by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its standing as a leading institution in public health education, producing graduates who are both academically exceptional and socially responsive. One such graduate is Karabo Kagiso Tshiamo Sefako, who recently earned his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree cum laude — a reflection of his academic rigour and commitment to improving healthcare systems.
Born in Klerksdorp and now based in Pretoria, Sefako’s passion for public health was ignited during his time as a professional nurse (2019–2022) in the North West Department of Health. “My exposure to community health issues redirected my focus from individual patient care to population-level interventions,” he explained.
With a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BCur Hons) from North-West University and a distinction in his Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Pretoria, Sefako’s journey led him to SMU. Drawn by its flexible MPH structure, he was able to balance work and study. “SMU offered the structure and support that enabled me to grow professionally while continuing to serve,” he said.
Graduating cum laude was a personal triumph. “It’s the result of countless late nights, perseverance, and a desire to make a difference. It proves that discipline and consistency do yield results,” he shared. His study methods, including the SQ5R technique and detailed goal-setting, were instrumental to his success.
His research tackled a critical challenge in South Africa’s HIV response: “Uptake, attrition, and retention of the Universal Test and Treat programme among people living with HIV in the Moretele sub-district of North West Province.” Drawing on clinical experience, his work offers practical insights to improve continuity of care.
Sefako credits SMU’s academic mentorship, particularly Dr Raikane Seretlo, for shaping his research journey. “His guidance and encouragement was invaluable,” he said. As class representative, he also honed his leadership and communication skills, further enriching his academic experience.
The MPH programme’s hybrid model — combining virtual learning, group collaboration, and accessible lecturers — supported students like Sefako in managing the pressures of full-time work alongside studies.
Now preparing for a PhD in Public Health, Sefako envisions a future in academia, health policy development, and programme implementation. He aspires to contribute to institutions like the National Department of Health and the South African National Blood Service, focusing on areas like HIV care, health literacy, and donor engagement.
Balancing work, studies, and personal life was no small feat. “There were sacrifices, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt. But the goal of transforming healthcare — and proving to myself what I’m capable of — kept me going.”
His advice to current MPH students is practical and motivational: “Work hard but smart. Be disciplined and consistent. Let your passion for public health guide every decision.”
As the first in his family to reach this milestone, Sefako’s story is one of inspiration. With a personal motto — “Dare to defy the ordinary; beyond the conventional lies the undeniable, unparalleled, unexpected self” — he stands as a beacon of possibility and purpose in public health.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has produced another outstanding graduate who embodies the institution’s values of excellence and service. Sakhile Innocentia Hlatshwayo, a Summa Cum Laude nursing graduate, has demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving her community. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s mission to shape the future of healthcare in South Africa.
Now serving her community service year at Tambo Memorial Hospital, she is gaining real-world experience and deepening her passion for paediatric nursing. Her path into nursing began at home. Raised by her grandfather, who lived with diabetes and hypertension, she became a caregiver at a young age. “Nursing was never just a career for me,” she said. “It’s a calling to serve, care, and advocate.”
At SMU, Hlatshwayo emerged as the overall top academic performer in the School of Healthcare Sciences in 2025. Her success stemmed from discipline, time management, and an enduring love for learning. “From the first year, I created a routine with my friend Vuyo Dlakude,” she shared. “We scheduled everything — lectures, studying, cooking, rest. That structure kept me grounded.”
Though she mostly studied independently, Hlatshwayo embraced collaborative learning for more complex subjects. She sought help when needed, meeting with lecturers and peers to deepen her understanding. “It wasn’t easy, but I was determined not to give up,” she added.
She faced many challenges — including burnout and difficult modules — but overcame them through support and self-care. “Balancing academics and personal life was tough. But taking breaks, going home, and talking to loved ones helped me stay sane.”
A turning point came during her clinical placement in the neurosurgery theatre at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, where theory met practice. While she initially aspired to ICU and theatre nursing, her current exposure to neonatal intensive care has shifted her focus.
“Working with premature babies is emotionally intense, but it’s deeply rewarding. They can’t speak, but I’ve learned to be their voice,” she said. “It’s shaped me into a more compassionate and confident nurse.”
Reflecting on her SMU experience, Hlatshwayo now sees the rigorous training as necessary preparation for South Africa’s demanding public healthcare system. “The curriculum sharpened our skills and taught us how to think on our feet.”
Looking forward, she hopes to specialise in paediatrics or theatre nursing and pursue a PhD in Nursing. “I want to contribute to healthcare reform and nursing education — not just as a practitioner, but as a leader.”
Graduating Summa Cum Laude was a deeply emotional moment for her family. “It honours every sacrifice made along the way,” she said. “It reminds me of where I started, and how far I’ve come.”
To first-year nursing students, her advice is heartfelt: “Nursing is more than a degree — it’s a calling. Give your best, stay focused, and take care of yourself. The journey is hard, but it’s worth it.”
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
From a small town in Limpopo to graduating cum laude from one of South Africa’s top health sciences universities, Dr Gert Loubser’s journey is a testament to the calibre of graduates produced by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). His dedication to patient-centred care, academic excellence, and lifelong learning reflects SMU’s mission to shape the future of health in South Africa.
Raised in Hoedspruit, Loubser discovered his passion for medicine in Grade 10 during a job-shadowing experience at a clinic in Acornhoek. “An elderly man thanked the doctor and me for helping him. That moment showed me the profound impact doctors can have,” he recalls.
Recently completing his MBChB degree cum laude, Loubser credits his success to consistency and discipline. “I studied daily. I didn’t wait until the last minute. Keeping the end goal in mind—becoming a doctor—kept me going.”
This perseverance was especially vital during clinical training. “Internal Medicine in the fifth and sixth year was overwhelming, but I believe the Lord gave me the strength to stay calm during those long nights.”
Despite the challenges, Loubser describes his SMU experience as “amazing.” He praises the university’s academic rigour and emphasis on holistic development. “Beyond teaching and skills training, I made lifelong friendships. SMU shaped me into a doctor who always puts patients first.”
He acknowledges mentors like Professor Zack Koto and Professor Pindile Mntla, whose dedication to teaching and patient care left a lasting impression. “Their passion and extra effort in teaching really inspired me.”
Among his clinical rotations, paediatrics and ophthalmology were the most fulfilling. “The gratitude from patients during clinical training echoed that early experience in Grade 10. It kept reminding me why I chose medicine.”
Loubser values SMU’s emphasis on continuous learning. “I plan to pursue diplomas and primary exams soon to improve my chances of securing a registrar post. I’m considering specialising in ophthalmology or urology.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to be a qualified specialist running his own practice. “For me, medicine is a calling. Young doctors have a duty to serve with compassion and to inspire others.”
His achievement has also had a ripple effect. “My family is incredibly proud. It’s even motivated my siblings to pursue their studies with more determination.” He celebrated his graduation with them over a well-earned dinner — a fitting end to a chapter marked by resilience.
Loubser’s advice to aspiring students is both practical and spiritual: “Apply yourself. Learn something every day. Don’t leave things too late. And most importantly, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Through graduates like Loubser, SMU continues to affirm its role as a leading institution producing competent, compassionate, and community-driven healthcare professionals.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Two senior nurse academics from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Dr Andile Mokoena-de Beer and Dr Sophy Moloko, recently flew the South African flag high at the 36th International Nursing Research Congress, hosted by Sigma Theta Tau International in Seattle, USA. The congress, themed “Representing Nursing Globally Through Dissemination of Research and Evidence,” drew over 800 nurse leaders, researchers, and clinicians from around the world.
Mokoena-de Beer presented a paper exploring Navigating interpersonal connections: relationships of pregnant women following HIV diagnosis, while Moloko showcased findings from her study on caregivers’ involvement in childhood illness management in Limpopo’s Vhembe District. Their participation marked a significant step in amplifying African voices in global nursing discourse.
“Presenting at Sigma was a profound honour,” said Mokoena-de Beer. “It validated the importance of our research and allowed us to advocate for culturally sensitive psychosocial support for pregnant women diagnosed with HIV.”
Equally inspired, Moloko described the experience as a milestone: “It was humbling to share findings from rural Limpopo with a global audience. Our work underscores the value of community health education in managing child illnesses and reducing clinic burdens.”
Both presentations resonated deeply with delegates, sparking interest in cross-cultural comparisons of HIV-related stigma and collaborative projects targeting caregiver education. “We had discussions with researchers from Kenya, Botswana and the US,” Moloko added. “There’s strong interest in co-developing mobile health tools and literacy-based training for caregivers in rural communities.”
Mokoena-de Beer highlighted the universal relevance of their work: “The challenges we face — stigma, limited resources, disclosure trauma — echo across continents. Our findings offer lessons in resilience and innovation that can enrich global nursing practice.”
The SMU Nursing Science Department, under the leadership of Professor Deliwe Phetlhu and Professor Douglas Maleka (Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences), played a key role in supporting this global engagement. Through regular writing retreats, mentorship, and funding facilitation, the department fosters a robust research culture that empowers its academics to contribute meaningfully on international platforms.
“The university’s support allowed us to take SMU’s research footprint to a global level,” said Mokoena-de Beer. “Our colleagues and students were thrilled by our representation—it’s inspired others to aim higher.”
Looking ahead, both scholars are pursuing follow-up publications and implementation strategies. Mokoena-de Beer is finalising a third journal article and developing guidelines for healthcare workers to support pregnant women post-HIV diagnosis. Moloko aims to digitise IMCI training and create tailored educational materials for caregivers.
Summing up their experience, Moloko stated: “This congress reminded us that nursing research knows no borders. When grounded in community needs and driven by evidence, it has the power to transform health systems and individual lives alike.”
In their own words: Mokoena-de Beer: “A transformative platform where local stories ignited global dialogue.” Moloko: “A convergence of local expertise and global collaboration.”
SMU continues to shine as a beacon of African excellence in health sciences, proving that local research can have a profound global impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and dedication, Dr Sagwadi Ngobeni, a cum laude graduate of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme, has defied the odds of growing up in Maxavele Village in Giyani, Limpopo, a rural community with limited resources, to become a doctor. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s commitment to producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
“In Grade 7, we had a career dress-up day. I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t have a white coat or a stethoscope. Still, nothing appealed to me like medicine did,” she recalls.
Graduating cum laude is a mark of both academic excellence and resilience. “It wasn’t easy, but every moment of hard work paid off. This achievement reminds me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” she said.
Her study strategy was rooted in consistency and collaboration. “I studied from the start of each block. Group discussions helped me stay accountable and made learning easier. Even when I was exhausted, my peers pushed me to keep going.”
She found Internal Medicine both the most challenging and most rewarding of all her rotations. “Seeing very ill patients improve reminded me why I chose this path,” she shared.
Ngobeni credits SMU for shaping her into a well-rounded healthcare professional. “SMU became my second home. The strong sense of community made the academic journey bearable. Most importantly, I gained the confidence to assess and manage patients effectively, even in resource-limited settings.”
Beyond academics, SMU nurtured her emotional intelligence and empathy. “From patients, I learned kindness. From peers, I learned it’s okay to ask for help.”
As the first doctor in her family, her success has made a profound impact on her community. “My family is incredibly proud. In my village, not many young people make it to university. I hope my journey inspires others.”
She plans to pursue postgraduate studies and is considering a specialisation in Paediatrics. “Ironically, after my paediatrics exam in fifth year, I cried because I thought I had failed. But I passed with distinction. Now, it’s a field I’m seriously considering.”
Ngobeni also has a passion for community outreach and aims to raise awareness about preventable health conditions through traditional and social media platforms. She is equally dedicated to mentoring aspiring medical students.
Her advice to current students is both practical and profound: “Put in the work. Study smart, not just hard. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Use your support system. And most importantly, trust God’s timing.”
Ngobeni celebrated her graduation with a dinner alongside her proud family. Of all those who supported her, her mother stands out. “She once told me, ‘You’re going to get old either way – rather get old doing something you love.’ That advice changed my life.”
Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also a testament to SMU’s commitment to nurturing excellence in healthcare.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 23, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a significant recognition of academic excellence and public health leadership, Siphiwe Khumalo, a graduate of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been selected as one of only 20 international fellows for the 2025 United Nations Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship. Chosen from more than 2,400 applicants across over 100 countries, her selection by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) marks a remarkable personal and institutional milestone.
Hailing from Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, Khumalo holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Tshwane University of Technology and a Master’s in Pharmacy Public Health and Management from SMU — the only South African university offering this specialised qualification.
Speaking ahead of her visit to Geneva, Switzerland, in August, she said: “Coming from a small village, I never imagined I’d stand on a global platform. This isn’t just my achievement — it’s a door opened for many others.”
The Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship offers early-career professionals training in biosecurity diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, and research collaboration. The three-month programme includes online learning, a group research project, and an in-person visit to Geneva during the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) meetings from 11–15 August 2025.
Khumalo’s academic and professional work lies at the intersection of pharmacy, public health, and policy. Her Master’s research explored COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among South African pharmacists. While 74.3% of participants were vaccinated, nearly a third were unwilling to recommend vaccination — a concerning statistic for frontline health professionals.
“We can’t expect healthcare workers to champion vaccines if their own doubts aren’t addressed,” she explained. “My aim was to surface those concerns and offer solutions for future interventions.”
Khumalo is no newcomer to international platforms. She previously served as Regional Secretary for the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) and was selected as a delegate to the 78th World Health Assembly — though visa delays prevented her attendance. As the only South African fellow in the 2025 cohort, she sees her Geneva visit as a chance to amplify African voices in global health and biosecurity.
Her fellowship project focuses on bridging the Biological Weapons Convention with the WHO Pandemic Agreement, aiming to strengthen global responses to both natural and deliberate biological threats.
Reflecting on her time at SMU, Khumalo credited mentors such as Professor Hannellie Meyer for helping her grow: “SMU empowered me to claim space in public health as a pharmacist. I hope others will be inspired to do the same.”
Looking to the future, Khumalo envisions a career in global health diplomacy, emergency response, and mentorship. “This fellowship isn’t the finish line — it’s a launchpad. I intend to bring others along on this journey of impact and transformation.”
With determination rooted in her background and a vision shaped by global aspirations, Khumalo’s journey highlights both the calibre of SMU graduates and the power of African leadership on the world stage.
By Tumelo Moila
