by Lorato | Apr 1, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to translate its mission into meaningful community impact, with students delivering critical healthcare services to learners with disabilities at a recent National Special Olympics event in Itsoseng, Mahikeng.
Invited to Reatlegile Special School, a team from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology provided audiological care to approximately 240 learners over two days. The outreach brought together six senior students — Promise Ravhuhali, Realeboga Motlhale, Nhlamulo Chuma, Ramadimetja Nokele, Tshepang Mochechane and Otlile Motau — under the guidance of lecturer Dr Rahab Mothapo.
Dr Mothapo said the university’s involvement reflects its commitment to accessible healthcare and community service. “We were invited to contribute to hearing health screening and care for athletes with intellectual disabilities, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our goal was clear: deliver essential services while empowering the community through access to care,” she explained.
Despite the scale of the task, the team successfully screened all learners through careful planning and teamwork. “We had approximately 250 individuals requiring services within a limited timeframe. This demanded flexibility, innovation and strategic execution. I am incredibly proud of how our students rose to the occasion,” said Dr Mothapo.
The outreach included hearing screenings, otoscopic examinations, pure-tone assessments, and cerumen management. Learners who required further evaluation were identified and referred to the nearest healthcare facility, ensuring continuity of care beyond the event.
For the students, the experience was both professionally and personally transformative. “It was a huge privilege to be part of this initiative. Applying our theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting pushed us to grow in confidence and competence,” said Ravhuhali.
Motlhale highlighted the human connection behind the clinical work. “Healthcare is not just about procedures — it’s about people, dignity and empathy. Engaging with the learners reminded us why inclusive care matters,” she said.
Chuma noted the broader impact of the initiative. “Many of these learners would not ordinarily have access to audiological services. Being part of a team that bridges that gap was deeply meaningful,” he said.
Students also reflected on the emotional and adaptive aspects of patient care. “Some learners were excited and eager, while others were anxious. We had to think creatively and work closely with teachers to make them comfortable,” said Mochechane.
Teamwork proved central to the outreach’s success. “Working across year levels allowed us to support one another, share knowledge and operate efficiently. It mirrored real-world collaborative healthcare environments,” added Nokele.
Representatives from the National Special Olympics praised the partnership, noting its meaningful impact. “Collaborations like this are vital. These students bring specialised skills that directly improve the well-being of our learners. The partnership with SMU is impactful and must continue to grow,” said Moeketsi Mokoka, Athletes Coordinator.
The event also fostered a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, with learners demonstrating enthusiasm and resilience throughout. “The connections formed were truly special — some learners didn’t want to leave our stations,” said Motau.
Dr Mothapo emphasised the long-term value of such initiatives. “Experiences like these shape students into competent, compassionate professionals while reinforcing the importance of community-centred healthcare. This is how we build a responsive and inclusive health system,” she said.
As SMU advances its vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, initiatives like this highlight the university’s role in expanding access to care, empowering communities and producing graduates equipped to lead with skill, empathy and purpose.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 1, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to advance community-centred education as final-year Occupational Therapy students conducted a situational analysis at Lesedi Self Help Association, in Hammanskraal, marking a significant milestone in the programme’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The initiative formed part of the University’s commitment to experiential learning, equipping students with practical insight into service delivery within real-world community settings.
The engagement provided students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of community-based rehabilitation while contributing meaningfully to a long-standing care centre supporting children with intellectual disabilities. Established in 2000, Lesedi Self Help Association has grown into a vital community resource, offering specialised care and developmental support to vulnerable children.
Manager Matilda Phala reflected on the organisation’s journey and sustainability. “Lesedi Self Help started in 2000. In 2012, we began receiving funding from the Department of Health, which has supported the sustainability of our services,” she said, highlighting the importance of continued institutional support.
The centre operates through a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including Lerato Maake in administration, Ivy Serepo as social worker, and Maria Llale, a retired nurse. Their combined expertise ensures holistic care for the children, addressing both medical and social needs.
Llale expressed appreciation for the partnership with SMU, noting the value of student engagement in community settings. “I am very grateful to the Occupational Therapy Department for embarking on this situational analysis. The students are becoming more aware of the needs of the community, and I encourage us to continue this collaboration,” she said.
The SMU initiative was led by Lebogang Lefine and Dr Ntsieni Teresia Dzhugudzha, who emphasised the academic importance of situational analysis as a foundational step in community engagement. According to Dr Dzhugudzha, “A situation analysis constitutes a critical foundational process in community engagement, ensuring that occupational therapy services are contextually relevant, responsive, and evidence-informed.”
They further explained that the activity forms part of the Occupational Therapy community block, which has officially launched the programme’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The milestone highlights both the legacy and continued relevance of occupational therapy in addressing healthcare needs at the community level.
“The final-year community block has kicked off the 50th Anniversary celebrations, highlighting the urgent need for occupational therapists in community settings. Meeting community needs remains central to our teaching and training approach,” added Lefine and Dr Dzhugudzha.
Lesedi Self Help currently supports twenty registered children diagnosed with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. Admission to the centre is facilitated through assessments conducted by the Department of Health, with parents encouraged to remain actively involved in their children’s development through regular visits and participation in care processes.
Funding for the centre is derived from a combination of admission fees and monthly contributions, often supplemented by social support grants. Despite its critical role, the organisation faces ongoing challenges, including limited donor funding, transport constraints, and low levels of community involvement. These barriers highlight the broader systemic challenges faced by community-based care centres across the country.
At the same time, Lesedi Self Help has achieved notable progress, including the expansion of its infrastructure and access to training support from the Department of Basic Education up to TVET’s N4 level. A key focus of the centre remains the assessment and placement of children into appropriate special education settings, ensuring that each child receives tailored developmental support. Due to extended licensing arrangements, some learners remain at the centre beyond the age of 18 to ensure continuity of care.
For SMU students, the situational analysis provided critical exposure to both the strengths and challenges of community healthcare delivery. The experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, empathy, and evidence-based practice in addressing real-world health needs.
This engagement underscores SMU’s broader mission to produce socially responsive health professionals who are equipped to serve diverse communities. By integrating academic learning with practical experience, the University continues to shape graduates who are not only clinically competent but also deeply committed to community development.
As SMU celebrates 50 years of Occupational Therapy education, initiatives such as this reaffirm its role as a leader in health sciences training—driving innovation, strengthening community partnerships, and contributing meaningfully to the well-being of society.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate its growing leadership in specialised healthcare after one of its senior clinicians, Dr Elliot Motloung, played a key role in the successful separation of conjoined twins at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo.
Dr Motloung, Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery at SMU, was part of a multidisciplinary team that performed a highly complex procedure on conjoined twins earlier this month. The operation, led by his predecessor as Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery at SMU, Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, lasted eight hours and required meticulous planning and coordination across multiple medical disciplines.
Explaining the complexity of the case, Dr Motloung said separation surgery involving conjoined twins is inherently high-risk due to the shared anatomy and delicate physiology of the patients. “The separation of twins surgery is always complex because the surgeon has to take into cognisance the physiological status of each child and the anatomical variations present,” he said. “In this particular case, there were vital gastrointestinal and solid organs that had to be separated, requiring a multidisciplinary team approach.”
The surgical team included paediatric surgeons, anaesthetists, radiologists, neonatologists, cardiologists, and plastic and reconstructive surgeons, supported by allied health professionals such as dieticians, psychologists and occupational therapists. According to Dr Motloung, this level of collaboration was essential to optimise the twins’ condition before surgery and ensure the best possible outcomes.
“I was privileged to be invited to be part of a team of local experts for what is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “A series of multidisciplinary meetings was held to plan every aspect of the procedure, from imaging and diagnosis to surgical execution and post-operative care.”
Among the most critical moments during the operation were securing the twins’ airways and establishing reliable vascular access. These steps were particularly challenging due to the babies’ size and positioning. “The anticipated difficult airway intubation and vascular access were crucial to making the surgery safe,” Dr Motloung explained. “We also had to manage shared blood vessels supplying vital organs, which required absolute precision to prevent excessive blood loss.”
He added that closing the surgical sites presented another significant challenge. “Ensuring that all vital organs were securely placed within the body cavities required great expertise, and our plastic and reconstructive surgeons did an exceptional job,” he said.
Following the operation, the twins are reported to be recovering well under close supervision at Mankweng Hospital. However, Dr Motloung cautioned that careful monitoring remains essential. “The main challenges now are preventing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring that the children gain sufficient weight so they can eventually be discharged as healthy babies,” he said.
The successful procedure builds on SMU’s track record in handling complex paediatric surgical cases, including a landmark conjoined twin separation performed at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in 2017. That operation, which involved twins sharing a liver, was the first of its kind at DGMAH and highlighted the university’s capacity for advanced surgical care.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the recent operation, Dr Motloung emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the healthcare sector. “This is not the first time SMU has been involved in the separation of conjoined twins, which is why we were invited to collaborate,” he said. “The more we participate in these procedures, the more we strengthen our expertise and position ourselves at the forefront of complex surgical care.”
He added that SMU remains committed to supporting other institutions and expanding access to specialised healthcare across the continent. “As a department, we will continue to share our expertise and collaborate with other institutions locally and across Africa to assist children who require complex, life-saving surgeries,” he said.
The successful separation not only marks a significant medical achievement for Limpopo but also reinforces SMU’s role as a leader in health sciences education, research and clinical excellence in South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to academic excellence and student success through its participation in the 2026 Achieving the Dream (DREAM) Conference, held in Portland, Oregon, in the United States from 01–05 March.
Representing the university were Professor Dini Mawela, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research; Tulani Nkuntse, Acting Executive Director of Student Affairs; and Dr Joshua Maliavusa, Manager: Student Academic Support and Siyaphumelela Institutional Lead. Together, they joined more than 2,000 higher education practitioners from over 300 institutions worldwide, all united by a shared mission to improve student outcomes through the Siyaphumelela network.
From the outset, the conference delivered a focused and high-impact platform for collaboration. Through pre-conference workshops, plenary sessions, breakaway discussions and DREAM Scholars engagements, the SMU delegation engaged with evidence-based strategies designed to improve student success. Key themes included equitable access, academic momentum, student mobility and the broader role of universities in shaping inclusive societies.
Reflecting on the experience, Prof Mawela emphasised the practical value of global engagement. “The conference delivered clear, actionable insights on how institutions can use data and collaboration to improve student success outcomes,” she said. Her remarks underscored the importance of informed decision-making in strengthening institutional performance.
A standout theme was the growing use of dual enrolment programme pathways, which align secondary and higher education systems to better prepare students for university success. While widely implemented internationally, the concept prompted critical reflection on how such models could be adapted within the South African context to improve transition, retention and completion rates.
Dr Maliavusa highlighted the importance of balancing global innovation with local relevance. “We must ensure that the strategies we adopt are responsive to our local realities while maintaining global standards of excellence,” he said. His perspective reinforced a central takeaway from the conference: meaningful progress requires context-driven solutions grounded in evidence and experience.
Beyond the formal programme, the conference created valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration among South African institutions. A delegation of 45 representatives participated in dedicated engagements coordinated by the regional managing team, including a welcome breakfast, a networking dinner at the Portland Historic Museum and the DREAM Scholars recognition reception. These platforms enabled deeper engagement, knowledge exchange and the strengthening of partnerships across institutions.
The conference concluded with a structured debriefing session, where each institution reflected on key learnings and began translating insights into practical strategies. For SMU, this marked a decisive shift from knowledge acquisition to implementation, ensuring that lessons gained will directly inform institutional planning and student support interventions.
Nkuntse highlighted the significance of collaborative learning in shaping institutional progress. “The collaborative sessions enabled meaningful engagement with peers and the sharing of experiences that will directly inform how we strengthen student support at SMU,” he said. These insights will be taken forward through the university’s Student Success Committee and integrated into broader institutional strategies.
Participation in global platforms such as the DREAM Conference reinforces SMU’s position as a forward-thinking institution committed to continuous improvement. By engaging with international best practices while remaining grounded in local realities, the university continues to enhance its ability to deliver inclusive, effective and student-centred education.
As SMU advances its mission to transform health sciences education through innovation and excellence, the knowledge and networks gained from the 2026 DREAM Conference will play a critical role in shaping future strategies. The experience not only broadened perspectives but also strengthened the university’s resolve to improve student outcomes and drive meaningful impact.
Ultimately, the conference served as both a catalyst and a call to action—equipping the SMU delegation with the tools, insights and urgency needed to accelerate student success and reinforce the university’s contribution to higher education and societal development.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a major milestone after two of its BSc Honours (Computer Science and Information Technology) students secured first place at the prestigious RMB x GirlCode Group Hackathon, reinforcing the institution’s growing reputation for excellence in computing and innovation.
Tsholofelo Sekome and Jennifer Mkhonto were part of a five-member team that emerged victorious during the competition held recently. The hackathon is widely recognised as a leading platform aimed at empowering women in technology and promoting diversity within South Africa’s fintech sector. Competing against some of the country’s brightest emerging developers, the team demonstrated exceptional technical skill, teamwork, and resilience under pressure.
Joining Sekome and Mkhonto were Paidamoyo Mapfuwa (University of Johannesburg), Neliswa Ntintili (University of the Witwatersrand), and Caitlyn Pillay (IIE). Together, they impressed judges by building a high-performance trading platform, “Tradebook Pro”, from scratch in just 48 hours. The system replicated the core functions of real-world financial exchanges, highlighting both technical depth and practical application.
The challenge required participants to design a fully functional, industry-grade trading platform capable of processing and matching buy and sell orders in real time. Guided by coaches Zwivhuya Tshitovha and Ashay Makanjee, the team prioritised building a robust and scalable system that could meet the demands of modern financial markets.
Sekome, who led the backend development, focused on architecting the core engine responsible for order matching and system performance. “I focused on developing the backend architecture using Java, ensuring that the system could handle complex financial requirements while maintaining low latency and high performance,” she said. “Building a robust trading platform from the ground up was one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve taken on.”
Mkhonto played a pivotal role in ensuring seamless system integration, contributing to both backend development and data management. Working closely with Sekome, she helped design the matching engine that enforced fairness and efficiency in trade execution.
“In just two days, we designed and built a full trading solution, thinking through everything from frontend to backend to persistence, while keeping performance at our core,” Mkhonto said. “This win reflects the strength of collaboration and shared vision.”
The platform’s backend handled order processing, trade execution, and matching logic with precision. By using advanced data structures such as TreeMap for automatic price sorting and ArrayQueue to enforce price-time priority, the team ensured fairness in transactions. The integration of SQLite further enabled reliable data storage, ensuring that all trades were securely recorded.
Judges commended the team for delivering a solution that met industry-level standards for scalability, speed, and accuracy—key requirements in financial technology environments. “It was an intense exercise in designing a system capable of handling complex financial requirements, all while racing against the clock to bring the core logic to life,” Sekome said. “Every edge case mattered.”
For Mkhonto, the experience was both professionally and personally transformative. “This hackathon taught me that I belong in tech,” she said. “Seeing our system execute its first trade after hours of debugging was an unforgettable moment.”
The RMB x GirlCode Hackathon continues to play a vital role in creating opportunities for women in technology by providing mentorship, exposure, and a competitive platform to showcase talent. The team acknowledged the guidance of their coaches and the broader support system that contributed to their success.
“We are incredibly grateful to our coaches for guiding us and pushing us to the finish line,” Sekome said. “We also thank RMB and GirlCode for creating a platform that empowers women in tech.”
For SMU, this achievement underscores the strength of its Computer Science and Information Technology programme today.
By Tumelo Moila
