by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is accelerating its role as a leader in health sciences innovation following a significant donation of specialised diagnostic equipment to its Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology. An initiative that reinforces the university’s commitment to research excellence, industry collaboration, and student development.
The donation, secured through a partnership with AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd), a Durban-based biotechnology start-up, introduces advanced instrumentation designed for the batch-top fabrication of medical devices, including lateral flow diagnostic assays widely used in point-of-care testing. The collaboration signals a decisive step toward strengthening South Africa’s local capacity in diagnostic development.
“We are proud to support innovation that advances accessible healthcare solutions and strengthens local scientific capacity,” said Dr Mandizvo Tawanda, Director and CEO of AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd). “Partnerships like this are essential in translating research into real-world impact.”
“This partnership reflects a shared vision to build innovation ecosystems that respond to real healthcare challenges,” said Professor Phumlani Mdluli, who played a key role in securing the donation and collaboration. “We are not just enhancing infrastructure; we are creating pathways for impactful research and skills development.”
Under the leadership of Professor Tshwafo Motaung (HOD), the Department is positioning itself as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship, where research translates into practical green solutions and spins into enterprises. The newly acquired equipment directly addresses critical gaps in prototyping and fabrication, enabling the transition from theoretical work to real-world application.
According to departmental leadership, the impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels will gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant technologies, significantly improving their readiness for the workforce.
“Exposure to this level of instrumentation changes everything,” said Dr Reagan Mohlala, a Natural Scientist in the Department. This sentiment was echoed by Mutendela Tabile Olivier, a lecturer, who added, “It allows our students to engage with the realities of medical device development, not just the theory behind it.”
The collaboration also opens doors beyond the laboratory. Internship opportunities, joint research initiatives, and potential technology transfer projects are already being explored, offering students valuable industry exposure and positioning SMU graduates as competitive contributors to the health sector.
University–industry partnerships, experts note, are no longer optional in higher education; they are essential. By aligning academic research with industry needs, institutions can remain relevant while driving innovation and economic growth.
“This is a clear example of what happens when academia and industry move in the same direction,” added Prof Mdluli. “The results are tangible, scalable, and beneficial to society.”
Strategically, the initiative aligns with SMU’s broader mission to transform health services through innovation and excellence. It also strengthens the Department’s focus on three niche research areas: bioanalytical chemistry and medical device development, biodegradable polymer-based materials, and advanced photocatalytic nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Looking ahead, the Department plans to fully integrate the equipment into its research programmes, while expanding collaboration with industry partners to co-develop next-generation diagnostic technologies.
“We are building something that carries the dreams of our people,” said Prof Motaung, “This is not just a once-off achievement, it is the seed of a legacy rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and hope. It is about giving meaning to the struggles we have endured, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities where there were none. Long after we are gone, this work will continue to speak for us, uplifting lives, transforming communities, and reminding future generations that change is possible when we dare to build with purpose.”
As SMU continues to invest in strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, the university reinforces its position as a key player in advancing healthcare innovation in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its position as one of South Africa’s leading health sciences institutions as applications for the 2026 academic year surged to 89,384 prospective students competing for just 1,265 first-year undergraduate spaces.
The overwhelming response reflects the growing demand for specialised health sciences education and underscores SMU’s reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vibrant student experience. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU remains committed to transforming health services through excellence and innovation while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve communities locally and nationally.
According to the university’s approved enrolment plan, SMU aims to accommodate 7,596 students in 2026, including 5,641 undergraduate students and 1,955 postgraduate students. Among the postgraduate cohort are 1,307 master’s candidates and 202 doctoral students, reinforcing the university’s expanding role in developing advanced health sciences expertise.
Student Recruitment Officer Ntsheu Collins Mangena said the unprecedented number of applications signals strong public confidence in the university’s programmes and its mission to transform healthcare through education.
“Receiving nearly 90,000 applications for the 2026 intake is both encouraging and humbling,” said Mangena. “It demonstrates the trust that learners, parents and educators place in SMU as a specialised institution dedicated to training future healthcare professionals. Our goal is to attract top achievers in Mathematics and Science while strengthening relationships with teachers and career guidance counsellors across the country.”
Several programmes remain highly competitive due to national shortages of skilled healthcare professionals.
- Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery: 15,058 applications for 60 spaces
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): 12,758 applications for 155 spaces, plus 50 Extended Curriculum Programme places
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: 11,977 applications for 71 spaces
- Diagnostic Radiography: 8,297 applications for 30 spaces
School of Health Sciences programmes have also recorded strong interest. Physiotherapy attracted 4,898 applications for 60 spaces, while Occupational Therapy received 3,358 applications for 40 places.
Meanwhile, the School of Science and Technology continues to contribute to the multidisciplinary health sciences ecosystem by offering programmes in Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology. The school will enrol 476 students across its programmes, strengthening the scientific foundation that supports healthcare innovation.
Mangena explained that SMU’s recruitment strategy has become increasingly proactive, combining school outreach, national exhibitions and regional partnerships to reach talented learners earlier in their academic journeys.
“Student recruitment is no longer passive. We actively engage learners, parents and educators through school visits, exhibitions, and information sessions so that talented students understand both the opportunities and the application process at SMU.”
The university’s 2026 Schools Liaison and Student Recruitment Plan focuses on expanding SMU’s visibility across South Africa while building a stronger regional pipeline of students. Key initiatives include monthly school visits in Gauteng, participation in major national career exhibitions, and targeted information sessions in provinces such as Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Eastern Cape.
The recruitment strategy also extends beyond South Africa’s borders, with outreach planned in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia to strengthen the university’s presence in the Southern African region.
Parents and educators are also central to the recruitment strategy. Through engagement with School Governing Bodies and education associations, the university aims to ensure that families understand programme offerings, admission requirements, and career opportunities within the health sciences.
These initiatives are supported by strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, the Limpopo Institute of Mathematics and Science Academy, SAICA, and Future SA STEM, which help promote science, technology and healthcare careers among high-performing learners.
Guided by values that include excellence, integrity, accountability, respect, student-centred learning and Ubuntu, SMU continues to position itself as a transformative institution that responds directly to the country’s healthcare workforce needs.
As the university prepares to welcome the 2026 intake, its growing application numbers reflect more than popularity—they signal SMU’s expanding impact on health sciences education, research innovation, and community-focused healthcare across South Africa and the region.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
An alumnus of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Moloko Mehala, has begun making a meaningful impact in rural healthcare only months after starting his professional journey as a community service dietitian at Thabazimbi Hospital in Limpopo Province. Mehala, who assumed his role in January 2026, is already leading initiatives aimed at strengthening household food security through food gardening while also building professional networks through his initiative, Golf Medics.
Growing up in the small town of Dendron (Limpopo), Mehala says his upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his passion for nutrition and community health. “I grew up in a community where education was always seen as the key to building a better future,” he explained. “Even though many families faced economic challenges, there was always a strong belief that through education and hard work, we could improve our lives.”
One of his earliest influences came from his mother, who maintained a home garden that helped feed the family. “I remember watching my mother grow different crops in our yard. From her, I learned the importance of producing food at home and how gardening can support household nutrition,” he said. These early experiences later inspired Mehala to pursue a career in dietetics and to focus on practical solutions for improving nutrition in vulnerable communities.
During his studies at SMU, he developed a deeper understanding of the link between nutrition, food insecurity and public health. He credits the university’s training and community-based projects for preparing him to work in under-resourced environments. “My studies helped me understand the important role nutrition plays in maintaining health and preventing disease,” he said. “The programme also exposed me to the broader challenges of food insecurity and rising food costs, which strengthened my commitment to community health.”
Now based at Thabazimbi Hospital, Mehala is already implementing a food security programme designed to promote food gardening at household and community levels. The initiative focuses particularly on improving nutrition among preschool children in the surrounding communities. “The programme encourages schools and communities to establish food gardens so that children have access to nutritious meals,” he said. “These gardens provide a reliable source of vegetables and help reduce food insecurity.”
He says the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “Parents are supportive because the programme ensures that children receive meals at school,” Mehala explained. “It also gives parents peace of mind and allows some of them to seek employment during the day.”
Beyond improving nutrition, Mehala believes food gardening can serve as a powerful public health intervention. “Food gardening is one of the most practical and sustainable strategies for improving household food security,” he said. “By growing vegetables and fruits at home, families can increase their intake of micronutrient-rich foods while reducing reliance on ultra-processed products.”
He adds that the benefits extend far beyond food. “Gardening supports mental well-being, encourages physical activity and promotes environmental sustainability. It empowers communities to become more self-sufficient and resilient against economic and environmental challenges.”
In addition to his work in clinical nutrition, Mehala founded Golf Medics, an initiative aimed at bringing together health professionals, businesses and organisations to promote collaboration in health and wellness initiatives. “Golf provides a platform for networking and partnership-building,” he said. “Through Golf Medics, we can connect professionals and organisations who want to support community health initiatives.”
Despite being early in his career, Mehala remains deeply motivated to serve vulnerable communities. “One of my biggest motivations is seeing how poverty affects families,” he said. “As nutrition professionals, advocating for food gardens is not just about food production. It is about restoring dignity, improving health outcomes and building long-term food security.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Abraham Mogano, also known as Abbey, an exceptional alumnus of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), continues to demonstrate that determination, resilience, and purpose can drive extraordinary achievement.
In March 2026, Dr Mogano took on the Calling Cape Town Extreme Challenge, a demanding endurance event aimed at raising support for education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The challenge tests participants across multiple disciplines and requires both physical endurance and mental strength.
On 5 March 2026, Dr Mogano successfully completed an 8 km open water swim from Robben Island to Big Bay. This achievement alone stands as a significant milestone, given the unpredictable ocean conditions and the level of endurance required.
“I had never done a triathlon before,” he says. “But when I saw that the challenge supports education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, I knew I had to be part of it. That purpose kept me going.”
The main challenge was scheduled for 8 March 2026 and was originally set to include another Robben Island swim, a 109 km cycle, and a 50 km run covering three Cape Town peaks. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the swim component had to be adjusted to ensure participant safety.
Instead, Dr Mogano completed a 2.7 km swim, followed by the full 109 km cycle and a demanding trail run reaching Devil’s Peak. Despite the changes, the challenge remained physically and mentally taxing. “Even with the changes, it was still a tough challenge,” he reflects. “But completing it reminded me that adaptability is just as important as preparation.”
For Dr Mogano, the journey is deeply personal. Growing up in a rural village in Mafikeng in the North West Province, he experienced first-hand how access to education and opportunities in sport can transform lives.
“Even a small opportunity can open doors—not just for one person, but for an entire generation,” he explains. “That is why initiatives like this matter.”
A proud SMU graduate, Dr Mogano completed his BSc in Dietetics in 2008 before going on to earn his MBChB from the University of Pretoria. He currently works as a General Practitioner at Netcare Moot Emergency Department and runs a Travel Medicine clinic at Intercare Wonderboom in Tshwane, with a focus on Emergency and Travel Medicine.
He credits his medical training for helping him build the discipline and resilience needed to take on extreme challenges. “Medicine taught me resilience, discipline, and focus—the same qualities required to complete a challenge like this,” he says.
Although he had never competed in a triathlon before, Dr Mogano brought strong experience in each individual discipline. His background includes open water swimming events, long-distance cycling, and ultra-marathons. This foundation enabled him to take on the combined challenge with confidence, even in the face of unexpected changes.
Balancing training with a demanding professional career and family responsibilities was not easy. However, through consistency and careful preparation, he remained committed to his goal. His ability to stay focused and adapt under pressure ultimately contributed to his success.
Dr Mogano’s achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and community impact. His story embodies the university’s values of Ubuntu, ethical leadership, and service to society. “If my journey inspires even one child to believe in themselves or to pursue education, then every stroke, every pedal, and every step was worth it,” he says.
Through alumni like Dr Mogano, SMU continues to demonstrate how education can transform not only individual lives but also uplift communities. His accomplishment serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, purpose, and the willingness to adapt, even the most demanding challenges can be overcome.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
In a landmark move for South Africa’s innovation ecosystem, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has partnered with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to establish the Local Intellectual Property-Based Skin Health and Personal Care Technology Innovation Cluster (LIPSHTIC). The formal funding agreement was signed by Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor of SMU, and Ismail Abdoola, Acting CEO of TIA, during a ceremonial event in the Vice-Chancellor’s boardroom. This partnership exemplifies how universities, industry, and government can unite to translate research into practical solutions.
LIPSHTIC will serve as a national platform anchored at SMU, designed to transform publicly funded intellectual property (IP) into safe, effective, and commercially viable skin health and personal care products. By creating a collaborative space where knowledge, resources, and expertise converge, the cluster aims to address pressing local health challenges while generating new economic and innovation opportunities.
The signing ceremony was attended by SMU’s distinguished leadership, including Professor Patrick Demana, Dean of the School of Pharmacy; Mahlatholle Masha, Acting Chief Financial Officer; Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor; Professor Douglas Maleka, Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences; and Professor Sechene Stanley Gololo, Deputy Dean of the School of Science and Technology. Their presence underscored SMU’s unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary excellence. The cluster will also be co-led by Dr Vuyisile Thibane from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Dr Madan Poka from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, both providing critical technical guidance for the initiative.
LIPSHTIC brings together a network of industry, research, and academic partners. Industry contributors such as AMKA Products, Prime Product Manufacturing, and Zuplex Botanicals will provide formulation expertise, product testing, and market access. Science councils such as the CSIR, university departments from SMU’s School of Pharmacy, and tech stations like InnoVenton at Nelson Mandela University will support research, development, and technology transfer efforts.
The cluster addresses a crucial gap in South Africa’s innovation landscape by focusing exclusively on publicly funded research in the skin health and personal care sector. This includes cosmetic and dermatological formulations derived from indigenous plant extracts, essential oils, and other locally relevant bioactive botanicals. In its first phase, LIPSHTIC will develop approximately 25 priority IP assets identified from the September 2025 IP Call Survey Report. Each asset will undergo formulation refinement, optimisation, and rigorous validation to ensure market readiness.
Key objectives include advancing priority IP assets, strengthening technology maturation and validation, establishing industry-aligned innovation diffusion channels, leveraging technical expertise for market-ready products, and promoting inclusive growth by empowering SMMEs and local innovators. Licensing and technology transfer agreements with industry partners and SMMEs will facilitate the transition of IP from the laboratory to commercialisation while adhering to national and international safety and quality standards.
Deliverables include fully integrated IP assets, detailed technical dossiers, optimised prototypes, regulatory compliance documentation, and SMME capacity-building through training and mentorship. These efforts aim to create a sustainable innovation pipeline, enhancing local enterprise competitiveness and strengthening South Africa’s skin health sector.
Professor Matsha-Erasmus emphasised the transformative potential of the cluster: “Through strategic partnerships like this with TIA, SMU is demonstrating how universities can act as catalysts for meaningful economic and societal impact, turning research into tangible solutions for our communities.”
Abdoola added, “LIPSHTIC exemplifies TIA’s commitment to converting intellectual property into products that address real-world challenges. By collaborating with SMU and its partners, we are harnessing South Africa’s innovation potential inclusively and effectively.”
The establishment of LIPSHTIC signals a new era for collaborative innovation, where research, industry, and community intersect to deliver solutions that improve health, grow the economy, and position South Africa as a global player in skin health and personal care technologies.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The SMU Community Garden at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has been named among the top 10 finalists in the inaugural Shoprite Act for Change Food Garden Competition, a national initiative celebrating grassroots projects that are tackling food insecurity and empowering communities across South Africa.
Launched in October 2025 by the Shoprite Group, the competition attracted an overwhelming response, with nearly 600 community gardens from across the country entering the contest. Each project shared stories of resilience, innovation and transformation through sustainable food production.
Among them, the SMU Community Garden in Ga-Rankuwa has emerged as a standout example of how small-scale agriculture can create meaningful change in a university environment. Established in September 2023, the garden was created to address food insecurity among students while promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness.
Today, it provides fresh vegetables to more than 15 students in need each week while serving as a hands-on training space for students interested in sustainable food production. “This garden isn’t just growing vegetables – it is cultivating hope and opportunity,” said Mpho Mmako, a horticulturist and representative from the project. “It provides a space where students can support one another while contributing to solutions that address hunger and promote healthier living.”
Beyond food production, the initiative has evolved into a skills development hub. More than 20 students have already received training through the project, with support from academic and campus partners including the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, the Department of Biology, the Green Campus Initiative and the Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice programme. Fourth-year dietetics students also use the garden as a learning platform, gaining practical experience in organic food production and exploring ways to promote healthy eating within local communities.
“The judging process considered not only agricultural output but also community reach, sustainability, skills transfer and social impact,” said Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer at the Shoprite Group. “This comprehensive approach has identified gardens that are making a real difference in their communities.”
From rural villages in Limpopo to urban townships in Gauteng, the finalists demonstrate the diversity and ingenuity of South Africa’s growing food garden movement. The SMU project stands out for showing how community gardens can thrive in an urban academic setting while directly supporting student welfare.
Looking ahead, the garden’s organisers hope to expand the initiative significantly. Their goal is to increase production to feed more than 50 students per week, while strengthening its role as a teaching and research platform.
To achieve this, the team hopes to secure funding to construct a 30m by 10m greenhouse with an automated irrigation system, purchase additional organic fertilisers and seeds, and invest in environmentally friendly pest control methods.
The competition now enters its final stage, where guest judges – including well-known food and sustainability advocates – will narrow the 10 finalists down to six winners. The results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Cape Town in April 2026.
With prizes valued at R1 million, the support offered to winning gardens will be tailored to help them expand their impact and ensure long-term sustainability. “Through the Act For Change Food Garden Project, we are reinforcing our long-term commitment to sustainable interventions that help communities thrive,” Raghubir said. “This competition represents more than a contest – it’s a celebration of community-led solutions to food insecurity.”
Regardless of the outcome, the SMU Community Garden has already demonstrated the transformative power of community-driven initiatives – nurturing not only crops, but also skills, collaboration and hope for a more food-secure future.
By Tumelo Moila
