by Lorato | Jan 8, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Mathematics is a field where black women remain rare. Professor Maggie Aphane is rewriting that narrative. As Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Aphane is transforming mathematics from a gatekeeper discipline into a platform for inclusion, leadership, and innovation. Recently appointed to the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA-MaSS), she is shaping the future of mathematics both inside SMU and across South Africa.
Aphane holds a BSc, Honours, MSc, and PhD in Mathematics (Topology) from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she became the first South African woman and only the second woman overall to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the institution. “I’ve often been the only black female present at international conferences,” she reflects. “That has only strengthened my resolve to break barriers and inspire others.”
Her fascination with mathematics began early, drawn by its logical precision and power to explain the world. Specialising in general topology, Aphane’s research supports fields such as data science, network analysis, and medical imaging. She also works in fixed point theory and graph theory, contributing to models used in drug development and disease transmission.
As Head of Department, she is actively reshaping the academic culture at SMU. “One of my central goals is to increase the representation of women in mathematics,” she explained. “Diversity is not just a value, it’s essential to innovation.” Under her leadership, the department introduced a graph theory module to help students analyse real-world public health data. This forms part of a broader effort to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as pharmacology and public health.
Previously known mainly for teaching, the department has transformed into a leading research hub. “We’ve gone from zero publications to being SMU’s highest publishing department,” she notes with pride. Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, she credits her achievements to the mentorship of Professor Seithuti Moshokoa and the support of her family. “You need people who remind you of your goals when things get tough,” she says.
For this reason, mentorship lies at the core of her academic legacy. She has created safe, inclusive spaces for young women in science, offering scholarships, internships, and research opportunities. Her recent participation in the Megamaths Conference, alongside six female postgraduate students, reflects her hands-on and empowering approach.
Under her leadership, the department has raised over R15 million to support emerging researchers and tutors, produced its first PhD graduates, and seen a steady rise in postgraduate enrolments. She also secured the department’s first nGAP lecturer and welcomed two postdoctoral fellows, further strengthening its research profile.
At SMU, where mathematics now fuels both research output and interdisciplinary innovation, Aphane is building more than a department; she is building a legacy. “I hope to be remembered as someone who opened doors and built lasting foundations,” she says. “That would be my greatest legacy.” For South African mathematics, and for every young woman following in her footsteps, Professor Maggie Aphane is ensuring that legacy is already taking shape.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Dec 12, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Jacob Monedi Lekabe’s distinguished journey from the humble streets of Thlabane Township, Rustenburg, to becoming a pillar of medical science and labour leadership at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) epitomises dedication, intellectual rigour, and unwavering commitment to service. Reflecting on his early years, he recalls, “I grew up understanding the value of hard work and perseverance. My high school years at Rauwane Sepeng shaped my discipline and determination, and matriculating in 1979 was just the start of a lifelong journey of learning and service.”
His professional odyssey began in earnest in May 1987 when he joined the then Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa) as a Medical Technologist in the Department of Haematological Pathology. Prior to this appointment, he trained extensively in Clinical Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology—foundational expertise that would define his contributions to medical science over the next four decades. “Joining Medunsa was a dream come true,” he says. “The University gave me opportunities to grow professionally and academically, which I could not have imagined at the time.”
Over nearly forty years, Lekabe has cultivated a reputation for scientific excellence, mentorship, and leadership. Balancing full-time work with advanced studies, he completed his Bachelor of Science in 1994 and later a BSc Honours in Medical Sciences, specialising in Haematological Pathology, in 2012. “These academic milestones were crucial in enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to both clinical work and research,” he reflects.
One of the defining chapters of his career was his integral role in SMU’s Kidney Transplant Programme, where he performed Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) testing, immunological assessments, and related research between 1985 and 2005. “It was an intense and rewarding period,” Lekabe notes. “Knowing that our work directly influenced patient outcomes—and in many cases offered a renewed chance at life—was profoundly fulfilling.”
Beyond his scientific contributions, Lekabe has been an extraordinary mentor, guiding Intern Medical Scientists, Registrars, and BSc Honours students, particularly in quality assurance in medical laboratories. “Training the next generation of medical scientists was always close to my heart,” he says. “Seeing students grow in confidence and competence, and eventually become leaders themselves, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
Parallel to his scientific and academic work, Lekabe has been a respected figure in labour leadership. Encouraged by Prof Vanessa Moodley, he actively participated in union matters and was appointed Chairperson of the South African Parastatal and Tertiary Institutions Union (SAPTU) in 2015, a role he continues to fulfil with distinction. “Being a union leader taught me the importance of dialogue, fairness, and collective responsibility,” he reflects.
As SMU honours his retirement, Odette Ramsingh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, paid tribute during the retirees’ celebration: “Mr Lekabe represents the very essence of dedicated, principled service. His integrity, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible imprint on SMU. We celebrate not only his decades of work, but the dignity and mentorship he has exemplified throughout his career.”
Looking back, Lekabe expresses profound gratitude for the institutions that shaped him—Medunsa, the University of Limpopo, and now SMU. “It has been nearly forty years of service, learning, and giving back,” he says. “I am grateful for every opportunity, every challenge, and every success. These experiences have shaped me not just as a professional, but as a person committed to making a meaningful difference.”
Lekabe’s legacy—anchored in scholarship, mentorship, and principled leadership—will continue to inspire colleagues, students, and the broader SMU community.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 27, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) proudly celebrates the recent recognition of its newly appointed Council member, Dr Nomonde Mabuya, who has been awarded the prestigious Ellen Kuzwayo Council Medal by the University of Johannesburg for her outstanding contribution to public health, occupational safety, and women’s empowerment.
A medical doctor, occupational health specialist, academic, business leader, and social innovator, Mabuya has dedicated more than three decades to advancing the wellbeing of South Africans. Her distinguished career aligns strongly with SMU’s mission to cultivate leaders who drive transformation and improve the quality of life across the country.
For over thirty years, Mabuya has been one of the country’s leading advocates for workplace health and safety. She has advised major institutions—including Vodacom, Deloitte, Standard Bank, Telkom, and the South African Reserve Bank—on employee wellness and occupational health programmes that have protected thousands of workers and significantly improved working conditions across sectors.
Her influence has been especially notable in the mining industry. Mabuya played a central role in developing South Africa’s fitness-for-work guidelines, adopted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in 2014. These guidelines continue to serve as a national benchmark for fairness, accountability, and improved protection for vulnerable mineworkers.
As CEO of Qalo DigiHealth, she is advancing healthcare accessibility through digital innovation, promoting the use of electronic health records, remote patient monitoring, and other technologies that make healthcare more effective, affordable, and responsive to patients’ needs.
Mabuya’s contributions also extend to education and social development. Having lectured for 15 years at the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Health, she has shaped generations of health professionals. Her founding of the Women’s Sports Trust and Women Entrepreneurs Trust further demonstrates her commitment to empowerment, providing mentorship, scholarships, and funding opportunities for women and girls across the country.
Her medico-legal expertise has been equally influential through her work with the Road Accident Fund and her leadership as Chair of the HPCSA RAF Tribunal Committee, strengthening justice and fairness in medico-legal assessments.
The University of Johannesburg’s Ellen Kuzwayo Council Medal recognises leaders who advance social equity, transformation, and national development, qualities that Mabuya exemplifies. Her appointment to the SMU Council brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, public health expertise, and a deep commitment to societal impact.
Mabuya’s leadership continues to shape healthier, safer, and more equitable communities, an inspiring alignment with SMU’s vision of excellence and service to society.
by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Adverts
A brilliant young scholar from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Tumiso Matsobane Kekana, is redefining the intersection of Mathematics and Material Science through his pioneering research in Chemical Graph Theory (CGT). His work, which investigates the structural and mechanical properties of complex molecular compounds such as dendrimers and graphene, has attracted both national and international recognition for its scientific precision and potential applications in nanotechnology and materials engineering.
Born on 22 July 1997, Kekana recently graduated cum laude with a Master of Science in Mathematics from SMU. His dissertation, “Computational Analysis of Complex Dendrimer and Graphene Structures via Neighbourhood Multiple Degree-based Topological Indices and M-Polynomials,” advances the mathematical modelling of molecular structures and their behaviours under various conditions.
“Mathematics is not just about numbers—it’s about revealing the patterns that govern our universe,” he explains. “Through Chemical Graph Theory, we can predict the properties of materials before they even exist in a lab. That’s the power of mathematical innovation.”
At the core of Kekana’s study lies the use of Topological Indices (TIs)—numerical descriptors that model molecular structures as graphs. His research introduces neighbourhood multiple degree-based TIs, offering more accurate predictions of graphene’s mechanical properties, such as Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, and Shear Modulus. His results confirm the predictive strength of these mathematical tools, marking a step forward in computational chemistry.
Beyond research, Kekana is a full-time lecturer in SMU’s Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, where he teaches Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra and mentors young mathematicians. Through his involvement in the department’s Community Engagement Committee, he helps organise mathematics competitions and outreach programmes for high school learners, nurturing future problem-solvers.
“Relevance beats cleverness every time,” he reflects. “If our teaching and research don’t connect to real-world challenges, then we’ve missed the purpose of science.”
Kekana’s contributions have been recognised through peer-reviewed publications in international journals such as Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics and Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms and Applications. His recent paper, co-authored with Dr Kazeem Aremu and Professor Maggie Aphane, presents a new method for computing topological descriptors of graphene using Neighbourhood Multiple M-Polynomials—a breakthrough simplifying complex molecular analysis.
Kekana’s success story began on the dusty streets of Ivory Park. After matriculating from Thuto Ke Maatla Comprehensive School in 2015 with results that initially barred university admission, he spent two years upgrading his marks at Tembisa High ABET School. In 2018, he was finally accepted to study Mathematics at SMU—a dream fuelled by his mentor, Godfrey Tshehla (PhD candidate in Financial Mathematics at Wits), whose passion for mathematics inspired him deeply.
Although he failed his Honours year in 2021, his supervisor, Dr Aremu, refused to let him quit. “He reminded me of my ‘why’,” Kekana recalls. Repeating the programme in 2022, he graduated with distinction.
Yet another obstacle emerged after his Honours degree: university debt barred him from accommodation and registration. Forced back to his two-room shack in Ivory Park, he began his Master’s degree under severe hardship—no electricity, no proper study space, and constant financial strain. To survive, he sold achaar and relied on Hands of Compassion, the SMU feeding scheme. Drawn by the difficult environment, he briefly turned to gambling (dice), even becoming a “knox man” as a means of survival. Despite these challenges, he completed his MSc degree cum laude in record time and published two Q2-ranked journal papers.
Now a PhD student, full-time researcher, and lecturer, Kekana’s journey embodies resilience, passion, and purpose. “Where you start doesn’t define where you can go,” he says. “With perseverance, even dust can give birth to diamonds.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
In a proud moment for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Dr Nana Millicent Duduzile Buthelezi has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) — a distinction reserved for promising young researchers under 40 who have held a doctorate for fewer than five years and are recognised for their potential to establish themselves as leading academics within the next five years.
The NRF rating is one of South Africa’s most rigorous measures of research excellence, based on international peer review and the quality, originality, and impact of a scholar’s research outputs. For Dr Buthelezi, this recognition is more than a personal achievement — it is a validation of years of dedication to sustainable science and a catalyst for future innovation.
“Receiving recognition from the NRF is a significant milestone in my career, symbolising and validating my academic growth,” she said. “It has increased my visibility and credibility within the academic community, opened doors for collaboration, and encouraged me to pursue impactful, innovative projects.”
Buthelezi’s academic journey is exceptional. Holding two PhDs — one in Horticultural Science and another in Botany — she has focused her research on environmental sustainability, green nanotechnology, and postharvest biology. Her work explores eco-friendly agricultural solutions, including nanofertilisers, biostimulants, and nanocomposite coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce while reducing environmental damage.
Her passion for sustainable agriculture was sparked by witnessing the effects of environmental degradation, climate change, and food waste. “My research addresses two pressing global challenges — postharvest losses and environmental decline,” she explained. “By developing green technologies, we can improve crop yields, enhance food security, and protect our planet for future generations.”
At SMU, Buthelezi credits her department and mentors for providing a nurturing environment that has allowed her to thrive. “The support from Prof Piet King, our Head of Department, has been instrumental. SMU has fostered a collaborative culture that promotes interdisciplinary research and innovation,” she said.
The NRF Y-rating underscores Buthelezi’s growing influence in the scientific community. Her research not only strengthens SMU’s standing as a research-intensive institution but also contributes directly to South Africa’s broader mission of sustainable development and food security.
Currently, she is leading projects on green nanotechnology in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and other universities. Her team, which includes MSc and PhD students, is developing environmentally friendly nanomaterials such as zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles — innovations that promise to revolutionise modern agriculture.
Beyond her research, Buthelezi is passionate about mentorship. She guides postgraduate students through hands-on training, peer mentorship, and publication in high-impact journals. “The NRF rating has strengthened my commitment to mentoring emerging scholars,” she noted. “Our next generation of scientists must be equipped to think critically, research ethically, and innovate sustainably.”
As for her future, Buthelezi remains ambitious and forward-looking. “This milestone inspires me to push the boundaries of green science further,” she said. “Ultimately, I hope my work leaves a legacy of sustainable agriculture that balances productivity with environmental stewardship.”
With her recognition, Buthelezi joins the growing cohort of SMU researchers placing the university on the map as a leader in health sciences, agricultural innovation, and environmental resilience — a shining example of how world-class research can begin right here at home.
By Tumelo Moila
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
