by Lorato | Aug 6, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has recognised outstanding academic achievement by promoting Professor Ramokone Lisbeth Lebelo from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in the Department of Virology. The promotion, which took effect in June 2026, acknowledges her distinguished contributions to medical virology, research, postgraduate supervision and academic leadership, further strengthening the University’s commitment to advancing health sciences education and research.
Professor Lebelo has built an accomplished career spanning research, teaching, diagnostics and public health. She holds a joint PhD in Medical Science and Medical Virology awarded by the University of Antwerp in Belgium and the University of Limpopo in South Africa. Her research focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccinology and cancer-causing viruses, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV), with a strong emphasis on cervical cancer prevention, HPV epidemiology, vaccination and sexually transmitted infections. Alongside her academic responsibilities at SMU, she serves as Principal Medical Scientist at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and heads the HPV and STIs Training Centre for Africa.
Reflecting on this milestone, Professor Lebelo described her promotion as both a personal honour and a renewed commitment to serving society through research and education. “This promotion is both an honour and a responsibility. It reflects the support I have received from my colleagues, students and collaborators over the years. I remain committed to advancing research that improves public health while mentoring the next generation of scientists to reach their full potential,” she said.
She added that developing future scientists remains central to her professional mission. “My passion has always been to empower, motivate, uplift, educate and encourage young scientists, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. I believe excellence is achieved through hard work, collaboration and creating opportunities for others to succeed,” she said.
Throughout her career, Professor Lebelo has established an impressive research portfolio, publishing extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences. She has secured competitive research grants, supervised numerous postgraduate students and collaborated with researchers across South Africa and abroad. Her work has made significant contributions to understanding HPV infection, cervical cancer screening and prevention, and the epidemiology of viral diseases in resource-limited settings. In addition, she has accumulated extensive teaching experience in molecular biology, advanced virology, medical microbiology and clinical virology while serving on university committees, professional bodies and scientific review panels.
The promotion reflects a career characterised by academic excellence, scientific leadership and dedicated service to the health sciences sector. As an Associate Professor, Professor Lebelo is expected to continue expanding her internationally recognised research programme, strengthen scientific collaboration, and develop future leaders in medical virology. Her appointment also reinforces SMU’s confidence in her ability to drive research innovation, postgraduate training and Africa’s response to infectious diseases and HPV-related cancers.
Professor Lebelo’s promotion underscores SMU’s ongoing commitment to recognising excellence in research, teaching and academic leadership. By investing in scholars whose work advances healthcare, supports postgraduate education and addresses pressing public health challenges, the University continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading health sciences institution dedicated to transforming lives through excellence and innovation.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 6, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Prof Sechene Stanley Gololo from Associate Professor to Full Professor in recognition of his distinguished academic leadership, research excellence, and sustained contributions to teaching, postgraduate supervision, and community-focused scientific research. The promotion marks a significant milestone in his academic career and reinforces SMU’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in the health sciences.
The appointment reflects the rigorous criteria for promotion to the rank of full professor, including extensive research output, successful postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, academic leadership and national and international scholarly recognition. Prof Gololo’s achievements include supervising more than twenty master’s students and seven doctoral candidates, publishing more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles, contributing to book chapters, securing research funding, and providing strategic leadership within the university.
A phytochemist and biochemist, Prof Gololo’s research focuses on the ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of South African medicinal plants, particularly their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. His work also examines how environmental conditions influence the accumulation of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants and explores the use of phytochemical analysis to assess water quality. His research has contributed to the scientific understanding of indigenous medicinal plants while supporting the development of innovative health solutions.
Among his notable achievements, Prof Gololo led a team of researchers whose work led to provisional approval of intellectual property for “Molle mist” as a potential inhalant remedy for COVID-19. He currently serves as Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and Vice-Dean of the School of Science and Technology, while also contributing as a journal reviewer and editorial board member for several international scientific journals.
Reflecting on his promotion, Prof Gololo said, “Being promoted to Full Professor is both a great honour and a humbling recognition of years of dedication to teaching, research and academic leadership. This achievement is not mine alone; it reflects the support of my colleagues, students and the university, whose encouragement has enabled me to pursue research that addresses real challenges facing our communities.”
Looking to the future, he emphasised his commitment to strengthening research capacity and mentoring the next generation of scientists. “My goal is to expand impactful research on medicinal plants, strengthen national and international collaborations and continue mentoring emerging researchers who will shape the future of science. I also hope to contribute to developing innovative, evidence-based health solutions that improve lives while advancing SMU’s reputation as a leading research-intensive institution.”
Prof Gololo joined SMU in 2010 as a Natural Scientist and Lecturer before progressing to Senior Lecturer, Researcher, Associate Professor, Head of Department and Vice-Dean. His career reflects more than a decade of dedication to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and academic leadership within the institution.
Prof Gololo’s promotion demonstrates SMU’s commitment to recognising academic excellence and cultivating research leaders whose work contributes to scientific knowledge, innovation and societal development. As the university continues to strengthen its national and international profile, achievements such as this reinforce its mission to transform health services through excellence in teaching, learning, and innovative research.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 6, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Professor Moreoagae Bertha Randa from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health, recognising her distinguished contributions to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and community engagement.
The promotion acknowledges Professor Randa’s sustained excellence across the University’s core academic mission. It acknowledges a career dedicated to advancing public health scholarship, strengthening health systems, and developing future health professionals. Since joining SMU in 2013, she has steadily progressed through the academic ranks while making significant contributions to public health education, research capacity development, and evidence-informed health policy in South Africa. She currently serves as Head of the Health Systems Management and Policy Unit in the Department of Public Health, where she provides strategic academic leadership, coordinates postgraduate teaching and supervision, and supports the development of research programmes aligned with national health priorities.
In addition to her departmental leadership, Professor Randa actively contributes to strengthening the University’s research enterprise. She serves as Chairperson of the School of Health Care Sciences Research Committee, contributes to Senate-level research and postgraduate structures, and has previously served on the SMU Research Ethics Committee. Through these leadership roles, she has helped strengthen research governance, postgraduate quality assurance and the University’s research culture.
Professor Randa’s appointment reflects her successful fulfilment of the University’s rigorous promotion criteria for Associate Professor, including holding a doctoral qualification, demonstrating substantial academic leadership, successful supervision of master’s and doctoral students, leading nationally impactful research, securing external research funding, publishing extensively in accredited scientific journals and making significant contributions to professional service and community engagement.
“I am deeply honoured by this promotion, which reflects not only my personal journey but also the invaluable support of colleagues, students, mentors and collaborators who have contributed to my academic growth,” said Professor Randa. “My commitment remains focused on advancing research that addresses South Africa’s pressing public health challenges, strengthening postgraduate education and research capacity, and working collaboratively to generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens health systems and ultimately improves the health and wellbeing of communities, while mentoring the next generation of researchers, educators and health leaders.”
With more than 38 years of experience spanning clinical practice, nursing education, higher education and public health research, Professor Randa has built an impressive academic portfolio centred on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, health systems strengthening, health policy and healthcare quality improvement. Her work integrates implementation science, health systems research and multidisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative, contextually relevant solutions to complex public health challenges. Her research has informed policy dialogue, supported evidence-informed decision-making, and contributed to the development of interventions to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes among vulnerable and underserved populations.
Her scholarly work has attracted significant national and international research funding through competitive grants from organisations including the British Academy, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), the University of Michigan’s Centre for Global Health Equity (CGHE) and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). These awards have supported innovative research, strengthened multidisciplinary collaborations, and expanded partnerships with leading institutions in South Africa and abroad.
Professor Randa has successfully led and co-led several nationally and internationally funded multidisciplinary research projects addressing priority public health challenges, including health systems strengthening, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and healthcare quality improvement. Her scholarship is recognised for integrating implementation science, health systems research and interdisciplinary collaboration to generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens health systems and improves health outcomes.
Through extensive collaborations with universities and research institutions in the United Kingdom and across Africa, Professor Randa has strengthened research capacity and advanced contextually relevant solutions to complex public health challenges. These partnerships continue to enhance knowledge generation, innovation and evidence-informed practice in South Africa and beyond.
Her expertise is further recognised nationally through her appointment as a Higher Education representative on the Gauteng College of Nursing Council. In this role, she contributes to nursing education governance, professional development and the advancement of higher education within the nursing profession in South Africa. Beyond research, Professor Randa has made an enduring contribution to postgraduate education. Over the course of her academic career, she has supervised and mentored numerous master’s and doctoral candidates, many of whom now contribute to academia, research and the healthcare sector. This reflects her enduring commitment to developing the next generation of African health researchers and academic leaders. In addition to her own scholarly contributions, Professor Randa is widely recognised for her commitment to research capacity development. Through postgraduate supervision, mentoring early-career academics, facilitating research development initiatives and supporting emerging scholars, she has played a significant role in nurturing the next generation of researchers and academic leaders in public health and the health sciences. She continues to mentor emerging researchers and early-career academics, serves as a reviewer for journals, an external examiner for postgraduate theses across several South African universities and contributes to institutional and national academic committees that promote excellence in research governance, quality assurance, ethics, innovation and postgraduate education.
Professor Randa’s academic influence extends beyond the classroom. She has established herself as a respected scholar through an extensive record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly book chapters and presentations at national and international conferences. Her collaborative research, particularly in the field of gender-based violence, has contributed to the development of innovative educational resources and strengthened international partnerships aimed at improving healthcare responses and support for survivors of violence.
The promotion reinforces SMU’s commitment to recognising academic leaders whose scholarship advances research excellence, innovation, postgraduate education and societal impact. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU continues to invest in scholars whose work advances scientific knowledge, strengthens health systems, informs public policy, develops future healthcare leaders, and contributes meaningfully to improving the health and wellbeing of communities in South Africa, across the African continent and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 6, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) proudly congratulates Professor Matlou Phineas Mokgotho on his promotion to the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology. The promotion recognises his sustained excellence in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and his significant contribution to advancing biomedical sciences.
Professor Mokgotho brings more than two decades of academic and research experience to his role at SMU. His distinguished career has included appointments at the University of the North (UNIN), the University of Limpopo (UL) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where he made significant contributions to teaching, research and academic leadership. Having previously attained the rank of Full Professor and served as Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology at UL, his promotion at SMU reflects his continued commitment to academic excellence and his growing impact on higher education in South Africa.
His research focuses on translational biomedical sciences, with particular emphasis on discovering therapeutic agents from African medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. By combining natural product research with molecular biology, metabolomics, mammalian cell culture, and computational drug discovery, his work seeks to identify bioactive compounds that could help combat diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases.
Commenting on his promotion, Professor Mokgotho said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from SMU. This promotion reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective efforts of my colleagues, collaborators and postgraduate students who have contributed to our shared research success. I remain committed to advancing biomedical research that addresses Africa’s health challenges while mentoring the next generation of scientists.”
Throughout his academic career, Professor Mokgotho has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s and doctoral candidates, secured competitive research funding and established national and international research collaborations. His scholarly contributions include a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications and active participation in scientific conferences, reflecting his commitment to expanding scientific knowledge and strengthening research capacity within South Africa.
His promotion also acknowledges his dedication to developing future researchers through postgraduate mentorship and his leadership in fostering an innovative research environment. By integrating cutting-edge scientific techniques with indigenous knowledge systems, his work continues to contribute towards addressing some of the country’s most pressing health challenges while supporting the development of evidence-based healthcare solutions.
As SMU continues to advance its strategic vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, the promotion of Professor Mokgotho highlights the University’s investment in academic leadership, impactful research and postgraduate development. His achievements further reinforce SMU’s growing reputation as a leading health sciences university committed to producing research that improves lives and addresses the healthcare needs of South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 29, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is proud to celebrate the achievements of Dr Inge Kleinhans, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Lecturer and Unit Manager of the Bophelo Unit for Equity, Intelligence and Learning, who has been honoured with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) Young Leader Merit Award. The prestigious award recognises medical practitioners under 35 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, community service, healthcare advocacy, and a commitment to strengthening South Africa’s health system.
The SAMA Merit Awards acknowledge medical professionals whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on the profession and healthcare more broadly. The Young Leader Merit Award, in particular, celebrates emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of healthcare through excellence, innovation and service. Dr Kleinhans’ recognition reflects her sustained commitment to public health medicine, research, health systems strengthening and global health equity.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Kleinhans described the award as both humbling and significant. “Being recognised for my leadership in public health medicine, research and health systems strengthening, and for my contributions to academia and policy in global health equity, was both humbling and deeply meaningful. Having served in various leadership spaces for over a decade, both in South Africa and internationally, I view this recognition as an affirmation of the importance of sustained commitment to health systems strengthening, public health leadership and mentorship,” she said.
Dr Kleinhans’ journey into medicine was shaped by witnessing both the challenges and strengths of South Africa’s healthcare system while growing up in the Eastern Cape and later Mpumalanga. Those early experiences inspired her commitment to building equitable, responsive and people-centred health systems. Today, her work at SMU and through national and continental health platforms focuses on leadership development, mentorship, research, advocacy, policy engagement and strengthening health and surgical systems.
As Unit Manager of the Bophelo Unit for Equity, Intelligence and Learning, Dr Kleinhans leads multidisciplinary initiatives that advance research, collaboration and capacity development. She is passionate about ensuring that health information systems, governance and data-driven decision-making translate into meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery while preparing the next generation of public health leaders.
Mentorship remains central to her professional purpose. “I believe that mentorship, safe spaces for reflection and deliberate career development are essential to preparing young professionals for healthcare leadership,” she said.
Acknowledging those who have supported her journey, Dr Kleinhans emphasised that the achievement extends beyond individual recognition. “This award reflects not only my individual journey, but also the support of my family, friends, mentors, colleagues and loved ones who have encouraged and sustained me along the way,” she said.
Dr Kleinhans’ achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to developing leaders who advance healthcare through excellence in teaching, research and service. Her recognition by SAMA reinforces the University’s growing contribution to health systems strengthening, public health leadership and innovative research that improves health outcomes in South Africa and beyond, while inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.
By Tumelo Moila.
by Lorato | Jul 29, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Professor Bronwin Van Wyk from senior lecturer to Associate Professor (Clinical/Diagnostic) in Medical Physics, recognising his outstanding and sustained contributions to teaching, research, clinical service and international leadership in the specialised field of medical physics.
The promotion acknowledges Professor Van Wyk’s exceptional academic and professional achievements, which continue to strengthen SMU’s reputation as a leading health sciences university committed to excellence in education, research and healthcare innovation. His accomplishments align with the university’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while enhancing its profile within the higher education sector.
Professor Van Wyk holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics and serves as Deputy Director of Medical Physics at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and SMU. A registered independent medical physicist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, he brings more than 20 years of clinical, academic and research experience to the profession.
The promotion follows an extensive record of achievement across all areas expected of an associate professor. Professor Van Wyk has led numerous undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervised and co-supervised multiple master’s and doctoral students, published extensively in accredited scientific journals and demonstrated sustained leadership in both academia and clinical practice.
His research has made significant contributions to nuclear medicine, radiation dosimetry, diagnostic imaging and radiation protection. Among his innovations is the development of computer software for dose quantification in nuclear medicine, designed to support healthcare institutions in low-income countries. He is also supervising pioneering research into novel radiation-protection shielding designs that could improve patient and staff safety.
Beyond the university, Professor Van Wyk has established an impressive international profile. He serves as a Project Scientific Consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contributing to medical physics projects across Africa. His work has included supporting Tanzania’s Ministry of Health in developing a national action plan for diagnostic radiology and co-authoring influential IAEA publications on academic and clinical training programmes in medical physics.
His leadership extends to the Federation of African Medical Physics Organisations (FAMPO), where he chairs the Education and Training Committee and serves on the Professional Relations Committee of the International Organisation for Medical Physics. He has delivered lectures and presentations at numerous international workshops, conferences, and recently taught on the Global Medical Physics Continuing Education Course organised by the American Association of Medical Physics and FAMPO.
Reflecting on his promotion, Professor Van Wyk said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. It reflects not only my own journey but also the support of my wife, family, colleagues, mentors and students who have contributed to my development. I remain committed to advancing medical physics through teaching, research, clinical excellence and international collaboration, while ensuring that our work ultimately improves patient care.”
Professor Van Wyk’s commitment to developing the next generation of medical physicists is equally noteworthy. Throughout his career, he has trained seventeen clinical medical physicists and continues to advocate for expanding opportunities within the profession. Working with colleagues in the Gauteng Department of Health, he helped spearhead the creation of twelve medical physics posts in the province, strengthening the public healthcare system’s capacity.
His commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through an annual cancer awareness programme in Noordgesig, Johannesburg, where he has organised educational workshops and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and promote early detection.
Professor Van Wyk has also received numerous professional accolades, including the South African Association of Medical Physics Incentive Award, membership of the Golden Key International Honour Society and recognition as Best Junior Lecturer at SMU.
His promotion reflects SMU’s commitment to recognising academic excellence that delivers meaningful impact in teaching, research, healthcare and community engagement. By supporting academics whose work advances knowledge while improving health outcomes locally and internationally, the university continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution dedicated to transforming healthcare through education, innovation and research.
By Tumelo Moila
