by Lorato | Oct 2, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has taken a decisive step in tackling campus insecurity and gender-based violence (GBV) with the launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum (CCSF). The two-day Safety Engagement, held on 1–2 October 2025 in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), civil society organisations and health providers, sent a clear message: safety and dignity on campus are non-negotiable.
The programme was both urgent and collaborative. Day One centred on campus safety discussions, while Day Two marked the official establishment of the CCSF. Senior SAPS officials, university leadership, government representatives and students joined forces to strengthen coordinated action against GBV and crime.
Key highlights included:
- A framework for campus safety and security
- Focus sessions on GBV, law and justice
- Survivor-centred dialogues on support and safe reporting
- Direct engagements with SAPS and DHET
- Drafting of the CCSF’s terms of reference
The CCSF was conceived not as a symbolic structure, but as a practical platform to identify risks, address security concerns and build confidence in campus protection systems – with students placed firmly at the centre of decision-making.
Day Two began with opening remarks from SMU’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Operations, Odette Ramsingh: “Our academic project is key to the vision and mission of SMU. We remain resolute in our drive towards academic excellence and leading healthcare solutions that will benefit our families, communities and South Africa. Therefore, safety is a core enabler of teaching, research and student success. We cannot pursue excellence in a culture of harassment, fear and intimidation, and most especially not in violence.”
This was followed by an address from Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, who stated: “This gathering is not ceremonial; it is a declaration. A declaration that SMU will remain unwavering in its resolve to create a campus where safety is not a privilege, but a promise. Let this forum not end with speeches, but with sustained action. Every theft prevented, every assault reported, every survivor supported is a victory for the values we hold dear.”
Messages of support from DHET, the Community Policing Forum, the Student Representatives and youth crime prevention structures reinforced a united front against GBV. The defining moment came when SAPS leaders joined SMU officials in signing the CCSF pledge, formally affirming their collective commitment. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, underscored the role of community forums and technology in addressing campus crime, highlighting the use of surveillance systems and the Gauteng e-panic button app.
Student leadership also emphasised the urgency of the initiative. Outgoing SRC President, Katlego Moshanyane, reflected: “I am honoured to have participated in this launch, which prioritises student well-being and focuses sharply on eradicating GBV. This ensures SMU remains a safe environment for both students and staff.”
Organised labour endorsed the initiative with equal conviction. Dr Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi stated: “This vital initiative unites SAPS, staff and community leaders from Ga-Rankuwa to enhance campus security. Let us all participate fully to build a safer campus for everyone.”
At a time when South African universities face escalating security challenges, SMU has positioned itself as a leader in proactive, community-driven safety interventions. By combining law enforcement expertise, academic leadership, student voices and survivor support services, the CCSF is set to deliver lasting impact.
The campaign’s theme – “Safe Campus, Strong Voices – Together We Stop GBV” – captured the urgency and determination behind the initiative. Far from symbolic, the CCSF launch was a rallying call for sustained action, accountability, and a culture of safety built on shared responsibility.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 2, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Koketso Ashley Matjiane, a post-community service Radiographer and recent SMU graduate, is making waves in occupational health through her pioneering research on coal mine dust lung diseases (CMDLD). Recently, she presented her findings at the SORSA-IAFR Congress, a prestigious international platform, highlighting the role Radiographers play in diagnosing lung diseases in miners.
“I’ve always been passionate about evidence-based practice,” Koketso says, reflecting on the journey that led her from classroom inspiration to international recognition. “My lecturer, Mrs Khomotso Motiang, encouraged me to pursue research beyond my final-year studies. With her guidance, I submitted an abstract and found myself presenting to an audience of global professionals.”
Her research focused on radiographic pattern recognition of common CMDLD cases she encountered during her first three months as a post-community service Radiographer. Working as the sole Radiographer at her facility, without an on-site Radiologist, she was compelled to interpret radiographs independently. “I had to make sure no abnormalities were missed,” she recalls. “It was challenging, but it sharpened my skills and reinforced the importance of early detection of coal mine lung diseases.”
At the congress, Koketso shared not only her findings but also her insights into the broader implications for occupational health. She emphasised that Radiographers in resource-constrained settings are often the first line of defence for miners’ health. “Every scan we analyse can directly impact a worker’s life,” she explains. Her research demonstrates that accurate, timely radiographic interpretation can dramatically improve early CMDLD diagnosis and strengthen occupational health services.
Beyond the scientific presentations, the congress offered opportunities to forge collaborations. “I met professionals who are equally committed to improving miners’ health,” Koketso says. “It inspired me to think about joint projects that could make a real difference in high-risk communities.”
Reflecting on her journey, she stresses the importance of mentorship and early professional growth. “Mrs Motiang’s guidance was pivotal. Her encouragement pushed me to take on research at the start of my career, and that momentum continues to drive me forward.”
Looking ahead, Koketso plans to further her studies in 2026, aiming to play a decisive role in shaping equitable, effective healthcare for vulnerable workers. “Evidence-based research isn’t just academic—it’s a tool to improve lives,” she says. “I want to ensure miners get the care they need and that occupational health services are strengthened across South Africa.”
From student to internationally recognised researcher, Koketso’s story is a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and the power of applying knowledge where it matters most.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 23, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
A new era of healthcare education has begun at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Fifty-six second-year nursing students recently participated in Africa’s first virtual reality (VR)–based assessment, a ground-breaking pilot that redefines how future healthcare professionals are trained. SMU’s initiative demonstrates a bold commitment to innovation, blending technology and education to prepare students for the demands of modern clinical practice.
The Department of Nursing, in partnership with Rekindle Learning and SMU’s Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL), introduced students to a fully immersive VR experience. In a safe, controlled environment, learners applied theoretical knowledge to simulated real-world scenarios. From the first moment, the atmosphere was electric, students engaged actively, made clinical decisions, and honed skills in ways traditional assessments cannot match.
“VR is more than a novel tool; it challenges students to think differently and enhances their confidence as practitioners,” said Thandokazi Ikedinobi, Manager of the eLearning and Instructional Technologies Unit at CUTL. Students embraced the technology with enthusiasm, demonstrating adaptability and eagerness to explore this new dimension of learning.
For the School of Health Care Sciences (SHCS), the programme is a source of pride. Dr Vuyokazi Soga, School Operations Manager, highlighted the significance of being the first African university to implement VR-based assessments. “This pilot is a testament to visionary leadership and a commitment to equipping students for the evolving realities of healthcare,” she noted.
Rekindle Learning’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sally Nhlanhla, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the broader vision: to make VR a mainstream educational tool across Africa. “Partnering with SMU allows us to empower students not just with knowledge, but with the tools to shape the future of healthcare delivery,” she said.
Though currently focused on nursing, the potential of VR assessments extends across disciplines. Feedback from students, lecturers, and administrators will refine the programme and may pave the way for adoption in pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine. If scaled, VR could become a cornerstone of SMU’s teaching model, offering risk-free, engaging, and accelerated learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
What sets this achievement apart is not only the technology itself but the culture of support within the Department of Nursing. The presence of the full team during the assessments reflected a dedication to excellence, innovation, and student development. By embracing new teaching methods and standing alongside learners, the department set a benchmark in leadership that inspires both students and colleagues.
This milestone signals more than innovation—it represents a bold statement that African universities can lead in redefining education through technology. For the 56 nursing students who participated, the experience extends beyond the VR headset: it equips them with practical skills, confidence, and a pioneering spirit that will guide their journey as healthcare professionals.
SMU’s VR pilot marks a transformative step in African higher education, showing that when ambition meets technology, learning is limited only by imagination.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, SMU Media, Student Media
In early September 2025, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked a milestone in advancing regional cooperation by hosting delegations from the National Health Training College (NHTC), Lesotho, and Boitekanelo College, Botswana. The engagements culminated in the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), reaffirming SMU’s commitment to academic excellence, capacity building, and health sciences development across Southern Africa.
On 2 September, SMU held a virtual signing ceremony with NHTC, signalling a formal partnership to support Lesotho’s NHTC’s transition to an autonomous University of Health Sciences. NHTC and representatives from the Lesotho Department of Education and Department of Finance visited SMU in June for a two-day benchmarking exercise. The virtual event brought together SMU leadership, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research Professor Dini Mawela, alongside NHTC Director General Dr. Mahlomola Kutoane and key academic leaders.
Opening the ceremony, Dr Carlien Jooste, SMU’s Director of Internationalisation, emphasised the shared vision: “We may be rooted in different countries, yet we are united by a commitment to advancing health sciences education and fostering regional development.”
The collaboration will enable student articulation agreements, joint research, staff and student mobility, and curriculum enhancement. Dr Kutoane described the MOU as a “concrete commitment” to preparing future health professionals through joint training, research, and exchange opportunities.
Professor Matsha-Erasmus reflected on the broader significance: “This MOU captures SMU’s commitment to supporting NHTC in its transition to an autonomous university. It encourages strategic engagements, knowledge sharing, and organisational learning to strengthen governance, quality assurance, and African health sciences knowledge dissemination.”
The following day, 3 September, SMU welcomed a delegation from Boitekanelo College, led by Provost Dr Tiroyaone Mampane. The visit included tours of the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Department, the Skills Centre, and the library, offering insight into SMU’s teaching and research facilities. The day concluded with the signing of an MOU in the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom.
Dr Jooste introduced the agreement, highlighting its scope, while departmental leaders shared perspectives on areas of synergy. Dr Mampane underscored the importance of collaboration: “Our visit to SMU represents an important step in establishing a long-term partnership that will strengthen health sciences education in both Botswana and South Africa.”
Matsha-Erasmus signed the agreement alongside Mampane, describing it as a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the training of health professionals equipped to tackle regional challenges.
Closing the ceremony, Professor Douglas Maleka, Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences, highlighted the partnership’s transformative potential: “Together, we will co-create programmes, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of health sciences education in our region.”
Both partnerships are expected to promote staff and student mobility, joint research projects, professional development, and curriculum innovation. By leveraging complementary strengths, SMU and its partners aim to address regional health challenges, strengthen health systems, and cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals.
These agreements underscore SMU’s role in driving regional integration and collaboration. By creating structured pathways for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovation, the University demonstrates its commitment to advancing health education, supporting sustainable development, and strengthening Southern Africa’s capacity for healthcare delivery.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again made its mark on the global academic stage through the leadership of its Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Dr Moreoagae Randa, who has played a pivotal role in an international collaboration funded by the British Academy.
The programme, valued at £29,577 and running from 2023 to 2025, was awarded to De Montfort University (DMU) in the United Kingdom as the lead applicant. Dr Randa serves as the principal South African partner, ensuring the effective disbursement and accountability of funds to SMU. The project, themed “Strengthening South African Writing for Academic Outputs”, reflects her longstanding commitment to advancing research and innovation at SMU and beyond.
The initiative represents a strategic partnership between SMU, Stellenbosch University, DMU, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Nottingham. Co-led by Dr Kathyrn Hinsliff-Smith of DMU and Dr Randa, the project has supported 22 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) drawn from six South African public universities, including 11 from SMU. These researchers, either completing their PhDs or engaged as postdoctoral fellows, were provided with a two-year structured, mentored writing experience.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Randa said: “This programme has strengthened the capacity of early career researchers to publish, secure grants, and engage globally. Its impact will continue to resonate across institutions, disciplines, and the country’s research agenda.”
Workshops, mentoring sessions, and virtual engagements have enabled participants to strengthen their writing capabilities, expand professional networks, and produce tangible research outputs. Activities included an inaugural three-day workshop in November 2023 at Stellenbosch, online group sessions focusing on academic search strategies, and a recorded open forum with representatives of the National Research Foundation (NRF). These interventions provided participants with crucial insights into academic publishing, grant writing, and the South African promotion system for academics.
The outcomes of the programme are already evident. Participants have delivered successful journal publications, completed doctoral studies, secured research grants, and forged international collaborations. According to co-lead Dr Hinsliff-Smith: “The progress of these researchers has been remarkable. This project has not only improved their writing skills but has also created new opportunities for collaboration across borders.”
The diversity of disciplines represented by the cohort further amplified the programme’s impact. Researchers came from fields as varied as public health, pharmacy, cultural and political studies, radiotherapy, psychology, and optometry. This breadth fostered interdisciplinary learning and exchange, creating a platform for cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies that enriched the experience for all involved.
The collaboration culminated in the “Road to Success Conference” hosted at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo International Airport from 18–20 February 2025. Here, the ECRs showcased their progress, shared experiences, and celebrated achievements alongside mentors and international collaborators.
One of the participants, Portia Ramashia, Lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Radiation Therapy at the University of Johannesburg, noted: “The mentorship provided a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow. I now feel equipped to publish confidently and to position myself for future academic opportunities.”
The recognition of Randa’s leadership in this programme builds upon her earlier work in collaborative projects addressing pressing social issues, such as gender-based violence, where she partnered with UK counterparts and local organisations to develop training materials for health professionals.
Through her vision and dedication, Randa exemplifies the values of academic excellence, international collaboration, and societal impact, positioning SMU as a key contributor to research and innovation both nationally and globally.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 27, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
It began with a vision: to open doors, build bridges and connect South African universities to the world. That vision has now become a reality, as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has secured prestigious funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to deliver a transformative internationalisation training programme for higher education institutions across South Africa.
This milestone reflects SMU’s enduring commitment to excellence, integrity, diversity, respect and accountability—the values that guide the University’s growth and global engagement. For a directorate that is only in its third year, the achievement highlights SMU’s ability to make a meaningful impact on the international higher education landscape.
At the heart of this success is Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU and an alumna of DAAD’s Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) programme. Drawing on her expertise, Dr Jooste collaborated with Dr Mbali Mkhize and Dr Zamaqwabe Sishi from Mangosuthu University of Technology to develop an innovative proposal entitled Building Bridges: Developing Internationalisation Skills for Professional Staff in South African Universities. Their concept impressed adjudicators in the highly competitive National Multiplication Training (NMT) programme, jointly initiated by DAAD and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ).
The NMT programme, coordinated by the Centre for Quality Development at the University of Potsdam, enables DIES alumni to deliver capacity-building initiatives in their regions. Applications were received from Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Out of dozens of submissions, only thirteen proposals were approved globally, seven from Africa. The SMU–MUT collaboration proudly emerged as the only South African project selected, highlighting the strength and originality of their approach.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr Jooste said: “As two Historically Disadvantaged Institutions and a female-led training team, we were ecstatic when we received the news that our proposal had been accepted. This is not just a personal victory, but an important milestone for SMU and a step forward for higher education in South Africa.”
The training programme, due to open applications in September 2025, will focus on empowering professional staff—the operational backbone of universities—with the knowledge and skills required to advance internationalisation. These staff members, working in areas such as admissions, finance, student affairs, marketing, communications and human resources, play a vital role in implementing a university’s international strategy, yet their impact is often overlooked.
Jooste explained: “Most of the work in International Offices across South Africa is carried out by administrative staff. They keep internationalisation moving, yet many colleagues in other departments do not realise how important they are to this ecosystem. Our goal is to build capacity, foster collaboration and make internationalisation a shared responsibility across the university.”
She added, “As a team from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions, we understand the gaps and challenges that exist. This training aims to address those gaps and promote excellence, diversity, respect and accountability—values that SMU stands for. This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating a culture of integrity and innovation that positions South African universities on the global stage.”
This achievement underscores SMU’s growing role as a leader in shaping internationalisation within higher education. Beyond the funding and recognition, it reflects the University’s determination to embrace innovation, cultivate partnerships and create opportunities that transcend borders. By empowering professional staff, SMU is investing in the people who drive its mission forward, ensuring that internationalisation is understood, valued and embedded across campuses.
From a young directorate to international recognition, SMU is charting a bold course for the future. This milestone demonstrates that vision, collaboration and commitment to core values can transform institutions, empower individuals and position South African universities as global players in higher education.
By Dimakatso Modise
