by Lorato | Aug 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Professor Elmien Bronkhorst, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been awarded a C2 researcher rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), recognising her established record of research productivity and contribution to clinical pharmacy.
The NRF C2 category is reserved for established researchers who have demonstrated sustained recent productivity and are recognised by their peers for the quality and coherence of their research. The assessment also considers a researcher’s ability to conceptualise research problems and apply appropriate methodologies to investigate them.
According to the NRF criteria, C2 applicants are those for whom all reviewers are firmly convinced that they are established researchers. The category also recognises researchers who may have international recognition for the quality and impact of their recent research outputs.
Bronkhorst said the rating was significant in recognising her research journey and the contribution of her work to clinical pharmacy in South Africa. “Receiving the NRF C2 rating is both an honour and a humbling recognition of my research contributions. It affirms the value of sustained scholarship, collaboration, and a commitment to generating evidence that addresses meaningful healthcare challenges. For me, this recognition is not only a reflection of past achievements but also a motivation to continue mentoring emerging researchers and contributing research that can improve patient care and health outcomes,” said Bronkhorst.
Prof Bronkhorst has been based at SMU’s School of Pharmacy since March 2014. Her academic responsibilities include teaching in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and postgraduate Clinical Pharmacy programmes, supervising doctoral, master’s and undergraduate research projects, supporting research funding applications and contributing to statistical analysis.
She holds a PhD in Pharmacy from SMU, awarded between 2016 and 2019. Her doctoral research examined the practice of clinical pharmacy in private and public hospitals in South Africa, including the working environment and education of clinical pharmacists, the functions of specialist pharmacists, and guidelines for implementing clinical pharmacy services.
Her research output has continued to expand, with publications in 2026 addressing areas including dry eye disease management, respiratory tract infections, ischaemic heart disease, drug-related problems in South African hospitals and antibiotic prescribing in primary healthcare.
Her recent research has also examined antimicrobial stewardship, HIV treatment, medication errors, smoking and vaping cessation, insomnia, and the role and implementation of clinical pharmacy services in South Africa.
Prof Bronkhorst said her research is closely linked to improving pharmaceutical care and strengthening clinical pharmacists’ contribution to patient care. “My research focuses on advancing clinical pharmacy practice to improve patient outcomes through the safe, effective, and responsible use of medicines. A particular area of interest is antimicrobial stewardship, including HIV-positive patients, which plays a critical role in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics, combating antimicrobial resistance, and ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time. Ultimately, my goal is to generate evidence that supports better clinical decision-making and contributes to safer, higher-quality healthcare,” she explains.
She has also contributed to the development of future pharmacists through postgraduate research supervision. In 2026, students under her supervision have undertaken research into antibiotic dose adjustments, antiretroviral stewardship, medication errors and drug interactions, and the use of second-generation antibiotics in private clinical practice.
Her professional achievements include selection for the Future Professor’s Programme Cohort 2 for 2024–2025 and receiving the SMU Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning Award in 2021.
Prof Bronkhorst said the recognition also reflected the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of researchers. “One of the most rewarding aspects of academia is contributing to the development of future researchers and enhancing the future of the profession of Clinical Pharmacy. Through student supervision and collaborative research, I aim not only to generate new knowledge but also to cultivate curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. Investing in young researchers is an investment in the future of healthcare and scientific advancement, and it is highly satisfying to see students excel.”
The C2 rating adds a significant research accolade to Prof Bronkhorst’s career spanning clinical practice, teaching, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and research focused on strengthening pharmaceutical care and patient outcomes in South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila.
by Lorato | Aug 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Nondumiso Nkosi, a PhD candidate and Junior Lecturer in Medical Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been awarded a 2026 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) Doctoral Fellowship, recognising her contribution to infectious disease diagnostics and innovation.
Nkosi is among seven emerging and established women researchers recognised through the Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships for research addressing critical social, economic, environmental and scientific challenges facing South Africa. The awards, celebrated annually during Women’s Month, recognise excellence in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) and aim to inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in these fields.
The fellowships, renamed in honour of the late Professor Shirley Keolebogile Motaung, one of South Africa’s distinguished black women scientists and academics, support young women pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. The awards recognise academic excellence and research potential while promoting innovation and mentorship.
At SMU, Nkosi’s research focuses on viral hepatitis and HIV, with particular attention to hepatitis B virus diagnostics and the detection of occult hepatitis B infection. She is optimising and validating HepaSure Diagnostics, a novel assay designed to enable rapid, decentralised and cost-effective disease detection, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Her work seeks to address limitations in existing hepatitis B screening approaches while improving access to inclusive diagnostic technologies. Nkosi believes the research could contribute to earlier disease detection, reduce healthcare inequalities and strengthen locally developed biotechnology solutions. She is also a patent holder for the diagnostic assay and has received several innovation and scientific awards.
Reflecting on the fellowship, Nkosi described the recognition as more than a personal achievement. “This accolade does not just belong to me. It belongs to every community, mentor, and family member who paved the path for me to step into the light.”
She credited her family, particularly her mother, for providing the encouragement and resilience that shaped her scientific journey. “They invested their unwavering faith in me when all I had was an ambitious dream,” Nkosi said, describing her family as her “very first research funders”.
The fellowship adds to a series of achievements for Nkosi in 2026, following recognition through the CIPC IP Youth Award: Women Shaping IP, the Innovation Hub’s GAP Medical Awards and the Early-Stage Enactus South Africa National Exposition. She said these achievements were built on years of perseverance and lessons from setbacks.
Nkosi also acknowledged the contributions of the SMU community, including the Department of Virology, the Economic Activation Office (EAO), the Research and Innovation Office, the Technology Transfer Office, supervisors, mentors, and colleagues.
Her message to aspiring scientists is centred on perseverance, learning and confidence. “Your background does not define your limits. Your resilience matters. Your voice matters. Never be afraid to take up space in science.”
For SMU, Nkosi’s achievement reflects the university’s commitment to excellence, innovation and research that contributes to health and well-being. Her work demonstrates the institution’s broader role in developing scientific solutions with the potential to move beyond the laboratory and make a meaningful difference in communities.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) used World Left-Handers’ Day 2026 to promote inclusion, awareness and understanding, bringing staff and students together to explore the everyday realities of living and working in a predominantly right-handed world.
Hosted by Library and Information Services, the programme combined professional insight, personal testimonies and practical activities to highlight the experiences of left-handed individuals and the importance of creating environments that accommodate different ways of interacting with the world.
Patrick Motiang, Acting Senior Librarian: Information Services, welcomed attendees and introduced a programme focused on awareness, understanding and inclusion.
The guest speaker, Mahlako Makhubela, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, provided an occupational therapy perspective on left-handedness. She explained that while left-handedness is not a limitation, many everyday environments, tools and activities are designed predominantly for right-handed users.
“Left-handedness is not a limitation; however, we need to recognise that many of the environments, tools and activities we use every day are designed with right-handed people in mind,” said Makhubela.
She noted that seemingly ordinary tasks, including writing, cutting with scissors and using certain equipment, can become challenging when environments are not designed to accommodate individual needs. From an occupational therapy perspective, she emphasised the importance of understanding how people engage with their everyday surroundings and adapting activities where necessary.
The “Living Left-Handed” testimony session provided staff and students with an opportunity to share personal experiences. Kwena Moloto, Librarian: Technical Services (Cataloguing), reflected on the social challenges he experienced growing up as a left-hander, including pressure from his family to navigate being different.
Second-year Physiotherapy student Success Baloyi offered a student perspective, highlighting the practical challenges of being left-handed, including her experience learning to drive. Her reflections reinforced the importance of recognising how everyday systems and activities can affect people differently.
The programme then moved from discussion to practical engagement. Participants were challenged to perform familiar activities using their non-dominant hand, including writing, drawing and using scissors. The exercises demonstrated how seemingly simple activities can become difficult when approached in unfamiliar ways.
Facilitated by SMU alumni Moalosi Makoea and Bakang Tsubane, the interactive session encouraged participation while reinforcing the programme’s central message: inclusion requires more than recognising differences; it requires understanding and responding to them.
The commemoration concluded with closing remarks from Mittah Masilela, Senior Librarian in the Acquisitions Department, who thanked the speakers, participants and organisers for contributing to the programme.
For SMU, World Left-Handers’ Day provided an opportunity to advance its commitment to respect, diversity and an inclusive university community. By combining occupational therapy expertise with lived experiences and practical learning, the programme encouraged greater empathy and awareness of barriers that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The commemoration affirmed that creating an inclusive environment begins with recognising individual differences and ensuring that everyone can participate meaningfully. In doing so, SMU continues to promote a university culture grounded in respect, dignity, student-centredness and Ubuntu.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Members of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA) delivered impressive performances across multiple sporting codes at the 4th Annual Prof Mahlo Mokgalong Staff Sports Games, showcasing the University’s commitment to employee wellness, collegiality and institutional pride.
Hosted by the University of Limpopo Staff Sports Association (ULSSA) on 22 August 2026, the tournament was held at the Oscar Mpetha Sport Complex at the University of Limpopo and brought together staff teams from universities, government departments and other institutions across the province. The annual games honour the legacy of former University of Limpopo (UL) Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahlo Mokgalong while promoting healthy competition, social cohesion and professional networking.
SMUSSA fielded teams in athletics, aerobics, netball, volleyball, tennis, darts, football and super pool. Across the different codes, SMU staff displayed determination, discipline and sportsmanship, reinforcing the value of sport in building a healthy and connected university community.
The athletics contingent produced some of SMUSSA’s strongest results of the day. Lethabo Modau claimed first place in the 10km race, while Dimakatso Molokomme emerged victorious in the 5km event. The 5km race also saw Dorothy Ndou secure second place, followed by Minah Mogamme in third and Francinah Mmamabolo in fourth.
SMUSSA continued its strong showing in the team events. The aerobics team secured second position overall, while the netball team finished as runners-up behind ULSSA, with Glencore taking third place. In volleyball, SMUSSA claimed third position, finishing behind ULSSA and Botswana International University of Science and Technology.
The tennis team finished fourth with eight points, while the darts team also secured fourth position. Although the football and super pool teams did not progress to the knockout stages after finishing third in their respective groups, their participation contributed to SMU’s broad representation and competitive presence at the tournament.
SMUSSA Chairperson Caroline Moeletsi, who also serves as Deputy Secretary General of the Southern Africa Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA), praised the teams for their commitment and collective spirit.
“I was extremely pleased with the performance of our teams. What stood out for me was not only the results, but the commitment, unity and enthusiasm demonstrated by our staff throughout the games,” said Moeletsi. “These platforms are important because they promote wellness while creating opportunities for staff from different institutions to build meaningful professional and social connections.”
SMUSSA Public Relations Officer Kgomotso Tsiane similarly commended the teams for their resilience, discipline and sportsmanship, emphasising the role of staff sport in strengthening wellness and camaraderie across the University. Volleyball team manager Seipati Mabusela also welcomed the team’s third-place finish in a highly competitive field.
More than a sporting contest, the games provided an opportunity for staff from participating institutions to network, strengthen professional relationships and foster social cohesion. For SMU, the event also supported the University’s institutional values of excellence, respect, Ubuntu and effective leadership by creating opportunities for staff to connect beyond their usual professional roles.
The performances achieved by SMUSSA, particularly in athletics, aerobics, netball and volleyball, reflect the depth of sporting talent and enthusiasm among SMU staff. They also reinforce the University’s commitment to employee well-being as an important component of a vibrant institutional culture.
Through initiatives that promote wellness, collaboration and social cohesion, SMU continues to strengthen a connected university community while advancing its broader mission of excellence in health sciences education, innovative research and service to society.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has appointed procurement professional Tintswalo Elizabeth Makhubele as a Procurement Officer, strengthening its Supply Chain Management (SCM) team with effect from 1 August 2026.
Makhubele joins SMU with experience in public-sector procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tender administration and SCM compliance. Her appointment adds further expertise to the team responsible for supporting the university’s procurement operations and ensuring responsible management of institutional resources. “We are excited to welcome her to the SMU community and believe she will be a valuable addition to our team,” said Walter Maleyana, Deputy Director: Supply Chain Management.
Makhubele brings several years of procurement experience gained in regulated public-sector and higher-education environments. Before joining SMU, she served as a Junior Buyer at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she managed procurement requirements across areas including ICT, media, legal services, laboratories, conferencing and catering, stores, audio-visual services and university estates.
Her responsibilities included obtaining quotations, creating purchase orders, facilitating approvals, monitoring deliveries, conducting supplier sourcing and market research, and supporting tender and quotation evaluation processes. She also assisted stakeholders with procurement specifications and provided guidance on SCM procedures.
Her earlier role as a Supply Chain Management Intern at the Information Regulator South Africa provided additional experience in a regulated procurement environment. There, she sourced quotations from Central Supplier Database-registered suppliers, conducted supplier verification and compliance checks, processed purchase orders and coordinated deliveries.
Makhubele also gained experience in inventory management, tender administration, payment documentation, invoice and purchase order matching, and SCM recordkeeping. These responsibilities strengthened her understanding of procurement controls, accurate documentation and procedural compliance. “Effective procurement is not simply about purchasing goods and services. It is about ensuring that every procurement decision is properly supported, transparent and aligned with institutional requirements,” said Makhubele.
Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management, completed at UNISA in 2022, and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, completed in 2026.
Her professional capabilities include strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract administration, RFQ and tender administration, supplier evaluation, procurement reporting, inventory management, demand management and audit readiness. She is proficient in Oracle Procurement, SAP, LOGIS and I-Procurement, as well as Microsoft Office applications.
Makhubele’s appointment aligns with SMU’s institutional values of accountability, efficiency, integrity, and excellence. These principles underpin the university’s commitment to effective stewardship of resources and strong institutional governance. “As a health sciences university, SMU has a responsibility to ensure that its resources are managed efficiently and with integrity. Strong procurement practices contribute directly to creating an environment in which teaching, learning, research and healthcare-related initiatives can succeed,” said Makhubele.
Her appointment further supports SMU’s efforts to maintain efficient systems and sound governance in support of its core mandate. Through skilled professionals and effective institutional practices, the university continues to strengthen the foundations for excellence in health sciences education, research and healthcare in South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
