by Lorato | Oct 16, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to shape South Africa’s health sciences landscape, producing visionary professionals, pioneering researchers, and transformative leaders. From government corridors to hospital theatres and corporate boardrooms, SMU alumni advance health sciences, drive innovation, and contribute to socio-economic development across the continent.
To preserve and strengthen this legacy, SMU Convocation invites alumni, partners, and friends to the SMU Convocation Fundraising & Alumni Awards Gala Dinner on 25 October 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The event is more than a celebration — it is a call to action to invest in the next generation of health sciences leaders. Many talented SMU students face financial challenges that threaten their academic and professional aspirations. The Gala Dinner aims to bridge this gap, ensuring no deserving student is left behind. The evening will also honour distinguished alumni whose contributions reflect SMU’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, and Respect.
In preparation for the event, the SMU Convocation Executive Committee (EXCO) held a strategic workshop to plan for the year ahead. The session provided an opportunity to reflect on Convocation’s role in advancing the University’s mission, strengthening alumni relations, and ensuring meaningful participation in institutional development.
Delivering the welcome address, Japhta Phala, President of SMU Convocation, emphasised that Convocation is more than a statutory structure — it is a vibrant community of graduates, academics, and stakeholders united by a shared responsibility to support SMU’s growth. “The Convocation exists to be the voice of alumni, strengthen the bond between graduates and their alma mater, and play a meaningful role in the life of the institution,” he said.
Vice-President Elifolet Bhembe outlined the workshop objectives, which included preparing for the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and finalising plans for the Fundraising Gala Dinner. “We reviewed the SMU Statute and Convocation Constitution to ensure compliance and alignment, developed a detailed checklist for the AGM, and explored ways to enhance Convocation activities and alumni benefits,” he explained.
The workshop focused on governance, accountability, and innovation. By grounding its work in the SMU Statute and Constitution, Convocation reaffirms its commitment to transparency and good governance. The AGM was highlighted not merely as a statutory requirement, but as a democratic platform empowering alumni to influence the University’s direction.
Participants also discussed enhancing alumni engagement through tangible benefits, such as professional networking platforms, mentorship programmes, and opportunities for collaboration in research and community development. “A vibrant alumni community is central to the sustainability and reputation of SMU. When alumni thrive, the University’s name shines brighter — and when the university grows, alumni benefit in return,” the EXCO noted.
The workshop included dedicated Convocation EXCO members: Japhta Phala (President), Elifolet Bhembe (Vice-President), Sello Madibela (Secretary), Jeff Shipalana and Remofilwe Poeng (Additional Members), Dr Zukiswa Gonya (University Council Member), and Letsai Mashishi (Senior Officer: Convocation Administration).
Concluding the session, Phala thanked members for their dedication, emphasising that their work lays the foundation for a more connected alumni community and a stronger institution. “The work we are doing today paves the way for a stronger Convocation, a more engaged alumni network, and a university that continues to shine as a centre of excellence in health sciences education,” he said.
As SMU prepares for the Fundraising & Alumni Awards Gala Dinner, the call is clear — come together as a community, invest in the dreams of future health professionals, and build a lasting legacy of opportunity, excellence, and impact.
By Dimakatso Modise
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 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
The air inside the University Sports Complex at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) was charged with anticipation as administrative and support staff converged for a landmark occasion. Far from a routine gathering, the assembly marked a pivotal moment in the University’s governance story—the election of their voice to the SMU Council, the highest decision-making body entrusted with shaping the institution’s future.
Interim Registrar, Mr Sello Simon Mokoena, who had taken office only weeks earlier, set the tone as he opened the proceedings. His words carried both weight and warmth. “The strength of SMU lies in the collective efforts of all its people,” he told the packed hall. “This election reflects our commitment to inclusive governance and to ensuring that every sector of our community has a voice at the highest decision-making level.”
Two candidates stood before their colleagues: Hlayiseka Mukhari Shikwambana, a Laboratory Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, and Dr Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi, Deputy Director for Assets and Stores. Both were seasoned professionals with deep ties to the institution, and both were eager to carry the hopes of their peers into Council chambers.
The election unfolded through a secret ballot, tightly overseen by governance and audit structures to ensure fairness. Silence filled the hall as votes were counted and verified. Then came the announcement: Shikwambana had secured 268 votes to Mulaudzi’s 204. With a clear margin, he was declared the new Administrative and Support Staff Representative to the SMU Council.
The moment was met with applause, but it was Shikwambana’s response that left a lasting impression. Taking the podium, he spoke with humility and conviction. “Your support is both humbling and empowering,” he began. “I pledge to represent all workers without fear or favour. Your struggles, challenges, and aspirations are my own.”
He described administrative and support staff as the “lifeblood of the institution,” emphasising their essential role in sustaining SMU’s academic mission. His words resonated with colleagues who have long sought recognition for their often-unseen contributions.
Shikwambana’s connection to SMU is more than professional—it is personal. Originally from Giyani and raised in Julesburg, Rhulani, Tzaneen, he has spent over a decade at the University as both a student and staff member. He holds three SMU degrees and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry, researching molecular biology and diabetes management. Alongside his administrative duties, he contributes academically by assisting with lectures and supervising postgraduate students.
This blend of scholarship and service shapes his vision for Council. He spoke of strengthening accountability within governance structures, creating promotion and reward systems to motivate staff, and ensuring that the voices of administrative and support employees are heard in every decision.
“Together, we will make SMU not only a place of academic excellence, but also a university of first choice for employees, students, and partners alike,” he declared. “With unity, transparency, and commitment, we can build a future where every staff member feels respected, valued, and proud to serve.”
The election marked more than a leadership choice—it was a reaffirmation of SMU’s commitment to participatory governance. By securing representation for administrative and support staff, the University continues to strengthen its culture of inclusivity and shared responsibility.
As the meeting drew to a close, the atmosphere was buoyant. Staff praised the transparency of the process and voiced optimism that Shikwambana’s leadership would amplify their interests at the Council table. For many, it was not just a win for a candidate but a win for every worker whose efforts fuel the University’s mission.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 2, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
The Department of Occupational Therapy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) brought past and present together in a vibrant celebration during Occupational Therapy (OT) Week 2025. Themed “Occupational Therapy: Then and Now – Legacy Day”, the event transformed the department’s OT gym into a space of memory, mentorship, and motivation, where alumni and students gathered to reflect on the profession’s journey and its enduring impact.
Organised in collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA), the gathering paid tribute to senior practitioners while guiding the hands and minds of those just beginning their careers. Acting Head of Department, Anna Lesunyane, captured the essence of the day when she remarked, “It is wonderful to see our students engaging with their seniors, learning from their experiences, and reflecting on the rich history of occupational therapy in South Africa. This is how we build a strong, connected OT community.”
The heartbeat of the day came from alumni who returned to their alma mater, each carrying stories that blended personal triumph with professional purpose.
For Samuel Chauke, SMU graduate and current Mr World South Africa (2024–2026), the journey began in 2018 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree. Today, as a Senior Occupational Therapist at Potchefstroom Hospital, Chauke sees the profession as a force that restores dignity and hope. He spoke with conviction about the transformative role of vocational rehabilitation, reminding students that dedication and passion are the keys to meaningful community change. His words struck a chord, leaving many inspired to carry that same determination forward.
Khanyisile Mabena, another proud SMU alumna, brought her own story of impact. A Miss Gauteng Exclusive finalist and Occupational Therapist at Weskoppies Hospital, Mabena, told students that occupational therapy must be seen as more than a career. “Occupational therapy is not just a profession; it is a calling to make a difference every day,” she said. Her message extended beyond clinical practice, highlighting the profession’s reach into schools, families, and communities.
Adding yet another dimension was alumna Millicent Daoduo, who spoke passionately about collaboration in education. Addressing the theme “The Collaborative Partnership between Teachers and Occupational Therapists in Public Special Schools in South Africa”, she emphasised that teamwork between educators and therapists can create inclusive environments for children with special needs. “When teachers and occupational therapists work together, we create inclusive environments that empower children with special needs. It’s about teamwork, understanding, and ensuring that every child can thrive,” she explained.
Together, these stories formed a powerful narrative of what it means to be an occupational therapist in today’s South Africa: a blend of science and service, of skill and compassion.
For students, the event was not just an academic exercise. It was a rare chance to connect with role models who had once walked the same halls, sat in the same lectures, and now stood before them as leaders in hospitals, schools, and communities. The atmosphere was alive with questions, reflections, and the realisation that they too are part of a growing legacy.
As the day drew to a close, Lesunyane reminded all present that learning is a lifelong journey. “Legacy Day is a reminder that learning never stops. Our alumni are living proof that occupational therapy changes lives, not only for clients but also for practitioners themselves,” she said.
Students left the OT gym with renewed motivation, proud to belong to a profession that blends knowledge with humanity. The event reaffirmed SMU’s commitment to producing therapists who are both clinically excellent and socially responsive. Through initiatives such as OT Week, the Department of Occupational Therapy continues to nurture a legacy of healing, innovation, and transformation—one generation guiding the next.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 15, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked a proud academic milestone on Friday, 12 September, as 110 students graduated at a ceremony held at its Sports Complex. The event not only celebrated individual achievement but also highlighted the University’s growing contribution to health sciences education in South Africa.
Among the undergraduates, nine students (8%) had entered the University through the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), underlining SMU’s commitment to widening access to higher education. One student also graduated cum laude, underscoring the high academic standards at the institution.
The recently appointed SMU Chancellor, Dr Penny Moumakwa, formally conferred degrees to the graduates at SMU’s Spring Graduation Ceremony, marking her first official act in this prestigious role. Her presence added gravitas to the event as she personally recognised the achievements of the graduates across disciplines, including dentistry, health care sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and science and technology.
The results reflect the University’s strength across disciplines:
- School of Dentistry – 3 undergraduates, 5 Master’s (8 total)
- School of Health Care Sciences – 16 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (18 total)
- School of Medicine – 10 undergraduates, 1 Honours, 33 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (46 total)
- School of Pharmacy – 2 undergraduates, 9 Master’s (11 total)
- School of Science & Technology – 14 undergraduates, 8 Honours, 3 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (27 total)
The figures reveal a strong postgraduate output, with Master’s graduates forming the largest group. This reflects SMU’s dual focus on preparing practitioners and building research capacity and academic leadership.
Graduates shared moving reflections on their journeys. Lehlogonolo Mokaba, who graduated Master of Science (Mathematics) cum laude with a dissertation titled Self-adaptive technique with two-step inertia for monotone variational inclusion problem in real Hilbert space, reflected: “Resilience, faith, and countless hours of dedication carried me through. Hard work, when guided by passion, always bears fruit.”
Ayomide Adeyemi Abe, who earned a PhD in Medical Physics with a thesis titled Detection, staging and classification of lung cancer using deep learning, described his journey as both personal and global: “I arrived with nothing but faith. There were challenges, but I believed, and step by step, everything became clear. I dedicate this PhD to my late uncle, my family in Nigeria, and my supervisors. My advice: believe in yourself – everything is possible.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor for the ceremony, Professor Dini Mawela, applauded the graduates’ determination: “These young professionals will go on to change lives. Their success reflects both personal perseverance and the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence.” She highlighted broader 2025 milestones, including 1,403 graduates this academic year—1,293 during May—and SMU’s first honorary doctorate, awarded to Professor Ngoepe for his four decades of contribution to Physics.
The Spring Graduation marked more than numbers. It underscored SMU’s mission to produce highly skilled professionals in dentistry, health care sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and science and technology fields where South Africa urgently needs expertise.
For the graduates, the day represented years of resilience, long nights of study, and perseverance. For South Africa, it symbolised a stronger workforce equipped to improve healthcare systems, advance scientific knowledge, and tackle pressing national challenges.
As applause filled the Sports Complex, the significance stretched far beyond the hall. The true celebration lies ahead—in the hospitals, laboratories, and communities where these graduates will make their mark.
SMU’s Spring Graduation 2025 is proof once more that SMU does not just produce graduates. It shapes leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
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
