by Lorato | Oct 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by connecting students, staff and surrounding communities with support services, as the university seeks to address the root causes of abuse and improve access to assistance.
The university recently hosted its annual GBV awareness and support campaign, bringing together government departments, civil society organisations and support services to educate attendees about GBV, its underlying causes, prevention and available interventions.
The initiative recognises that, despite growing awareness of GBV in South Africa, many cases remain unreported or unaddressed because people lack information about where to seek help. By bringing external organisations directly to campus, SMU aims to bridge this gap and extend access to assistance beyond the university community.
Participating organisations included the Commission for Gender Equality, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Justice, Gentlemen’s Legacy Alliance, SANCA and the GBV Command Centre.
Busisiwe Mbanjwa, SMU’s manager for the GBV Unit, said the campaign was designed to ensure that people could be referred to appropriate services when their needs fell outside the university’s mandate. “All these stakeholders, as much as they are not SMU stakeholders, are busy in their own organisation standing against GBV, ensuring social justice as well,” Mbanjwa said.
She explained that, although the university’s internal services primarily support students and staff, abuse and violence also affect people in surrounding communities. Establishing connections with external organisations enables the university to direct individuals to services equipped to assist them. “If we don’t address the root causes, we will forever fight GBV. GBV, I always say, is a reaction from something that is brewing inside,” she said, emphasising the importance of understanding the circumstances that contribute to violence.
Students also highlighted the campaign’s importance in confronting a problem that affects society regardless of educational background. Lungile Khanyile, a medicine student at SMU, said the scale of violence against women and the impact of abuse on healthcare services demonstrated the urgency of sustained intervention. Khanyile added that educated young people had a responsibility to promote awareness and share information with their families and home communities.
Representing the National Department of Social Development, Carol Tladi, manager of the GBV Command Centre, outlined the national support available to victims and survivors. She explained that the centre operates as a telephone-based counselling and referral service, not a walk-in facility. “If anyone is experiencing GBV or any kind of abuse of your human rights, you can call the command centre. We will either give you counselling over the phone, and then we can also link you with other services that can help you within your community where you are,” Tladi said.
She urged people experiencing abuse to seek assistance rather than endure their circumstances without support. “People don’t have to struggle. People don’t have to suffer in silence,” she said.
The campaign underscored that addressing GBV requires coordinated action across institutions, communities and support networks. By facilitating direct engagement with service providers, SMU is helping improve awareness of available resources and strengthen referral pathways for those who need assistance.
Through its commitment to education, community engagement and social justice, the university continues to contribute to efforts to build safer, more informed communities and ensure that access to support extends beyond campus boundaries.
By Gabisile Sibeko
by Lorato | Oct 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), through its School of Dentistry, brought essential dental services and oral health education to Tsitsing Village in Rustenburg during a two-day community outreach initiative on 8 and 9 October 2026. In partnership with the Office of Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu Goodwill, the initiative expanded access to oral healthcare and gave students practical, community-based learning experiences.
Held at Kgotla ya Rakhudu, the office of Kgosana, the outreach focused on preventive care, oral health awareness and collaboration between the University and traditional leadership. Residents received oral screenings, dental restorations, extractions, and fluoride treatments, along with guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing dental problems, and seeking professional care when needed.
Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu Goodwill, the traditional leader of Tsitsing in the Royal Bafokeng Nation, said the initiative aligned with his commitment to bringing essential services closer to residents. The partnership gave the community a platform to access dental services in a familiar setting and engage directly with healthcare professionals and students.
Dr Phenyo Matebesi, a practising dentist, SMU alumnus and manager of Matebesi Dental Services in Rustenburg, emphasised the importance of connecting university training with community needs. He said health sciences institutions had a responsibility to extend their contribution beyond the university environment and prepare graduates to serve society effectively.
“Our responsibility as a health sciences institution extends beyond the boundaries of the University. Through initiatives such as this, we have an opportunity to work alongside communities, promote health and provide our students with meaningful learning experiences that develop their professional competence, social awareness and sense of responsibility,” said Matebesi.
The outreach also enabled students to apply their academic knowledge and clinical skills in a community setting. By interacting directly with residents, they gained insight into local oral health needs and the barriers that can affect access to dental services. The experience reinforced the importance of patient-centred care, early intervention and preventive approaches in improving oral health outcomes.
Dr Grace Phalwane, a lecturer and dentist in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Community Dentistry, highlighted the educational value of community engagement. She said outreach initiatives allow students to put their training into practice, understand the needs of the communities they serve and recognise their responsibilities as future healthcare professionals. Such experiences strengthen the link between theoretical learning, clinical practice and social accountability.
The collaboration demonstrated how partnerships between academic institutions and traditional leadership can help address community health priorities. By hosting the programme at Kgotla ya Rakhudu, the partners created an accessible space for dental treatment, health education and engagement with residents.
For SMU, the initiative reflects its commitment to excellence in health sciences education and to developing competent, compassionate, and socially accountable healthcare professionals. Through community-based learning and partnerships that respond to local needs, the University continues to connect teaching and learning with service delivery, contributing to improved oral health awareness and healthier communities.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student Thabiso Trinity Seerane has represented the university at the 5th African Interprofessional Education Network (AfrIPEN) Conference 2026, contributing to international discussions on interprofessional education and collaborative healthcare through research presentations, student leadership and workshop facilitation.
Held recently at the University of the Western Cape’s Faculty of Community and Health Sciences in Bellville, the conference brought together students, academics, researchers and health professions educators under the theme, “African Wisdom, Global Relevance: Reclaiming Interprofessional Futures”.
A third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student, Seerane attended as Deputy Chairperson of SMU Faces of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) and Project Director of AfrIPENsils, the student wing of the AfrIPEN.
One highlight was his first conference presentation, delivered alongside fellow student Phološo Nyalungu. Titled “Beyond Borders and Professions: An African-Led Global Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Practice”, the presentation reflected on the IPE Global Event hosted by AfrIPENsils in 2025 and explored opportunities for healthcare students to advance meaningful interprofessional learning across professional, national and educational boundaries.
As the only undergraduate student presenter at the conference, Seerane shared his work with experienced academics, researchers and health professions educators, demonstrating the value of including student perspectives in shaping the future of healthcare education. “Although I still have much to learn, my experiences and ideas also have a place in these conversations,” said Seerane, reflecting on the significance of presenting at an international academic forum.
His contribution extended beyond research presentations to the student-led workshop, “Bridging Borders Through Hybrid IPE”, which brought together participants through online and in-person collaboration. As a facilitator, Seerane guided discussions exploring how understanding different healthcare professions, cultures and national contexts could strengthen teamwork and improve patient care.
The discussions reinforced the importance of listening, mutual respect and recognising the distinct contributions of different healthcare professionals. They also highlighted that effective collaboration requires more than an understanding of professional roles; it demands an appreciation of the experiences and perspectives that inform clinical practice.
For Seerane, the conference was also a significant personal milestone. Coming from a rural background in Limpopo, he described representing SMU in an international academic space as a reminder of the opportunities created when students are encouraged to participate, lead and share their ideas. Engagements with established leaders in IPECP further broadened his understanding of the evolving field and the importance of meaningful student involvement in healthcare education. “I walked into that conference as an undergraduate medical student. I left reminded that I may still have a lot to learn, but I also have something to contribute,” he said.
The experience strengthened his conviction that leadership is rooted in service and collaboration, principles he intends to carry into his future medical practice. He emphasised that healthcare quality depends not only on individual expertise but also on effective communication and professionals’ ability to work together to improve patient outcomes.
Seerane expressed gratitude to SMU, its IPECP Unit, the AfrIPEN Executive Committee, the AfrIPENsils team and the conference organisers for supporting student participation in interprofessional education.
Beyond his involvement in interprofessional education, Seerane contributes to medical education, research, academic development and student leadership through a range of roles. He serves as Surgical Anatomy Officer of the SMU Student Surgical Society (SMUSSS), Events Officer of The Diagnostic Society (TDS), and SMU Research and Writing Lead for Collaboration for Research ADvancement and National Evidence-based medicine (CRANE). He also tutors at the Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL), co-founded and serves as Vice-President of the Interprofessional Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), and works as an Academic Consultant with BridgeOne by Gradesmatch. Additionally, as Secretary-General of Residence 5B, he advances student representation and academic development, reflecting a commitment to leadership and service that extends beyond healthcare education.
His contribution reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education, innovative learning and student-centred development. By creating opportunities for students to engage in research, leadership and international academic collaboration, the university continues to support emerging healthcare professionals equipped to contribute to a more collaborative, responsive and patient-centred healthcare system.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student Alizwa Boco has taken the University’s commitment to student success onto the international stage, presenting research on the transition from high school to university at an international conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The presentation highlighted the need for universities to look beyond academic performance and provide holistic support that helps students adjust, belong and succeed.
Boco, a 22-year-old fourth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student from Sakhela in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, represented SMU at the International Conference on Student Engagement and Success in Higher Education, hosted by World Academics. The conference brought together students, academics and higher education leaders to discuss emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence in education and research, climate change and equitable access to quality education.
Boco presented an abstract titled “From the Gate to Graduation: A Biopsychosocial Approach for Conscious Transition from High School into University Life”. The research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. The abstract was subsequently published in the World Academics Journal on Sustainability, Ethical Innovation, Education and Governance for Societal Progress, marking a significant milestone in Boco’s academic journey.
Drawing on personal experience, the research examines how the transition into university involves more than adapting to academic expectations. It also requires emotional, psychological and social adjustment, supported by an environment that recognises students’ diverse needs. Through a biopsychosocial approach, Boco advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of the first-year experience, considering the relationship between academic demands, personal well-being, social connections and institutional support.
The research also reflects the work of SMU’s Department of Student Affairs through its First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme, which supports First-Time Entering Students (FTENs) as they navigate the demands of higher education. Boco’s approach calls for orientation programmes to go beyond introducing students to university facilities, regulations, and academic requirements, instead creating a welcoming environment that fosters belonging, resilience, and personal development.
The study further emphasises the importance of collaboration among university stakeholders in supporting students throughout their academic journeys. By recognising the challenges students face during their first year, higher education institutions can strengthen engagement, improve adjustment and create conditions that enable more students to progress towards graduation.
Reflecting on the achievement, Boco expressed gratitude to SMU’s Department of Student Affairs, the Internationalisation function and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, led by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela, for supporting student participation in addressing challenges affecting the university community. This support has enabled students to contribute to institutional discussions, develop solutions and participate in peer capacity-building initiatives, helping connect research with practical student support.
Boco’s participation in the Malaysian conference demonstrates the value of empowering students to contribute to international academic discourse and shape conversations about the future of higher education. The research also reinforces the importance of connecting student experience with institutional practice to develop more inclusive and responsive learning environments.
For SMU, the achievement reflects its commitment to excellence in education, student-centred development and research that responds to real-world challenges. Boco hopes the work will encourage universities to adopt more compassionate, collaborative and inclusive approaches to student support, ensuring that success is built on a meaningful welcome and sustained throughout the academic journey.
From the gate to graduation, the goal is clear: every student deserves the support and opportunity to succeed.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its commitment to a cleaner, safer, and healthier campus environment by continuously improving cleaning and hygiene services, with representatives from its cleaning management team recently attending the University of Pretoria’s Innovation and Technology Event.
The event, hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Facilities Management Department in collaboration with its Industrial Hygiene Subdivision, provided an opportunity to engage with emerging technologies, innovative practices and approaches to modern facilities management. The participation forms part of the team’s broader efforts to enhance service delivery at SMU, where a hygienic environment is essential to teaching, learning, research and professional training.
Since taking over the university’s cleaning services in March 2026, the team has focused on understanding SMU’s operational requirements and identifying opportunities to improve cleanliness and hygiene standards across its facilities. “For a health sciences university, cleanliness goes beyond appearance. It is fundamental to creating an environment that reflects the values of health, safety, professionalism and care that underpin healthcare education,” said Tulani Nkuntse, Acting Executive Director: Student Affairs.
The team’s participation reflects its recognition that cleaning services are integral to the university’s operational environment. Well-maintained facilities contribute to the daily experiences of students and staff while supporting the institution’s responsibility to provide suitable spaces for academic and professional engagement.
The cleaning industry continues to evolve, with technology, improved equipment, data-driven monitoring systems and more efficient resource management creating opportunities to enhance service delivery. For SMU, understanding these developments is an important step towards identifying practical solutions that can be applied to its campus environment.
However, innovation extends beyond technology. Effective cleaning and hygiene management also depend on skilled personnel, clear processes, accountability, adequate resources and a commitment to continuous improvement. “Improving hygiene standards requires the right combination of people, processes, resources and technology. Our cleaning personnel play a critical role in maintaining the university’s facilities and supporting them with appropriate guidance and management is essential to achieving sustainable standards,” Nkuntse said.
Maintaining these standards also requires collaboration among cleaning personnel, facilities management, university leadership, staff, students and other stakeholders. A shared commitment to cleanliness helps create an environment that respects the dignity and well-being of everyone who uses the campus.
Since assuming responsibility for cleaning services in March, the team has recognised that maintaining high standards requires consistency, communication, monitoring and teamwork. Participation in professional engagements such as the Innovation and Technology Event provides an opportunity to learn from other institutions and explore approaches that could strengthen cleaning operations at SMU.
The initiative aligns with the university’s broader vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. As an institution dedicated to health sciences education, professional training and innovative research, SMU has a responsibility to ensure that its campus environment supports these objectives.
The cleaning management team remains committed to identifying relevant innovations and applying lessons that can improve hygiene services for the university community.
Ultimately, a clean campus is more than a reflection of well-maintained facilities; it demonstrates care, responsibility and respect for the people who study, work and conduct research there. Through continuous improvement and collaboration, SMU aims to strengthen its campus environment and reinforce the importance of hygiene in advancing health sciences education.
By Tumelo Moila
