by Lorato | Feb 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Specialist Nuclear Medicine Physician at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Dr Phumudzo Nemutaduni, has been awarded the Oncidium Foundation Award at the recently held Theranostics World Congress (TWC), in Cape Town. The accolade recognises her trailblazing work in advancing patient access to radioligand therapy, reinforcing the critical link between innovation and equity in cancer care.
The award was presented for her abstract, “Beyond the cure: Economic barriers threatening advanced radionuclide therapy,” which exposes systemic obstacles preventing many patients from benefiting from cutting-edge radiotheranostics. “Innovation in cancer care is only meaningful if patients can actually access it,” Dr Nemutaduni said. “This research is a call to action to bridge the gap between discovery and patient impact.”
As one of South Africa’s foremost nuclear physicians, Dr Nemutaduni has become a leading authority on prostate cancer imaging and therapy. She is also the founder of Precision Nuclear Oncology & Theragnostic (PNOAT), Nuclear Med Group, and Embrace Health Medical Centre in Rustenburg. These facilities deliver advanced imaging and therapy while serving as training hubs, strengthening the national capacity for nuclear medicine. “We aim not only to treat patients but to train the next generation, ensuring knowledge and innovation are shared,” Dr Nemutaduni explained.
Raised in Mauluma, Nzhelele, in Venda, she credits her upbringing for instilling resilience, discipline, and a profound sense of community service. Dr Nemutaduni holds a Fellowship in Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Imaging from Universitas Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland and contributes to healthcare governance as a member of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Advisory Committee, overseeing the safe deployment of health technologies in South Africa.
Her approach to medicine reflects the principles of top communicators and leaders: clarity, urgency, and relevance. “Whether it’s research, clinical care, or advocacy, every word, every action must deliver impact,” she said. This philosophy is evident in her writing and presentations, which capture attention quickly and inspire action—qualities recognised globally.
Dr Nemutaduni’s recognition is more than a personal accolade—it celebrates vision, determination, and commitment to patient-centred care. By addressing inequities, mentoring emerging clinicians, and creating institutions that bridge research and care, she ensures innovation translates into tangible benefit. “I hope this award inspires others to pursue excellence with impact,” she said.
‘I would like to thank my research team — Girum Tesema, Xolile Msingaphantsi-Khuzwayo, Nkululeko Mlaba, Mamokete Nonyane and Andrew More — for their unwavering dedication to the patients at DGMAH. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my mentors and supervisors, Professor Mike Sathekge and Professor Nozipho Nyakale,’ said Dr Nemutaduni.
Her leadership exemplifies how excellence, when combined with social responsibility, can transform healthcare outcomes and inspire generations to follow.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Feb 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has secured a powerful new voice in global public health. Professor Olanrewaju Oladimeji has been appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Open Public Health Journal, a DHET-accredited, Scopus-indexed publication shaping research and policy debates worldwide. This is not a ceremonial title. It is a strategic seat at the table of global scholarship.
In his new role, Professor Oladimeji will work alongside Professor Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and support Editor-in-Chief Professor Matthias Beck of University College Cork, together with a 43-member editorial board and 13 associate board members. He will help steer the journal’s academic direction, uphold rigorous peer-review standards, and make final decisions on manuscript acceptance. “Editorial leadership is about safeguarding quality and shaping conversations that matter,” Professor Oladimeji said. “Public health research must be rigorous, relevant and responsive to real-world challenges, particularly in Africa and the Global South.”
Published by Bentham Open, The Open Public Health Journal is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering the full spectrum of public health. Its scope spans public health policy and practice, epidemiology, occupational health, health services research, environmental health, adolescent health, AIDS care and mental health, among other interdisciplinary fields. By making research freely accessible, the journal ensures that evidence reaches practitioners, policymakers and scholars without barriers.
For SMU, the appointment signals momentum. “This is more than an individual achievement,” the University said in a statement. “It reflects SMU’s commitment to advancing health sciences education, research and community engagement in ways that respond directly to Africa’s priorities while contributing to global knowledge.”
As Co-Editor-in-Chief, Professor Oladimeji will also advise on the journal’s strategic growth and recommend new editorial board members. His position creates tangible opportunities for SMU academics to serve as peer reviewers and editorial leaders, expanding the University’s footprint in international scholarship. Postgraduate students and emerging researchers stand to gain valuable exposure to the publication process — sharpening their academic writing, peer-review and research dissemination skills.
Professor Oladimeji’s track record underscores the significance of his appointment. He has authored and co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, attracting more than 60,000 citations. With an h-index of 36 and an i10-index of 81, his scholarship reflects sustained global impact. His collaborations extend across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia and multiple African countries.
He has led and co-led major funded projects, including the SAMRC-funded AKITH Study and the NIH D43 Khulani Siphile Siphuhle Doctoral Training Programme. He also serves as a Faculty Mentor in the Sustained Academic Research and Training Programme, a joint UCLA-NIH initiative involving the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and 10 other South African institutions. “My focus has always been research capacity development,” he said. “Strong institutions build strong researchers. Strong researchers produce evidence that changes lives.”
By placing one of its senior scholars in a key international editorial leadership role, SMU strengthens its voice in shaping public health discourse locally and globally. The message is clear: African scholarship is not on the margins. It is leading from the front.
For SMU, this milestone is both recognition and responsibility — and a decisive step towards becoming a leading African university in health sciences education, research and community impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Feb 25, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Excellence in healthcare leadership is not accidental — it is cultivated through vision, discipline and purpose. One such example is Dr Andile Molokomme (Dr Andie), a dynamic medical doctor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has recently added a prestigious continental accolade to her growing list of achievements. A proud alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), her success reflects the calibre of globally competitive and socially responsive graduates produced by the institution.
Dr Molokomme was honoured at the esteemed 40 Under 40 Africa Awards, where she emerged as the winner in the Philanthropy and Charity category. The ceremony, held on 14 February 2026 at the elegant Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana, brought together influential leaders, entrepreneurs and dignitaries from across the African continent. Among those in attendance were traditional Ghanaian leaders and ambassadors from South Africa and Zimbabwe, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Launched in 2022, the 40 Under 40 Africa Awards celebrate young African leaders under the age of 40 who are demonstrating innovation, resilience and transformative leadership in their respective fields. The awards have since expanded into several African countries, including South Africa, and have, in recent years, positioned themselves on the global stage. The 2026 global edition is scheduled to take place in Dubai in April.
This year’s competition was fiercely contested. Out of 150 entries from 28 countries, 110 finalists were selected across 40 categories, with only 46 winners ultimately announced. Dr Molokomme stood out among six finalists in her category.
“There were 150 entries from 28 countries, 110 finalists and only 46 winners — and I was one of them under the Charity and Philanthropy category. My category had six contestants,” she said.
Describing the achievement as both personal and collective, she added: “This is a massive win for me and our organisation, as this is our first award. When I started Phenomenal Young Persons, it was never about the limelight but impact.”
The founder of the awards, Richard Abbey Jnr, explained the vision behind the initiative: “We named it the Forty Under Forty because 40 is the midpoint, and we also wanted to highlight and celebrate excellence, courage and ambition among Africa’s young entrepreneurs.”
True to that vision, Dr Molokomme’s work extends far beyond clinical practice. Through her youth empowerment organisation, Phenomenal Young Persons, she has mentored and inspired young people across South Africa. Her initiatives have received endorsement from both the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training, and she has established a meaningful presence in institutions such as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology and several Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.
Her journey reflects a multidimensional approach to leadership. An alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Dr Molokomme embodies the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but socially conscious and ethically grounded.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during her university years, leading to the establishment of AndiBeauty — a cosmetic brand rooted in empowerment rather than vanity. “I didn’t want just another beauty label,” she explained. “I wanted one that uplifted women.”
What began as a retail concept has since evolved into AndiBeauty Spa, offering medical-grade aesthetic treatments alongside brief wellness consultations and healthcare referrals. By integrating beauty, wellness and preventative healthcare, she has created an innovative model that reflects her medical background and passion for holistic wellbeing.
For Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, this continental recognition is a powerful affirmation of its mission to nurture leaders who make meaningful contributions beyond the lecture hall. Dr Andile Molokomme’s achievement demonstrates how education, when anchored in purpose and service, can translate into impact across borders.
As the awards prepare for their global showcase in Dubai, her story stands as an inspiring reminder that Africa’s future is being shaped by young leaders who are bold enough to dream, disciplined enough to work and committed enough to serve. Among them is an SMU alumna whose influence now reaches far beyond South Africa’s shores.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Feb 17, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) proudly joined the Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong Foundation in celebrating the 92nd birthday of Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong at Carousel Casino. The celebration brought together alumni, healthcare professionals, academics, faith leaders and community members to honour a man whose leadership helped shape the trajectory of health sciences education in South Africa.
Professor Mokgokong’s legacy is deeply rooted in the institution formerly known as Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA). In 1990, he was appointed Vice-Principal, and in 1992 he became the first African/Black Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the university. His appointment marked a historic moment during South Africa’s transition period and signalled a new era of inclusive leadership in higher education.
Having joined MEDUNSA on 1 July 1978 as Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Professor Mokgokong was driven by a firm commitment to equality and academic excellence. Recruited from the University of Natal, where he served as Senior Specialist, Lecturer and the first Dean of Students, he was guided by a simple yet powerful principle: “If there are black students who have to be taught, I will go there and ensure that they are taught the same curriculum like others.”
Under his leadership, MEDUNSA experienced unprecedented growth in the enrolment and graduation of black health professionals. This era became known as the “Mokgokong wave” — a period characterised by expanded access, strengthened academic standards and renewed confidence in the institution’s ability to produce world-class professionals. He worked diligently within Senate structures, often as the only African member, to ensure that MEDUNSA’s curriculum met the highest standards nationally and internationally.
The celebration also acknowledged the historical challenges he confronted. At a time when apartheid policies restricted black students’ access to institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand, MEDUNSA became a critical site of opportunity. Professor Mokgokong navigated institutional resistance and political tensions with courage, always prioritising the quality and credibility of the university’s qualifications.
Among those who delivered tributes was SMU alumnus Dr Zakes Kagiso Motene, a prominent medical doctor, author and entrepreneur. He reflected on Professor Mokgokong’s broader vision of health, including his passion for veterinary sciences.
“Professor Mokgokong believed that health is interconnected,” said Dr Motene. “His wish has always been for SMU to reintroduce Veterinary Sciences so that we can strengthen the country’s health system in a holistic way.”
Veterinary Science was previously offered at MEDUNSA before the Faculty was incorporated into the University of Pretoria in 1999. Today, the University of Pretoria remains the only institution in South Africa offering the BVSc degree.
Pastor Luke Dikgale also delivered a heartfelt message, describing Professor Mokgokong as “a servant leader whose humility equals his intellect.” He emphasised that beyond his academic achievements, it is the Professor’s integrity, compassion and faith-driven leadership that have left a lasting impression on generations.
Adding to the reflections, SMU Senior Alumni Officer Benedict Masenamela highlighted the importance of such gatherings in strengthening alumni relations.
“These kinds of events bring together SMU alumni from different generations and disciplines,” said Masenamela. “It is important for our alumni to keep reconnecting with the university and with one another.”
He further noted that SMU is actively working to rebuild and strengthen its alumni network. “The University is currently on a drive to reconnect and make contact with all its alumni. Our graduates are our ambassadors, and maintaining those relationships is vital for institutional growth and development,” he said.
The 92nd birthday celebration of Professor Mokgokong therefore became more than a personal milestone; it served as a powerful reunion of the MEDUNSA and SMU community. It reminded attendees of the values that shaped the institution — resilience, excellence, service and unity.
As SMU continues to advance its mandate of training socially responsive health professionals, the life and legacy of Professor Ephraim Thibedi Mokgokong remain a guiding light. His enduring impact challenges the university community to rekindle the spirit of the “Mokgokong wave” and to carry forward his vision of equitable, high-quality health sciences education for all.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Feb 15, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its institutional leadership in community-centred health development during the Health Sector Stakeholders Summit held from 10 to 13 February 2026 under the theme “Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Health Outcomes.” The four-day convergence brought together traditional authorities, government representatives, private sector companies, academics, health practitioners and community stakeholders in a unified effort to strengthen health systems, advance wellness and stimulate socio-economic progress in Tsitsing and neighbouring villages.
The summit coincided with the official launch of the Botsogo, Bophelo le Boitekanelo Summit 2026 by Kgosana Koketso Rakhudu of the Kgotla Ya Rakhudu, marking the commencement of a transformative partnership between traditional leadership and the university. In his opening address, Kgosana Rakhudu described the gathering as a watershed moment in the community’s developmental trajectory. “This summit represents hope translated into action,” he asserted. “It unites leadership, academia, business and the community in a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and securing a sustainable future for our villages.”
Anchored in a collaborative framework that integrates traditional leadership structures, government departments, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, corporate partners and community formations, the initiative seeks to position Tsitsing as a demonstrative site for community-based health innovation. The active involvement of several companies underscored the growing recognition that sustainable health development requires public–private partnerships capable of mobilising financial resources, technical expertise and innovation. Through coordinated planning, evidence-driven research, capacity development and sustainable interventions, stakeholders aim to fortify primary healthcare systems, enhance service delivery efficiencies and generate enduring socio-economic dividends.
During the Stakeholder Pledge and Closing Remarks session, SMU formalised its commitment to the partnership, underscoring its enduring mandate of socially responsive scholarship. Representing the institution was Professor Mathildah Mokgatle, Head of the Department of Public Health. Prof. Mokgatle articulated the university’s conviction that sustainable transformation emerges from authentic collaboration across sectors. “As a university dedicated to advancing public health, we recognise that meaningful change occurs when institutions, business and communities work in concert,” she said. “SMU commits to supporting this ongoing partnership to strengthen local health systems and improve sustainable health outcomes.”
She further emphasised that the initiative would serve as a dynamic platform for community-based research, experiential student training and contextually relevant, evidence-based interventions. “Our responsibility transcends classroom instruction,” Prof. Mokgatle noted. “We must ensure that our research, training and service are intrinsically aligned with the lived realities of communities such as Tsitsing, thereby contributing directly to their health, dignity and overall wellbeing.”
A defining feature of the summit was the unveiling of the 3B’s conceptual framework — Botsogo, Bophelo le Boitekanelo — spearheaded by Evah Molapisi, Lecturer in Community Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at SMU. Molapisi elucidated that the framework encapsulates an integrated vision of health, life and holistic wellness as interdependent pillars of community advancement. “Botsogo speaks to health, Bophelo to life, and Boitekanelo to comprehensive wellness,” she explained. “These principles remind us that health is not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of empowerment, opportunity and human dignity.”
The 3B’s vision aspires to cultivate sustainable community–academic partnerships, advance Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, stimulate youth participation in health professions and establish a viable community-based platform for student training and service delivery. By embedding academic expertise within community contexts while drawing on the innovation and support of corporate stakeholders, the initiative seeks to bridge the divide between theory and practice, ensuring that scholarship translates into measurable social impact.
Complementing the health systems discourse, Moagisi Edwin Seleka, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at SMU, contributed a reflective exploration of the therapeutic dimensions of arts and bibliotherapy. Dr Seleka illuminated the intricate interrelationship between mental and physical health, underscoring the physiological benefits of creative engagement. “The body and mind function synergistically,” he observed. “Music and humour stimulate the release of endorphins, thereby alleviating pain and mitigating stress.”
Expanding on the transformative potential of reading and artistic expression, he added, “To read is to journey beyond one’s immediate circumstances; it is to encounter new perspectives and possibilities. Creative expression enlarges the imagination, fosters emotional resilience and facilitates psychological restoration.” His insights reinforced the summit’s holistic orientation, recognising that sustainable health outcomes necessitate attention to both corporeal and psychosocial dimensions of wellbeing.
As proceedings concluded, the Health Sector Stakeholders Summit emerged as a seminal platform for structured, long-term collaboration. By harmonising academic rigour, traditional governance, corporate participation and community engagement, the initiative presents a replicable model for inclusive, sustainable health development. Through its active involvement and formal pledge, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advancing equitable health outcomes and fostering resilient communities across South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Feb 5, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Aflu Med Healthcare has named Dr Elliot Motloung, Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), as its 2025 Digital Healthcare Champion, recognising a clinician whose work is changing how paediatric surgery is taught, delivered and accessed across South Africa.
The award celebrates leadership that converts innovation into real-world impact. Dr Motloung’s career does exactly that. Known for decisive action in high-stakes clinical environments, he has built a body of work guided by a clear conviction: healthcare must be excellent, equitable and built for the future.
Aflu Med Healthcare is a South African health-technology company delivering integrated digital and mobile solutions to improve healthcare delivery and access. Its HealthSpace Ecosystem provides a centralised electronic health record and practice management platform that supports telehealth, clinical workflows, patient engagement, and data-driven decision-making. The company also offers business development support to healthcare providers and deploys mobile clinics that extend primary healthcare and outreach services into underserved communities.
At the centre of Dr Motloung’s impact is surgical education. He pioneered South Africa’s first Neonatal Surgical Skills Course, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford. Using simulation-based training, the programme equips surgeons with critical neonatal skills before they enter the operating theatre.
“In neonatal surgery, preparation is everything,” Dr Motloung said. “Simulation allows surgeons to build confidence and competence without placing patients at risk. That shift saves lives.”
The course has set a new national benchmark, enhancing patient safety in a discipline where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Access to care is another defining pillar of his work. Determined that geography should not dictate survival, Dr Motloung played a key role in establishing public paediatric surgical units in underserved provinces, including Limpopo and Mpumalanga. These facilities have reduced the burden on families who previously travelled long distances for specialist treatment.
“No child should suffer because care is too far away,” he said. “Bringing services closer to communities changes outcomes—and dignity.”
Clinically, Dr Motloung is widely respected for his expertise in minimally invasive thoraco-abdominal surgery, paediatric trauma and advanced laparoscopic techniques. These approaches reduce pain, shorten hospital stays and speed up recovery—critical benefits for children and overstretched health systems alike.
What truly distinguishes Dr Motloung, however, is his purpose. Shaped by first-hand exposure to healthcare inequity, his mission is rooted in service to rural and marginalised communities. He has translated that commitment into a clear, scalable blueprint for paediatric surgical care that reaches beyond urban centres.
Alongside his clinical leadership, he is an influential academic mentor. Through structured training programmes and hands-on supervision, he is developing the next generation of paediatric surgeons, strengthening surgical capacity nationally and regionally.
“Training people is how impact multiplies,” Dr Motloung said. “If we invest in skills today, patients benefit for decades.”
In naming Dr Motloung as the 2025 Digital Healthcare Champion, Aflu Med Healthcare recognises a leader who does not merely respond to change—he drives it. His work continues to raise standards, inspire clinicians and reshape health systems, proving that true progress in healthcare is measured not by innovation alone, but by lives improved and futures secured.
By Tumelo Moila
