by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Alfred Kgasi’s journey from a rural childhood in North West Province to leading one of South Africa’s premier veterinary academic institutions is a testament to purpose, perseverance, and impact. As an alumnus of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), formerly MEDUNSA, his career illustrates the transformative power of education and the critical role of veterinary science in society.
“Veterinary medicine appealed to me because it sits at the intersection of science, animal welfare, and community wellbeing,” Dr Kgasi explains. Growing up, animals were not only companions but essential to livelihoods and local economies, shaping his worldview and inspiring a lifelong dedication to animal health.
Dr Kgasi qualified as a veterinarian at MEDUNSA during South Africa’s pivotal democratic transition. “MEDUNSA didn’t just train veterinarians; it instilled resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility to society,” he reflects. The determination shared among students to uplift their communities became a driving force in his professional journey.
Recognising the need for broader expertise, Dr Kgasi pursued a Master’s in Veterinary Science, a Master’s in Business Leadership, and a law degree. “Science teaches problem-solving, business teaches leadership, and law teaches governance,” he says. “These combined perspectives equip me to lead strategically and ethically.”
His career spans private practice, public service, and regulatory roles, deepening his understanding of veterinary science and leadership. A highlight was his tenure as President of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) from 2019 to 2022, overseeing professional standards and ethical governance. “Strong regulation protects both the public and the integrity of our profession,” he states. His leadership strengthened accountability and public trust across the sector.
Currently, Dr Kgasi serves as Director of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) at the University of Pretoria. The hospital, part of South Africa’s only veterinary faculty, provides both advanced clinical care and essential training for future veterinarians. “An academic hospital must deliver excellent clinical care while preparing the next generation of professionals,” he explains.
Under his leadership, OVAH achieved Gold Status as a Cat Friendly Clinic, awarded by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). The recognition reflects the hospital’s commitment to high standards of feline care, innovative training, and the promotion of animal welfare.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Dr Kgasi’s work. Outreach programmes and training initiatives support farmers and communities reliant on livestock for food security and income. “Healthy animals mean stable livelihoods for many families,” he notes, highlighting the direct impact of veterinary science on human wellbeing.
Dr Kgasi attributes his success to lifelong learning and mentorship. “Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about continuing to learn and helping others grow,” he says. His philosophy shapes how he guides students, young professionals, and colleagues alike.
To aspiring veterinarians, his advice is clear: “Stay curious, stay committed, and be prepared to work hard. Few professions allow you to combine science, compassion, and service to society in the way veterinary medicine does.”
Looking ahead, Dr Kgasi emphasises the growing role of veterinary science in Africa’s future. Areas such as food security, public health, and wildlife conservation will require collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to improving animal and human well-being.
Dr Kgasi’s story embodies SMU’s vision: transforming health services through excellence and innovation. His work reflects the university’s core values—accountability, integrity, effective leadership, student-centred practice, and Ubuntu—demonstrating how alumni can shape society while staying rooted in professional and ethical excellence.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) students are making a tangible difference in local education. Four final-year Occupational Therapy students recently led an awareness campaign at Lesolang Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, focusing on specific learning disorder (SLD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The initiative, part of the students’ paediatric group project, was supervised by lecturer Dr Teresia Dzhugudzha and clinical supervisor Modiegi Temane. It aimed to equip foundation phase teachers and parents with the knowledge to identify early signs of learning and attention difficulties.
“Early recognition of SLD and ADHD is critical,” said Dr Dzhugudzha. “By providing teachers and parents with practical tools, we can ensure children receive timely support, improving their learning outcomes and overall well-being.”
During the session, students Katlego Malebane, Sphelile Mohlala, Ondwela Nndwakhulu, and Naledi Mahlaopane delivered a structured presentation highlighting common indicators such as difficulties with reading, writing, attention, and task completion. Participants were encouraged to observe these traits in both home and school environments to promote early intervention.
Mahlaopane explained, “We wanted to show that recognising these challenges early can make a huge difference. When teachers and parents understand what to look for, children can access support that truly helps them thrive academically and socially.”
The students also demonstrated occupational therapy strategies that support inclusive learning. These included play-based and multisensory approaches, integrating visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic activities to enhance engagement and skill development. Such methods help learners overcome barriers related to sensory processing, motor coordination, attention, and executive functioning.
“Occupational therapy is about more than treatment,” said Nndwakhulu. “It’s about empowering children to participate fully in all occupations, including education. Demonstrating these interventions allows educators and caregivers to replicate them in everyday classroom and home activities.”
To reinforce the learning, parents and teachers received informational pamphlets summarising the characteristics of SLD and ADHD, signs to watch for, and practical strategies for support. “These resources ensure that awareness continues beyond the campaign,” added Malebane.
The event also commemorated the 50th anniversary of Occupational Therapy at SMU, with lecturer Lebogang Lefine attending and highlighting the department’s community engagement efforts. Lefine noted, “This project exemplifies how our students translate knowledge into action, strengthening community partnerships and promoting inclusive education.”
Echoing the importance of the initiative, Refilwe Rasetlola, a grade 1 teacher at Lesolang Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, said, “This awareness campaign equips our teachers and parents to support every child effectively. We are grateful to SMU for empowering our community and promoting inclusive learning.”
SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and community impact underpinned the initiative. By combining rigorous training with practical application, the university fosters graduates who are prepared to meet diverse societal needs.
“Campaigns like this reflect the university’s vision of transforming health services through innovation and excellence,” said Dr Dzhugudzha. “It demonstrates how students, faculty, and the wider community collaborate to enhance health and educational outcomes.”
The awareness campaign not only strengthened collaboration between students, teachers, and parents but also reinforced SMU’s role as a leader in health sciences education. By promoting early detection, intervention, and inclusive practices, the university continues to contribute meaningfully to the local and national community.
As SMU looks to the future, initiatives like this exemplify its mission: to provide professional training and education that improve lives. Through innovation, advocacy, and active engagement, SMU remains at the forefront of health sciences education and community impact.
By Tumelo Moila
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 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked World Obesity Day 2026 with a bold, hands-on initiative aimed at raising awareness about obesity and promoting healthy living across the university. This year’s global theme, “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity”, underlined the urgent need to create supportive environments for all people worldwide.
“Obesity is no longer a personal issue; it is a global health crisis putting our communities at risk of developing non-communicable diseases,” said Dr Heather Legodi, lecturer in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. “Our goal today is to equip students and staff with practical tools to make healthier food choices every day.”
Aligned with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for Health (2023–2027), the event highlighted access to nutritious foods and the importance of physical activity. Third-year Food Service and Administration students, under Dr Legodi’s supervision, prepared and sold wholesome snacks such as boiled eggs, popcorn, fruit kebabs, and water to the SMU community.
Meanwhile, final-year Dietetics students, guided by Dr Suzan Mokone, conducted nutritional screenings and demonstrated how to prepare simple, healthy meals and snacks. “Small changes in diet and lifestyle can profoundly impact long-term health,” Dr Mokone said.
On the physiotherapy front, first- and second-year students, together with lecturers Evah Molapisi and Ntombenkosi Sobantu, led practical sessions showcasing the role of physical activity in preventing obesity. Participants underwent global physical function screenings to assess endurance, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
“Physiotherapy is not just about treating injury; it’s about empowering people to live actively and maintain mobility throughout life,” Molapisi explained. Attendees also received guidance on simple daily exercises to sustain long-term well-being.
The initiative extended its reach through a radio interview featuring Ria Mehlape, Ntsako Mboweni, and final-year student Thabelo Tshikhudo, who discussed obesity prevention across the life course. They stressed early interventions, optimal infant feeding, balanced diets, culturally appropriate meals, and the reduction of sugar-sweetened and ultra-processed foods.
“Prevention starts early,” said Mehlape. “Supporting women to enter pregnancy in good health and promoting breastfeeding are foundational steps. At the same time, we must acknowledge that food insecurity and obesity coexist—solutions must address access, affordability, and psychosocial factors.”
Adding a playful element, Valencia Ramohashi from Bestmed medical aid rewarded participants who completed all screening assessments with small tokens, blending education with engagement.
Through practical demonstrations, educational talks, and outreach efforts, SMU’s Departments of Human Nutrition & Dietetics and Physiotherapy showcased the urgent need for action. The message was clear: healthier environments build healthier communities.
“Every choice counts. Every step matters,” Dr Legodi concluded. “It’s about empowering our community today to prevent health challenges tomorrow.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
A doctoral candidate from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has received international recognition for pioneering research exploring the role of exercise in substance abuse recovery. Evah Molapisi, a PhD candidate and lecturer in Physiotherapy, secured the Session Best Presenter Award at the Global Health Conference in Bali for her research titled “Exercise as Medicine: Improving Cardiovascular Endurance and Global Function in Nyaope Recovery.”
The award recognised the most impactful research presentation within her session and highlights the growing global interest in innovative approaches to addiction rehabilitation. Molapisi received an official certificate, formal recognition during the conference closing ceremony, and her research will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings. “This recognition affirms the calibre of mentorship and academic training at SMU,” Molapisi said. “It strengthens our resolve to produce research that improves access to recovery and rehabilitation services for vulnerable communities.”
Nyaope — a highly addictive street drug widely used in parts of South Africa — remains a serious public health concern. The substance, often composed of heroin, antiretroviral drugs and other harmful chemicals, can severely damage a user’s physical, cognitive and social functioning.
Molapisi’s research investigated whether structured physical activity could improve physical function among individuals recovering from nyaope addiction. The study followed 108 participants aged 18 and older at a rehabilitation centre in Tshwane over a 10-week structured exercise programme designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and general physical function.
Participants were assessed at three stages: before the intervention, midway through the programme, and after the 10 weeks. The findings revealed clear improvements in several key areas: greater stair-climbing endurance, indicating stronger cardiovascular fitness; faster heart-rate recovery after exercise; and improved aerobic capacity and overall physical conditioning.
“These results demonstrate that exercise can play a powerful role in restoring physical function during addiction recovery,” Molapisi explained. “It also helps improve psychological well-being and provides healthier behavioural alternatives that may reduce the risk of relapse.”
According to Molapisi, addiction treatment programmes often focus heavily on detoxification and psychological support, while the physical rehabilitation of recovering individuals receives less attention.
Her research suggests that structured exercise programmes should form part of holistic substance abuse rehabilitation strategies. “Exercise is a practical, accessible and evidence-based intervention,” she said. “When integrated into rehabilitation programmes, it strengthens both physical and mental resilience among recovering individuals.”
Molapisi serves as a Physiotherapy Community Lecturer and Undergraduate Research Coordinator at SMU, where she mentors students and leads research initiatives aimed at addressing real-world health challenges.
With more than 15 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching and community engagement, she has worked extensively in rehabilitation services and public health programmes.
Her doctoral research explores how physical activity programmes can improve quality of life and global physical function among recovering nyaope users in Tshwane. “Our work must move beyond theory,” Molapisi said. “Research should translate into solutions that strengthen communities and support people on their journey to recovery.”
Her award at the Global Health Conference in Bali places both Molapisi and SMU on the international research stage, while reinforcing the importance of innovative, community-centred approaches to tackling substance abuse.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 11, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Occupational therapy (OT) transforms lives by enabling individuals to engage in meaningful daily activities, supporting health, independence, and well-being. Few embody this mission as profoundly as Professor Daleen Casteleijn, who recently joined the Department of Occupational Therapy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) as a professor. Her career spans clinical practice, research, teaching, and global mentorship. At every stage of her journey, Casteleijn has combined passion, innovation, and commitment to evidence-based practice, shaping the profession and those it serves.
Professor Casteleijn grew up in rural Mpumalanga, in Hazyview and Bushbuckridge, and attended Ben Vorster High School in Limpopo. “Like many young people finishing school, I was not entirely sure what career path to follow. Occupational therapy was a random choice, and I graduated in 1983 from the University of Pretoria. At the time, even after four years of study, I had very little understanding of the profession,” she recalls. Her early clinical experiences at Kalafong, Weskoppies, and Ga-Rankuwa (now Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital) ignited a fascination with mental health and the transformative power of occupational therapy.
Further studies, including an Honours degree at MEDUNSA (now known as SMU) and a PhD at WITS University in 2010, propelled her research career, particularly in outcome measurement and instrument development. “What began as an uncertain career choice has evolved into a passion for evidence-based occupational therapy and supporting the next generation of clinicians and researchers,” she reflects.
From clinician to academic leader, Professor Casteleijn’s career is marked by both depth and breadth. “My career began in clinical practice, particularly in mental health, where I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of occupational therapy,” she explains. Working closely with clients highlighted both the value of OT and the challenge of demonstrating its impact within complex healthcare systems.
Her PhD research focused on outcome measurement, a theme that has guided her work in teaching, supervision, and research collaboration. “I supervised many PhD students, most of whom developed instruments for South Africa and other African countries. They enriched my understanding of contextually relevant tools in different healthcare settings,” she says. Over the years, collaborations with colleagues in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and Australia have further strengthened her commitment to translating research into practical clinical tools.
Professor Casteleijn is particularly drawn to occupational therapy for its holistic understanding of people. “Health is not only about symptoms or diagnoses but about participation in meaningful life roles,” she explains. She describes occupation through the concepts of doing, being, becoming, and belonging — the activities people engage in daily, their identity and sense of meaning, their growth over time, and their connection to others and society.
“What continues to inspire me is seeing how small changes in a person’s ability to engage in daily activities can profoundly influence wellbeing, independence, and purpose. Occupational therapy can be one of the most cost-effective contributions within the healthcare system,” she notes.
One of her most influential contributions to the field is the Activity Participation Outcome Measure (APOM), developed during her PhD and now used in South Africa and the United Kingdom. “The APOM was motivated by a need I observed in clinical practice. I am a strong believer in the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability, and the APOM is based on its levels of creative ability,” she explains. Patented in 2015, the tool enables clinicians to measure meaningful change in activity participation, effectively bridging theory and practice.
Professor Casteleijn emphasises the significance of seeing a locally developed tool gain global relevance. “Seeing the APOM implemented in practice across different contexts demonstrates how locally developed research can contribute to global knowledge and practice.” Through online training programmes, the instrument has also reached clinicians in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
At SMU, Professor Casteleijn aims to strengthen research capacity, mentor young academics, and contribute to building an environment where teaching, research, and clinical practice support one another.
According to Acting Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, Annah Lesunyane, the department is grateful and excited to welcome her expertise. “Prof Casteleijn brings a wealth of experience to the department. Her extensive background in research, teaching and clinical practice will greatly enrich our academic environment and contribute to strengthening research and postgraduate development within occupational therapy at SMU,” Lesunyane says. “In addition, Prof Casteleijn firmly believes that the true measure of impact lies not only in citations but in implementation, when research takes root in practice, changes services and improves lives.”
By Dimakatso Modise
