MEC Nkomo Ralehoko conducts a follow up visit to SMU to give feedback

by Lorato | May 5, 2023 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media

Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko undertook a follow up visit to SMU today 05 May 2023. She was accompanied by a high powered delegation from both the Premier’s office and the department. In welcoming the MEC and her entourage to SMU, Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati said he appreciated and was encouraged by the visit to the University as this brought hope that government is serious about working with the University. “We are the only dedicated health sciences university in Southern Africa and this presents a huge opportunity for SMU. I must add that there is really a renewed strategic intent to be a leader in both health education and health services because we work very closely with our clinical platforms. We have an integral working relationships as we have said in the past with Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, the National Health Laboratory Services, and have a dedicated dental teaching hospital”, said Mbati.

Mbati used the occasion to revisit some of the matters raised with the MEC during her previous visit. These included the matter of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital being a fit for purpose tertiary academic teaching hospital; facilities for oral health services and their repurposing; staffing for both School of medicine and dental hospital; issues of the bulging student debt amongst others. He explained that SMU is home to a large proportion of students from indigent families who qualify and have a right to be here to pursue their studies but have difficulties to pay their tuition fees. “We plead with the MEC and Premier’s offices for an increase of bursaries for students who come to SMU and also call for innovative ways to clear issues of students’ debt”.

Mbati also announced that plans are underway to build a centre for pandemics at SMU. “This is a project that is being coordinated from the department of Science and Innovation and will be a collaborative effort between SMU and 6 other universities. I was in Canada for a South Africa/Canada universities forum and there is an intention to bring in partnerships from Canada to assist us in the setting up of the centre for pandemics”, he said.

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SMU Vice-Chancellor appeals to business and stakeholders to partner with the University

by Lorato | Apr 5, 2022 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media

At the conclusion of the recent launch of the business and stakeholder gala dinner, the Vice-Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Professor Peter Mbati has reached out to stakeholders in government, public and private sector to partner with the University in various projects to ensure that SMU continues to play a meaningful role as the only dedicated health sciences university in the region.

In welcoming all the guests, the Chairperson of the University Council Ms Maria Rambauli said, the purpose of the occasion was for the Vice- Chancellor to share with business and stakeholders the journey of where SMU is going and to make the right contacts. The Council Chairperson called upon all executives, students and staff to be proud of what the university is doing. “I am passionate about this university as its product”, she said. She reminded everyone that at the end of it all, it is about the children from different backgrounds who come to SMU in search of that gold that is their Degree which will enrich their lives forever.

To access full article, please follow this link: SMU Vice-Chancellor appeals to business and stakeholders to partner with the University

SMU Vice-Chancellor hosts NSFAS delegation to discuss issues of mutual interest

by Lorato | Mar 9, 2022 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Mbati hosted a delegation from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on Campus recently. The delegation from the Scheme was led by its Board Chairperson Mr Ernest Khosa, accompanied by the CEO Mr Andile Nongogo, members of the Board as well as the President and Secretary of the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

“It’s a great pleasure to have you here. NSFAS plays a critical role in funding higher education. SMU relies largely on the support we get from NSFAS and I hope that possibly together we can find ways of resolving all challenges confronting us”, said Prof Mbati as he welcomed the delegation. In his opening remarks the NSFAS Board Chairperson Mr Khosa explained that they are conducting visits to Universities and TVET colleges across the country as part of their efforts to engage with Management of Universities and Student Representative Councils. He mentioned that student funding was a source of instability and protests in many institutions of higher learning. “When this board was appointed last year, the first decision it took was that it cannot be business as usual, NSFAS cannot operate the same way. We have to find long term solutions. NSFAS role has changed and if we want to go anywhere with the new role of NSFAS we need to engage better, understand what the real problems are and get real input from universities” elaborated the Chair.

To access full article, please follow this link: From the VC’s Desk – SMU Vice-Chancellor hosts NSFAS delegation to discuss issues of mutual interest