by Lorato | Sep 17, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Three undergraduate radiography researchers from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) have returned from the prestigious Society of Radiographers of South Africa–International Association of Forensic Radiology (SORSA-IAFR) 2025 Congress with renewed inspiration and a determination to advance their profession. The event, held from 5–7 September in Cape Town, brought together local and international experts in medical imaging, forensic radiology, and healthcare innovation.
For SMU students Enos Malatji, Kgothatso Mabelane and Sibusiso Makhamba, participation in the congress was not only an academic milestone but also a chance to represent South African radiography students on a global platform. Each student delivered scientific presentations on topics ranging from spinal tuberculosis and MRI brain tumour segmentation to forensic imaging practices in hospitals and laboratories. Their work was met with encouraging feedback, sparking dialogue about the role of young researchers in shaping the future of radiography.
“Standing on an international stage as a student gave me real hope for the future of our profession,” Malatji reflected. “The feedback we received showed that people believe in students’ contributions, and that motivates us to keep pushing boundaries.”
The congress was also a moment of discovery. The SMU team noted the rapid pace of technological innovation in radiography worldwide, from advanced diagnostic tools to new forensic applications. For Mabelane, this highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges facing South Africa. “Our profession is evolving so quickly. Yet, compared to other countries, radiography here is still less recognised. Sustained collaboration with international peers will help us close that gap,” he said.
Their participation was not limited to presenting research. Malatji was invited to address the SORSA National Council Meeting prior to the congress, where he outlined strategies for mobilising students across the country to strengthen radiography through advocacy, research and leadership. He emphasised that student involvement was essential to give the profession a “fresh voice with energy and innovation.”
Beyond academic recognition, the congress also opened doors to professional opportunities. Malatji’s presentations caught the attention of several companies, two of which expressed interest in employing him in the future and exploring ways to invest in student development. “It was humbling to realise my work is not just for me, but for the profession at large,” he said.
The students also paid tribute to their supervisors, Khomotso Motiang and Jane Mosathupa, whose dedication and mentorship made their participation possible. “She worked tirelessly, sacrificed so much, and guided us like both a supervisor and a parent,” Malatji noted.
With research posters to be shared on campus notice boards and a renewed commitment to student-led initiatives, the SMU Radiography Students Organisation is set to carry forward the momentum from Cape Town. “If students can embrace research early in their academic journey, we can raise a generation of strong researchers and advocates,” Makhamba said.
The SORSA-IAFR 2025 Congress was more than an academic event for SMU’s young radiographers – it was a catalyst. It placed them firmly on the map of international radiography and reaffirmed their role in shaping the future of the profession in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 17, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has welcomed Letsai William Mashishi as its new Senior Officer: Convocation Administration, a strategic appointment that places him at the heart of convocation relations, governance, and institutional development. His role encompasses convocation relations administration, committee secretariat duties, project coordination, payment administration, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety, health, and environmental policies.
Born and raised in Soshanguve, Mashishi’s journey into higher education was defined by perseverance, academic excellence, and an enduring passion for administration. He earned his National Diploma in Marketing from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) before expanding his qualifications at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he achieved a B-Tech in Marketing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Leadership. He is now pursuing a Doctor of Business Leadership at UNISA’s School of Business Leadership, which he expects to complete in 2026.
His career in higher education administration began at UNISA in 2009, where he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Business Development Specialist and later as Acting Director of Executive Education. These roles honed his skills in strategy development, project management, stakeholder engagement, and executive education programme delivery. Over a span of 14 years, Mashishi built a formidable reputation as a leader capable of managing resources, people, and projects with precision.
His academic journey has also been underscored by a commitment to research and scholarship. In September 2025, he presented preliminary findings from his doctoral research at the Short Learning Programmes Intervarsity Forum, hosted by the University of the Free State. This milestone, he says, reinforced his love for research and the value of contributing to academic knowledge while advancing institutional development.
At SMU, Mashishi’s central focus is on supporting the Convocation structure – a statutory governance body responsible for linking the University with its alumni and former academic staff. “Convocation represents continued engagement with our alma mater. Its members are brand ambassadors, mentors, volunteers, and donors who play a vital role in advancing SMU’s strategic objectives,” he noted.
He aligns his work with SMU’s Strategy 2024–2028, which emphasises strengthening alumni networks to secure donor funding, industry partnerships, and third-stream income. For Mashishi, this is more than administration; it is about building sustainable pathways for SMU’s growth and influence.
The demands of his portfolio are considerable, often extending beyond office hours to accommodate the schedules of Convocation Executive Committee members. “Flexibility is crucial,” he reflected. “Evening and weekend meetings are part of the rhythm of this role, ensuring constant communication and alignment with stakeholders.”
His work also requires meticulous governance and confidentiality. “All documents are securely stored on password-protected platforms. Upholding governance standards and trust is non-negotiable,” he emphasised.
Looking to the future, Mashishi sees data management and fundraising as transformative tools to enhance alumni participation. Personally, he is inspired by the broader vision: “With declining government funding, universities must rely more on alumni and private donors. My focus is on building lasting networks that sustain SMU for generations to come.”
For young professionals aspiring to enter higher education administration, his advice is straightforward: “Be outward-looking, embrace continuous learning, and see beyond the immediate task. Higher education is about impact — both within the university and far beyond its walls.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 17, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the campus grounds are no longer just lawns and pathways—they are living landscapes of creativity, sustainability, and innovation. At the heart of this transformation is Bathabile Ndlovu, a horticulturist in the Landscape Development and Management Unit of the Built Environment Department, whose vision is reshaping how students, staff, and visitors experience the campus.
Ndlovu is steadily breaking barriers in a field long dominated by men. Her leadership and technical expertise are redefining what it means to manage landscapes, proving that dedication, innovation, and knowledge matter far more than tradition. “Being a woman in this industry is not about competing with men,” she explains. “It is about showing that passion and skill can transform spaces in ways that inspire communities.”
Originally from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Ndlovu brings a wealth of academic and practical knowledge to her role. She holds a B. Tech in Horticulture from Durban University of Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from MANCOSA, and a BSc Honours in Environmental Management from UNISA. She is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management at the University of the Witwatersrand. This combination of qualifications equips her with the technical, managerial, and strategic skills to design and oversee outdoor spaces that meet international standards of sustainability and functionality.
Her role at SMU extends far beyond planting trees or mowing lawns. She designs, develops, and maintains outdoor areas that are both beautiful and practical. Among her notable projects are the refurbishment of outdoor seating areas, which have been transformed from neglected corners into vibrant spaces for rest and reflection. She has overseen the installation of waste management cages across the campus, promoting environmental responsibility, and introduced propagation structures that allow the university to grow its own plants rather than rely on external suppliers. Her innovative irrigation systems address the ongoing challenge of water scarcity, ensuring that the campus remains lush and thriving even under tight resource constraints.
Ndlovu has a keen eye for potential in overlooked spaces. Under her guidance, forgotten corners have become green havens, and pathways and gardens now strike a careful balance between beauty and practicality. Every detail, she insists, must reflect both ecological responsibility and design excellence. “Landscaping is not just about plants,” she says. “It is about creating sustainable systems that serve people and the environment at the same time.”
Her vision stretches beyond the present. She is determined to leave behind landscapes that will inspire generations of students and staff to come. “Horticulture is not just about keeping the grass green,” she reflects. “It is about creating living spaces where people can breathe, think, and feel inspired. My dream is to leave behind landscapes that reflect care, creativity, and innovation for generations to come.”
Ndlovu is more than a horticulturist. She is a visionary whose work ensures that SMU’s outdoor environment reflects excellence and innovation at every turn. The flourishing gardens, revitalised seating areas, and sustainable systems now embedded in the campus are her living portfolio. Her work is not just transforming how SMU looks—it is changing how the university feels, creating a campus where environment and education unite to inspire excellence.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 15, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked a proud academic milestone on Friday, 12 September, as 110 students graduated at a ceremony held at its Sports Complex. The event not only celebrated individual achievement but also highlighted the University’s growing contribution to health sciences education in South Africa.
Among the undergraduates, nine students (8%) had entered the University through the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), underlining SMU’s commitment to widening access to higher education. One student also graduated cum laude, underscoring the high academic standards at the institution.
The recently appointed SMU Chancellor, Dr Penny Moumakwa, formally conferred degrees to the graduates at SMU’s Spring Graduation Ceremony, marking her first official act in this prestigious role. Her presence added gravitas to the event as she personally recognised the achievements of the graduates across disciplines, including dentistry, health care sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and science and technology.
The results reflect the University’s strength across disciplines:
- School of Dentistry – 3 undergraduates, 5 Master’s (8 total)
- School of Health Care Sciences – 16 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (18 total)
- School of Medicine – 10 undergraduates, 1 Honours, 33 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (46 total)
- School of Pharmacy – 2 undergraduates, 9 Master’s (11 total)
- School of Science & Technology – 14 undergraduates, 8 Honours, 3 Master’s, 2 Doctorates (27 total)
The figures reveal a strong postgraduate output, with Master’s graduates forming the largest group. This reflects SMU’s dual focus on preparing practitioners and building research capacity and academic leadership.
Graduates shared moving reflections on their journeys. Lehlogonolo Mokaba, who graduated Master of Science (Mathematics) cum laude with a dissertation titled Self-adaptive technique with two-step inertia for monotone variational inclusion problem in real Hilbert space, reflected: “Resilience, faith, and countless hours of dedication carried me through. Hard work, when guided by passion, always bears fruit.”
Ayomide Adeyemi Abe, who earned a PhD in Medical Physics with a thesis titled Detection, staging and classification of lung cancer using deep learning, described his journey as both personal and global: “I arrived with nothing but faith. There were challenges, but I believed, and step by step, everything became clear. I dedicate this PhD to my late uncle, my family in Nigeria, and my supervisors. My advice: believe in yourself – everything is possible.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor for the ceremony, Professor Dini Mawela, applauded the graduates’ determination: “These young professionals will go on to change lives. Their success reflects both personal perseverance and the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence.” She highlighted broader 2025 milestones, including 1,403 graduates this academic year—1,293 during May—and SMU’s first honorary doctorate, awarded to Professor Ngoepe for his four decades of contribution to Physics.
The Spring Graduation marked more than numbers. It underscored SMU’s mission to produce highly skilled professionals in dentistry, health care sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and science and technology fields where South Africa urgently needs expertise.
For the graduates, the day represented years of resilience, long nights of study, and perseverance. For South Africa, it symbolised a stronger workforce equipped to improve healthcare systems, advance scientific knowledge, and tackle pressing national challenges.
As applause filled the Sports Complex, the significance stretched far beyond the hall. The true celebration lies ahead—in the hospitals, laboratories, and communities where these graduates will make their mark.
SMU’s Spring Graduation 2025 is proof once more that SMU does not just produce graduates. It shapes leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Chinua Achebe Auditorium at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was filled to capacity as Professor Martha Chadyiwa, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), launched her long-awaited memoir, BeYOUtiful: A Life of Unwavering Grit, Passion & the Pursuit of Learning.
The evening was not just a book launch but a vibrant celebration of resilience, womanhood, and storytelling. All available copies of the memoir sold out on the night, a clear sign of the book’s immediate resonance with readers.
Described as a powerful personal narrative, BeYOUtiful chronicles Prof Chadyiwa’s journey of courage, determination, and lifelong learning. More than a memoir, it represents a movement calling readers to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically. “BeYOUtiful is more than a memoir; it is a movement and a call to action,” said Chadyiwa. “It is about embracing authenticity, living boldly, and never ceasing to learn.”
The launch exemplified the spirit of collaboration through strategic partnerships that aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Key partners included SMU, the University of Johannesburg, the African Ambition Network, and the Bold Women Network.
A highlight of the evening was the royal endorsement by Kgosana Dr Keketso Rakhudu of the Bafokeng Nation, underscoring the cultural significance of the memoir and its broad societal appeal.
The event featured a distinguished panel discussion under the theme “Writing Your Truth: Women, Power & the Courage to BE.” Alongside Chadyiwa, panellists included Seri Kumalo, an award-winning publicist, and Dr Mercy Sepadi, a public health professional. The discussion was moderated by Lerato Kadiaka, entrepreneur and founder of African Ambition and the Bold Women Network.
The conversation touched on the courage required to tell one’s story, the power of women’s voices in shaping communities, and the transformative potential of authenticity. As Chadyiwa noted: “Women’s stories are not only about survival but about leadership, vision, and transformation.”
The launch was an overwhelming success, with the auditorium filled to standing-room-only capacity. Attendees included leading academics, entrepreneurs, cultural figures, and community leaders. The sell-out of all available copies marked a defining moment for the memoir’s debut, while the community response reflected widespread enthusiasm and admiration.
Key stakeholders such as Ivy Mmatheo Segoe of UJ and the African Ambition team were instrumental in the event’s success. The active involvement of diverse partners highlighted the power of collective effort in amplifying women’s voices.
The launch of BeYOUtiful carries cultural and social significance beyond publishing. The memoir advances authentic self-expression, lifelong learning, and women’s empowerment while reinforcing African narratives within academia and society. By combining the support of traditional institutions, cultural leadership, and modern entrepreneurial networks, the event set a precedent for future collaborations.
Chadyiwa’s professional journey underscores her authority in environmental and occupational health, her leadership in curriculum development, and her achievements in international research. Her recognition as one of South Africa’s Inspiring Fifty Women in STEM (2021) and recipient of the Black Women in Science Fellowship (2025) further cements her reputation as a leader and mentor.
As the evening concluded, Chadyiwa left the audience with a powerful message: “BeYOUtiful is a reminder that authenticity, courage, and passion are not only personal qualities but also collective tools for reshaping society.”
With this milestone, Chadyiwa has not only launched a book but ignited a movement, affirming her role as both scholar and storyteller in shaping Africa’s future.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Ghana Royal Visit to South Africa, held recently over two days, marked a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and developmental relations between Ghana and South Africa. The initiative, expertly coordinated by Professor Martha Chadyiwa, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), successfully brought together key stakeholders and ensured the seamless execution of the programme.
“The Ghana Royal Visit represents more than a ceremonial exchange; it is a platform for meaningful collaboration and cultural diplomacy,” said Professor Chadyiwa.
The delegation was led by Nana Obokese Ampah I, representing His Majesty Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of the Abladze Traditional Area and Board Chairman of the Ghana Chieftaincy Awards. The visit formed part of the broader 3rd Ghana Chieftaincy Awards and Royal Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in Kumasi, Ghana, in October 2025.
Hosted by the Office of Kgosana Koketso Rakhudu & Partners (OOKKR), the Koketso Rakhudu Foundation, and SMU, the visit included engagements in Rustenburg and surrounding villages, as well as academic collaboration at SMU. The initiative received strong support from the Black Star Experience Secretariat, the National House of Chiefs, the Obokese Foundation, and the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Day One, the delegation commenced their visit at Ramokoka Village, where they were warmly welcomed. A graduation ceremony hosted by the Koketso Rakhudu Foundation celebrated local achievements and offered cultural immersion for the Ghanaian delegates. The evening concluded with a formal Welcome Dinner at the Royal Marang Hotel, featuring diplomatic introductions, presentations on the ten-year impact of OOKKR, and cultural exchanges, including ceremonial gift-giving and blessings.
Reflecting on the day, Nana Obokese Ampah I said: “We are honoured to witness the resilience and vibrancy of South African communities. This visit strengthens the bonds between our nations and underscores the value of traditional leadership in modern society.”
Day Two focused on cultural immersion and academic engagement. The delegation visited multiple villages, gaining insight into South African traditional heritage and community initiatives. A traditional lunch provided informal networking opportunities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. At SMU, the delegation was formally received by Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Professor Dini Mawela, and senior academic leaders. Discussions highlighted collaborative opportunities in healthcare education, research, and community health projects.
Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus commented: “Engaging with the Ghanaian delegation allows us to expand our academic and community partnerships, creating shared opportunities for development and innovation across borders.”
The visit achieved significant outcomes across multiple domains. Foundations for educational collaboration were established, community development initiatives were planned, and cultural diplomacy was strengthened through ceremonial and interpersonal exchanges. Logistical arrangements were executed efficiently, ensuring a smooth and culturally sensitive programme.
Strategically, the visit established a framework for long-term Pan-African collaboration, combining institutional partnerships, grassroots engagement, and traditional leadership diplomacy. “Our aim is to build lasting relationships that empower communities and promote Pan-African solidarity,” said Dr Kennedy Amphofo, a member of the Ghana delegation.
Looking ahead, recommendations include extending future visits to allow deeper community integration, incorporating project development workshops, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms to implement collaborative initiatives.
The Ghana Royal Visit successfully strengthened cultural diplomacy, promoted cross-border academic partnerships, and advanced Pan-African collaboration. By blending formal institutional engagement with authentic cultural immersion, the mission laid a strong foundation for continued cooperation between Ghanaian and South African institutions, affirming the enduring significance of traditional leadership in modern development.
By Tumelo Moila
