by Lorato | Aug 12, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a significant academic achievement after Computer Science Academic Coordinator Dr Mosima Masethe completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology, producing research that advances artificial intelligence (AI) for African languages and strengthens digital inclusion across South Africa. This study contributes to South Africa’s multilingualism initiative by supporting efforts to ensure that indigenous languages are represented in education and used as mediums of instruction and communication.
Awarded by the Durban University of Technology, Dr Masethe’s doctoral research addresses one of the major challenges in natural language processing (NLP): enabling computers to correctly interpret the meaning of ambiguous words in Sesotho sa Leboa (Northern Sotho). The study demonstrates that combining modern AI techniques with language-specific knowledge significantly improves the performance of language technologies, even in low-resource languages with limited digital datasets.
The findings have important implications for the development of machine translation, virtual assistants, educational software, search technologies and digital public services. By improving AI’s understanding of indigenous languages, the research supports greater access to government information, healthcare, education, banking and other essential services in people’s home languages.
Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Masethe described the achievement as both personal and purposeful. “This achievement is not only a personal victory but also a reminder of what is possible through faith, perseverance, mentorship, sacrifice and consistent hard work,” she said.
She added that completing her PhD marks the beginning of a broader mission to expand research and innovation, rather than the end of her academic journey.
Dr Masethe believes the university is well-positioned to strengthen postgraduate education in emerging technologies, particularly where AI can address practical challenges in healthcare and society. “Working at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, I am inspired to contribute to the development of new postgraduate programmes and research pathways in natural language processing, computational linguistics, large language models, generative AI, artificial intelligence and related emerging technologies,” she said.
Her research also aligns with national priorities by promoting digital transformation, strengthening indigenous knowledge systems and expanding opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. The study demonstrates that effective AI solutions for African languages can be developed without requiring massive datasets, providing a practical framework for future innovation in language technologies.
Beyond the technical contribution, the research has already produced several peer-reviewed journal publications and international conference papers, laying a strong foundation for continued advances in explainable AI, computational linguistics and inclusive digital innovation for African languages.
Dr Masethe expressed gratitude to her family, supervisors, colleagues, mentors, students and friends for their encouragement throughout her academic journey, emphasising that collaboration remains central to future success.
The achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and capacity development in the health sciences and beyond. By supporting pioneering research that applies advanced AI to real-world challenges, the university continues to strengthen its contribution to knowledge generation, digital transformation and equitable access to education, healthcare and information for communities across South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 12, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening reproductive health education through its partnership with the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan (CIRHT-UM), equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and clinical skills needed to deliver quality, patient-centred care.
The partnership was highlighted during the two-day SMU–CIRHT Workshop held recently at the university’s Skills Centre. The workshop brought together academic leaders, clinicians, researchers and healthcare educators to review progress, strengthen institutional collaboration and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning in sexual and reproductive healthcare.
The collaboration focuses on strengthening health professions education through competency-based training, curriculum development, faculty capacity building, simulation-based learning and research. It aims to ensure that graduates are prepared to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including family planning services, quality counselling and evidence-based clinical care.
Opening the workshop, Dr Mabina Mogale, Project Coordinator of the SMU–CIRHT Project, said the partnership represents a long-term investment in healthcare education and service delivery. “The SMU–CIRHT partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing healthcare professionals who are clinically competent, compassionate and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. Every improvement we make in education ultimately translates into better patient care and stronger health systems,” said Dr Mogale.
He added that the partnership has enabled academic staff to strengthen teaching methodologies, exchange best practices and introduce innovative learning approaches that better prepare students for clinical practice. “The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and our responsibility is to ensure that our graduates possess both the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to provide safe, ethical and evidence-based reproductive healthcare,” he said.
Country Principal Investigator and UNIVEN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Professor Sebi Lekalakala-Mokgele, highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in strengthening health professions education across Africa. “Universities have a responsibility to produce graduates who are capable of responding to real-world healthcare challenges. Through the CIRHT partnership, we are strengthening our academic programmes, empowering educators and ensuring that students receive practical training that prepares them to deliver quality healthcare with confidence,” she said.
Prof Lekalakala-Mokgele added that collaboration promotes continuous learning and innovation. “Sharing knowledge, research and expertise allows us to build stronger institutions while improving healthcare outcomes for future generations.”
Country Co-Principal Investigator, SMU’s Vice-Dean: Research in the School of Health Care Sciences and Head of the Department of Public Health, Prof Mathilda Mokgatle, emphasised the need for academic programmes to evolve alongside changes in medicine, technology and patient care. “Healthcare education cannot remain static. Our curricula must evolve alongside advances in medicine, technology and patient care,” she said. “This partnership allows us to strengthen teaching and learning while ensuring that graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare that is evidence-based, respectful and patient-centred.”
She also stressed the importance of investing in educators, noting, “When we empower educators with modern teaching approaches and practical training tools, we strengthen the entire healthcare education system.”
Chairperson of the SMU–CIRHT Teaching and Learning Committee, Dr Sylvia Cebekhulu, said practical learning was critical to developing competent healthcare professionals. “Students learn best when theory and practice are integrated. Through simulation-based education, clinical skills laboratories and supervised clinical placements, they gain the confidence and competence required to deliver safe, ethical and compassionate care,” she said.
The workshop examined the three pillars underpinning the partnership: education, service and research. Discussions covered competency-based reproductive health curricula, simulation training, clinical supervision, patient-centred care, counselling, ethical decision-making and collaborative research.
The initiative reinforces SMU’s broader commitment to excellence and socially accountable healthcare education, while strengthening its capacity to produce professionals equipped to address reproductive health challenges and improve healthcare outcomes in South African communities.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 12, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating the promotion of Professor Bettina Chale-Matsau from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor (Clinical/Diagnostic) in Chemical Pathology, recognising a distinguished career spanning more than three decades of scientific research, clinical practice, academic leadership, and service to healthcare. Her appointment reflects SMU’s commitment to advancing excellence in teaching, research and innovation while strengthening healthcare systems across South Africa and the African continent.
Professor Chale-Matsau’s professional journey began in environmental and water quality research before she pursued medicine to make a more direct contribution to improving people’s lives. Rather than leaving science behind, she integrated her research expertise with clinical medicine, ultimately specialising in Chemical Pathology. Today, she serves as Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology at SMU and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), where she provides strategic leadership in academic programmes, research, postgraduate training, laboratory quality management and specialist diagnostic services.
Throughout her academic career, Professor Chale-Matsau has remained dedicated to developing future healthcare professionals. In 2024, MBChB VI students recognised her as the Best Lecturer in Chemical Pathology, reflecting her commitment to teaching excellence. She has supervised and co-supervised numerous Master’s and doctoral graduates while continuing to mentor MMed, MSc and PhD candidates, reinforcing her belief that nurturing future researchers is one of the most meaningful contributions an academic can make.
Her research has made significant contributions to endocrinology, laboratory management, inherited metabolic disorders, and laboratory quality improvement. More recently, her work has focused on pathology-based point-of-care diagnostics, an emerging field that aims to make reliable, affordable diagnostic testing more accessible, particularly in rural and resource-limited communities. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, she is working to accelerate innovations that strengthen clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes across Africa.
Reflecting on her promotion, Professor Chale-Matsau said, “This promotion represents an opportunity to contribute even more meaningfully to research, postgraduate education and healthcare. I hope to inspire young scientists and clinicians to pursue research that addresses the health challenges facing our communities while ensuring that laboratory medicine remains at the centre of evidence-based patient care.”
Looking ahead, Professor Chale-Matsau aims to establish a nationally recognised programme in pathology diagnostics that advances biomarker discovery, point-of-care technologies, laboratory quality systems and translational research. She envisions strengthening collaborations across disciplines and institutions to position SMU as a leader in developing innovative diagnostic technologies that improve equitable access to healthcare throughout South Africa and beyond.
Her growing national and international profile is reflected in leadership roles within professional bodies, editorial responsibilities for the African Journal of Laboratory Medicine, invited presentations at international conferences and a sustained record of scientific publication and postgraduate supervision. These achievements underscore her commitment to advancing laboratory medicine while fostering excellence among emerging researchers and clinicians.
Professor Chale-Matsau said her promotion carries responsibilities beyond personal achievement. “I see this as an opportunity to strengthen research, mentor future leaders and contribute to healthcare solutions that improve lives. Innovation in pathology diagnostics has the potential to transform healthcare delivery, particularly for underserved communities.” This vision aligns with SMU’s mission of transforming health services through excellence in education, research and innovation, reinforcing the University’s role in producing knowledge that addresses national and continental health priorities.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 12, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted some of Gauteng’s most promising student entrepreneurs during the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 Gauteng Regional Round, held recently.
Co-ordinated by Universities South Africa (USAf) through the EDHE Programme, the regional competition brought together student entrepreneurs from SMU, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of Pretoria (UP), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Over two days, participants presented innovative business ideas to a panel of industry experts across five categories: Existing Business – Tech, Existing Business – Social Impact, Existing Business – General, Innovative Industries, and Commercialisation of Academic Research.
Welcoming delegates, participants and guests, SMU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Dini Mawela, said the university was proud to host a competition that advances innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. “It has been an honour for SMU to host the Gauteng Regional Round of the EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026. The level of innovation, creativity and determination demonstrated by the participating students has been truly inspiring,” said Professor Mawela.
She added that universities have an important role to play in preparing graduates to become both employment seekers and creators of economic opportunities. “The future belongs to graduates who are able to create opportunities rather than wait for them,” she said, emphasising the importance of partnerships such as EDHE in strengthening an entrepreneurial culture that promotes innovation, job creation and inclusive economic development.
Acting Manager of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Economic Activation Officer, Naledi Mathole, praised the quality and potential of the ventures showcased during the competition. “The calibre of innovation showcased over the two days has been exceptional. Every participant demonstrated courage, creativity and resilience by presenting solutions that have the potential to make a meaningful impact in society,” Mathole said.
The Gauteng regional winners were Kamogelo Selepe of UJ’s ArcaneEdge in Existing Business – Tech; Kabelo Mahlobogwane of UP’s The Marking App in Existing Business – Social Impact; and Katlego Madumo of UJ’s Madiic Design Studios in Existing Business – General.
Samukelisiwe Shongwe of UJ’s Humus African Locator (Pty) Ltd won the Innovative Industries category, while Tumelo Phasha of UJ’s ResistIQ emerged victorious in Commercialisation of Academic Research.
The winners will represent Gauteng at the EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 National Finals in November 2026, where they will compete for a share of more than R1.2 million in prizes, as well as national recognition, mentorship opportunities and potential investor support.
Mathole said SMU would continue to create opportunities for student entrepreneurs through mentorship, incubation programmes, and strategic partnerships.
The regional round reinforces SMU’s broader commitment to excellence and innovation, supporting its vision of transforming health services through them while equipping students to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 12, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community engagement by leading an interprofessional campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse and empower young people to make healthier, more informed choices.
The outreach, held recently at Diphetogo Secondary School in Klipgat, North West, brought together students and academics from SMU’s Departments of Physiotherapy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, the SMU Library and the Academic Literacy and Science Communication. The initiative focused on educating learners about the dangers of substance abuse while promoting healthy lifestyles, resilience and responsible decision-making.
The programme opened with a welcome and an introduction of the guests by the Senior Librarian: Technical Services, Mmakgoshi Reetseng, from the SMU Library. Students from the three health sciences departments delivered presentations under the supervision of their respective lecturers, Ntombenkosi Sobantu, Dr Cornelia Phetla and Dr Teresia Dzhugudzha. Godfrey Nkgadima facilitated an interactive question-and-answer session from the University’s Academic Literacy and Science Communication department.
A key moment of the campaign was an address by Mpumelelo Phakathi, an Addiction and Recovery Specialist, ASCHP-registered Supportive Counsellor, Behavioural Health Practitioner, neuro-motivational speaker, and author of Once Upon A Time In Nyaope. Drawing on his lived experience of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, Phakathi delivered a message centred on hope, resilience and personal responsibility. “Every decision you make today shapes the future you will live tomorrow. Do not allow drugs or alcohol to steal your dreams before they have a chance to become reality,” said Phakathi.
He also encouraged learners not to allow past experiences or difficult circumstances to determine their future. “I stand before you as living proof that recovery is possible. No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can overcome them through courage, support and the willingness to change. Your past does not determine your future,” he said.
Phakathi urged learners to demonstrate leadership by resisting peer pressure and making independent choices. “True strength is not found in following the crowd. It is found in having the courage to say no when everyone else is saying yes. Everyone has the potential to choose a better future,” he said.
The interdisciplinary approach highlighted the contribution of different health professions to substance abuse prevention. Physiotherapy students addressed the benefits of physical activity and exercise, while Human Nutrition and Dietetics students focused on healthy eating and its role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing. Occupational Therapy students discussed healthy routines, positive coping mechanisms and life skills that can help reduce risky behaviours.
Sobantu said the initiative demonstrated the value of taking health sciences education beyond the classroom. “Community engagement is an integral part of health sciences education. Through initiatives such as this, our students can apply their knowledge while empowering young people to make healthier choices that will positively influence their futures,” she said.
Dr Phetla emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, “Addressing substance abuse requires a holistic approach.”
Dr Dzhugudzha added that practical life skills could help young people build resilience and make informed decisions.
The campaign reinforces SMU’s role in developing socially responsive health professionals while strengthening its partnerships with schools and communities. Through health education, interdisciplinary learning and community engagement, the University continues to advance its mission of transforming lives through excellence and innovation.
By Dimakatso Modise
