by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its role as a hub of research excellence following the recognition of Professor Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle with the prestigious South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Award for Research Capacity Development and Transformation.
Professor Mokgatle, who serves as Vice-Dean: Research in the School of Health Care Sciences and Head of the Department of Public Health at SMU, described the award as both humbling and affirming. “I am honoured to receive the SAMRC Scientific Merit Award. It is a recognition not only of my work, but of the collective efforts to build research capacity and transform health systems in meaningful ways,” she said.
Her work spans critical areas of public health where evidence directly informs life-saving interventions. “My research focuses on infectious disease prevention and control, sexual and reproductive health, and the development of digital health innovations,” she explained. “These include AI-powered healthcare assistants, health education tools, and conversational agents that support people with reliable information.”
In addition, Professor Mokgatle’s research contributes to strengthening diagnostic systems. “I work on point-of-care diagnostics, validating rapid tests and supporting their inclusion into policy frameworks,” she said. “Diagnostics only have value when they are trusted, used, and implemented at scale.”
Beyond her research outputs, Professor Mokgatle plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of African researchers. As Deputy Chairperson of the UCDP and nGAP Mentorship Committee, she champions long-term academic development. “Mentorship should not end with graduation. I continue working with my graduates as co-supervisors and co-authors, because building sustainable research pathways is essential,” she noted.
Her leadership extends into her daily responsibilities as an academic administrator and research leader. “In my day-to-day work, I mobilise resources, engage implementation sites, and train teams across the full research process — from ethics and fieldwork to analysis and publication,” she said. “My passion for research and teaching remains central to everything I do.”
Professor Mokgatle’s contributions have been widely recognised in recent years. She received an NRF C2 Rating in 2024, followed by the SMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Award for Best Established Researcher in 2025. In 2026, she was further honoured with an NRF SARChI Research Chair in Sexual and Reproductive Health, aligned with the national decadal research plan.
Her collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council has also been instrumental in advancing population health research. As co-Director of the SAPRIN BAMMISHO node, she leads work focused on the Bafokeng Health and Demographic Surveillance Node in the North West Province. The project examines the impact of mining and migration on health and socio-economic outcomes in rural and peri-mining communities.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Mokgatle emphasised the broader significance of the recognition. “I am grateful to the SAMRC for recognising this work and for supporting research that builds capacity, strengthens systems, and delivers impact where it matters most,” she said.
Her achievements underscore SMU’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and transformation in health sciences. Through leaders such as Professor Mokgatle, the university continues to drive solutions that respond to Africa’s most pressing health challenges while shaping a new generation of impactful researchers.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University continues to cement its reputation for research excellence and innovation following a major national accolade awarded to one of its emerging scholars. Nondumiso Nkosi, a multiple award-winning patent holder, part-time junior lecturer in Medical Virology, and PhD candidate, has secured first place in the Women Shaping Intellectual Property (IP) category at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) IP Youth Awards 2026.
The prestigious recognition celebrates Nkosi’s growing influence in innovation and intellectual property, as well as her contribution to addressing urgent public health challenges. At the centre of her work is HepaSure Diagnostics, an innovative solution designed to improve the detection of Hepatitis B, a disease that remains significantly underdiagnosed despite affecting millions globally.
Reflecting on the achievement, Nkosi said, “This recognition means so much, not just for me, but for the vision and purpose behind the work I do in innovation and intellectual property. It affirms the importance of creating solutions that directly impact people’s lives.”
HepaSure Diagnostics represents a critical step forward in closing gaps in improved diagnosis. By focusing on accessibility and accuracy, the innovation reflects the growing role of intellectual property not only in protecting ideas but in enabling real-world impact. Nkosi’s work highlights the intersection between scientific research and practical healthcare solutions, reinforcing the role of innovation in strengthening health systems.
She emphasised the collaborative nature of her success, noting the support structures that have shaped her journey. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the CIPC for creating a platform that celebrates and empowers young innovators. A special thank you to my institution (SMU) and everyone who has contributed to this work—this win is shared with you,” she said.
Nkosi further underscored the broader significance of the award for women in science and innovation. “This award is a powerful reminder that women belong in innovation, in science, and in intellectual property spaces,” she added, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusion in historically underrepresented fields.
Her achievement aligns closely with SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU continues to prioritise cutting-edge research, student-centred learning, and impactful community engagement. Nkosi’s success exemplifies the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent that not only excels academically but also contributes meaningfully to society.
The CIPC IP Youth Awards serve as a vital platform for recognising young innovators who are shaping the future of intellectual property in South Africa. Nkosi’s win not only elevates her profile as a researcher and innovator but also positions SMU as a leading hub for pioneering health solutions.
As SMU advances its mission to deliver professional training through excellence in teaching, learning, and research, achievements such as Nkosi’s reinforce the university’s growing national and global footprint. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in addressing real-world challenges and improving health outcomes for communities across South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), excellence continues to take centre stage as sixth-year medical student Andile Moloi earns international recognition through the highly competitive Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. At just 23, Moloi’s selection signals both personal achievement and the university’s growing global footprint in shaping socially conscious healthcare leaders.
Originating from Tembisa in Gauteng, Moloi’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to service. As one of only eighteen students selected nationally in December 2025, she joins an elite cohort identified for their leadership potential and capacity to drive meaningful change. The bursary programme, renowned for cultivating future leaders, offers participants exposure to diverse global perspectives and transformative international experiences.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Moloi said: “Coming from Tembisa township in Gauteng with big dreams has never been easy, especially when you don’t often see people who look like you in the spaces you aspire to enter. That’s why this opportunity is so meaningful to me. It represents visibility, possibility, and representation. It allows me to take up space in rooms I once thought were out of reach, and I hope that little Black girls can look at me and see a reflection of their own potential. This opportunity isn’t just personal—it’s a chance to show others that they belong too.”
Her recognition affirms her standing within the School of Medicine. Dean Professor Risenga Chauke previously described Moloi as “a rare blend of intellectual brilliance and human compassion. She, a philanthropist, exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader in the field of medicine.”
The programme commenced in Cape Town, where recipients engaged in an intensive week of leadership development. This was followed by an international tour across the United Kingdom, including academic and cultural visits to London, Cambridge, Oxford and Bletchley Park, as well as Edinburgh, St Andrews and The Burn in Scotland. These engagements provided a rich blend of academic insight, historical context, and cross-cultural exchange, aligning with the programme’s mission to develop globally minded leaders.
Moloi described the experience as transformative: “This was such an incredible journey and opportunity. I feel I’ve grown so much since the beginning of this tour. I’ve had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with many amazing people from diverse backgrounds. I feel that I’ve made connections that will last me for a lifetime and now have so many opportunities that I could’ve never dreamt of.”
A standout moment of the programme was her clinical exposure at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where she shadowed professionals in the Emergency Department. The experience offered valuable comparative insights into healthcare systems. “The system is quite similar to South Africa, although there are some differences,” she noted. “The UK has more resources, so you seldom get a congestion of patients in the hospital; and most public hospitals in South Africa are still paper-based, whereas the UK has adopted a more digital approach to patient files.”
Moloi joins a select group of SMU recipients of this prestigious bursary, with the last award made in 2022. Her achievement reinforces the university’s commitment to producing graduates who combine academic excellence with global competitiveness and social responsibility.
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU, praised Moloi’s accomplishment, stating: “We are incredibly proud of Andile and her achievement. She really embraced this opportunity and represented SMU with pride.”
Moloi’s success underscores SMU’s broader mission of transforming health sciences education through innovation, leadership, and community impact. As the university continues to nurture future healthcare professionals, achievements such as this reinforce its role in advancing both national development and global engagement.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its commitment to postgraduate excellence through innovative academic engagement, as demonstrated by a recent high-level seminar hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Centred on improving financial literacy and energising participation in the prestigious Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge, the session brought together Honours, Master’s and PhD students for a dynamic exploration of real-world financial practice.
Held on campus, the seminar formed part of the department’s broader strategy to enhance research capacity while equipping students with practical skills relevant to the financial sector. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the session unpacked the mechanics, benefits and academic relevance of the JSE Investment Challenge, widely regarded as South Africa’s leading educational investment programme.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Zaba Mngani, presenter of the JSE Investment Challenge, offered a comprehensive overview of the initiative, highlighting its role in developing financially literate and analytically skilled graduates. “The JSE Investment Challenge is more than a competition; it is a platform for developing disciplined, strategic thinkers who understand the dynamics of financial markets,” he said. “Participants gain risk-free exposure to real market conditions, allowing them to make informed investment decisions without financial loss.”
The seminar was further enriched by valuable contributions from Sanlam financial advisers Lerato Teffo, Buhle Mabhena and Rhoda Matsimela, who delivered insightful presentations. Their sessions complemented the keynote by providing practical perspectives on financial planning, investment strategies and industry expectations, thereby deepening students’ understanding of real-world financial environments.
The seminar was facilitated under the leadership of Dr Claude Moutsinga, Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics and Postgraduate Research Coordinator, alongside lecturer Molwantwa Kanyane. The engagement followed a formal invitation extended to the JSE after earlier interactions at the Investment Challenge Awards held on 17 October 2025, reflecting a growing institutional partnership.
Dr Moutsinga underscored the initiative’s alignment with SMU’s academic vision of producing industry-ready graduates. “Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only theoretically sound but also practically equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he said. “The JSE Investment Challenge provides an excellent platform to bridge the gap between mathematical theory and financial application.”
Throughout the session, students were introduced to key elements of the competition, including portfolio management, trading strategies and performance evaluation. The interactive format fostered robust engagement, with participants actively debating market trends, investment risks and decision-making processes in contemporary financial environments.
Kanyane highlighted the academic value of the programme, noting its relevance to postgraduate research. “Financial mathematics is an evolving field, and platforms such as this enable our students to contextualise their research within real economic systems,” he explained. “It strengthens analytical thinking and supports academic development at the postgraduate level.”
Students responded positively to the initiative, expressing enthusiasm about applying their knowledge in practical contexts. One postgraduate attendee, Neo Monyebodi, a Master’s student in Applied Mathematics, remarked, “This session has transformed how I view financial markets. It is empowering to know that we can apply our mathematical knowledge in a way that has real-world impact.”
Beyond academic enrichment, the seminar also emphasised the career advantages associated with participation in the JSE Investment Challenge. Students were encouraged to build professional networks, enhance employability and explore career pathways in finance, investment analysis and data science.
Mngani reinforced this perspective, stating that employers increasingly value demonstrable experience. “Participation in the Investment Challenge signals initiative, problem-solving ability and a strong understanding of market behaviour,” she said.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for postgraduate students in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and related disciplines to register for the competition. The department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting participants through mentorship and academic guidance.
As SMU continues to advance its role as a leader in health sciences and interdisciplinary research, initiatives such as this reflect its broader mission to produce graduates who are globally competitive, intellectually agile and equipped to drive innovation across sectors.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to advance its mission of fostering student success through purposeful partnerships, most recently reaffirmed through a collaborative initiative with Absa Group Limited aimed at alleviating student hardship. The approval of student support for the first quarter of 2026 marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two institutions, underscoring a shared commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and human-centred development.
Recently, the School of Science and Technology (SST) hosted an official handover ceremony, welcoming a delegation of approximately twenty representatives from ABSA. The delegation included representatives from various ABSA branch offices across Tshwane, demonstrating a unified institutional commitment that extends beyond a single office to a broader organisational endorsement of student development initiatives at SMU. The engagement was not merely ceremonial; it reflected a deepening partnership grounded in empathy, responsiveness, and a mutual understanding of the structural challenges faced by students in higher education.
Leading the ABSA delegation was Salome Morulane-Khorommbi, a Private Wealth Banker whose personal narrative added depth to the occasion. Reflecting on her own academic journey, she said, “I understand, from lived experience, the frustration of pursuing your studies while lacking even the most basic necessities. It is precisely this understanding that compels us, as ABSA, to intervene meaningfully where we can, because no student should have to choose between survival and success.” She further emphasised the intentional nature of the partnership, noting that it forms part of a broader commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement. “Our relationship with SMU is not transactional; it is intentional and value-driven. We recognise the critical role the university plays in shaping future professionals, and we are proud to contribute to that journey tangibly,” she added.
The delegation was formally received by Dr Esmey Baratwa Esther Moema, Operations Manager in the SST, representing the Dean, Professor Lawrence Obi. In her address, Dr Moema expressed both gratitude and strategic appreciation for the partnership. “We are deeply honoured by this gesture from ABSA, which speaks not only to generosity but to a genuine investment in the well-being of our students. The presence of multiple ABSA branches here today further affirms the strength and sincerity of this partnership,” she said. She also highlighted the broader implications of such initiatives within the higher education sector. “Financial distress remains one of the most significant impediments to student progression. By addressing these challenges directly, initiatives such as this create an enabling environment in which our students can focus on their studies with dignity and confidence,” she noted.
Central to the handover was the donation of groceries valued at R20,000, designated to support students in need. While modest relative to broader systemic challenges, the intervention carries both symbolic and practical significance. It reinforces the principle that student success is not solely an academic pursuit, but a holistic one that requires attention to fundamental human needs.
The initiative further reflects SMU’s institutional ethos, which prioritises inclusivity, resilience, and community upliftment. Through strategic partnerships with stakeholders such as ABSA, the university continues to position itself as a responsive and socially conscious institution, committed to transforming lives through education.
As the engagement concluded, both parties expressed a shared intention to sustain and expand the partnership. In a higher education environment increasingly shaped by complexity and constraint, such collaborations offer a compelling model for impact-driven engagement—bridging corporate responsibility with meaningful educational transformation. In doing so, SMU continues to affirm its role as a catalyst for academic excellence and social progress in South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
