfied with healing the bodily ills and aches, Mabuza also administers to the spiritual needs as a pastor during the weekends. He is a holder of Bachelor of Theology degree (BTh) obtained from UNISA.
“I will put what I am gifted with, on the table, and therefore, uniquely, contribute in the wellness and moving the college from strength to strength” he pledges. Prof Mabuza will preside over a twelve-member council which was elected by family physicians. The twelve then elect a three-member executive, namely, the president, the secretary and the senator. His peers found him worthy of their votes, for which he is eternally grateful.
Among others, his duties involve representing the interests of family physicians at the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), which is an umbrella body of all speciality colleges, in SA. He will also convene meetings of the college council at least once a year, acts as an adviser to the President CMSA, Senate and CMSA Officers, provide an annual college report for publication in the CMSA platforms and revise the panel of examiners of the college examinations triennially, for the guidance of the Examinations and Credentials Committee.
Family medicine, which is considered a cornerstone of primary health care, is a medical speciality that is dedicated to the provision of comprehensive health care to all people, of all ages.
He takes the torch of leadership at a very challenging time when the whole world is grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is mindful of this and other challenges in the health care industry. He is however unfazed by these challenges. “My leadership will not be a one man show”, as I have a collective of leaders in their own right whose opinions will be valued and that will go a long way to enable the college to overcome any challenges.
By Maditsi Matlala
