by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), officially launched the Local Intellectual Property-Based Skin Health and Personal Care Technology Innovation Cluster (LIPSHTIC) at NASREC during South Africa Innovation Week. The milestone event followed the signing of a formal funding agreement between Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor of SMU, and Ismail Abdoola, Acting CEO of TIA, creating a national platform dedicated to translating publicly funded research into commercially viable solutions.
LIPSHTIC aims to transform intellectual property (IP) from publicly funded research into safe, effective, and market-ready skin health and personal care products. Anchored at SMU, the cluster brings together universities, industry, and government to address pressing health challenges, promote local innovation, and create economic opportunities for small businesses.
A highlight of the launch was a panel discussion featuring industry leaders on commercialisation, technology transfer, and inclusive innovation. Representing SMU, Dr Vuyisile Thibane, co-project leader of LIPSHTIC, outlined the university’s role in guiding and overseeing the initiative.
The event also showcased three SMU patent holders: Emmanuel Kiyonga, Nondumiso Nkosi, and Thabo Lesiba Lekgoathi. Kiyonga’s drug, Raloxifene Hydrochloride Hydrate Solvate, offers promising treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer. Nkosi developed an innovative diagnostic assay for Hepatitis B, while Lekgoathi filed a provisional patent for a novel medicinal plant compound with activity against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Their presence highlighted SMU’s culture of innovation, though they did not participate on the panel.
Vuyisile Hobololo, TIA Head of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Bio-innovations Development and Commercialisation, emphasised the strategic value of LIPSHTIC: “LIPSHTIC is a model for how indigenous knowledge and publicly funded research can be converted into products that address real health challenges while creating economic opportunities for local innovators,” he said.
The cluster’s strength lies in its collaborative network. Industry partners, including AMKA Products, Prime Product Manufacturing, and Zuplex Botanicals, provide formulation expertise, product testing, and market access. Research support comes from institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and tech stations like InnoVenton at Nelson Mandela University, alongside SMU’s Schools of Pharmacy and Health Care Sciences, ensuring rigorous development and technology transfer.
In its first phase, LIPSHTIC will advance around 25 priority IP assets identified in the September 2025 IP Call Survey Report. Each asset will undergo optimisation, formulation refinement, and validation to meet regulatory and market standards. Licensing and technology transfer agreements will ensure that SMMEs and local innovators benefit directly, promoting inclusive growth in South Africa’s skin health sector.
The cluster’s deliverables include optimised prototypes, technical dossiers, regulatory compliance documentation, and capacity-building initiatives to support emerging enterprises. SMU’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) continues to play a pivotal role in converting research into commercial products.
First-year student and aspiring biotechnologist, Lerato Mthethwa, attended the launch and expressed excitement: “This initiative shows me that innovation isn’t just in the lab—it’s about making real impact in our communities. SMU is giving us the tools to turn ideas into solutions that matter,” she said.
By combining scientific expertise, industry knowledge, and community engagement, LIPSHTIC demonstrates the power of universities as catalysts for economic and social impact. Its launch during Innovation Week signals a new era of collaborative research, positioning South Africa as a global contender in skin health and personal care technologies, while fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable development.
SMU continues to cement its reputation as a university that drives academic excellence, research innovation, and tangible societal benefits. Through initiatives like LIPSHTIC, the institution ensures that its work not only advances science but also creates meaningful opportunities for local communities and innovators alike.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reaffirmed its role as a leading force in health sciences education, formally welcoming a new generation of healthcare professionals at its 2026 Oath-Taking Ceremony.
Held on 20 March at the New Auditorium, the ceremony marked a decisive entry point into the medical profession for first-year students across MBChB, Radiography and Emergency Medical Care. More than tradition, the event signalled a clear, binding commitment to ethical practice, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
The message from university leadership was unequivocal: healthcare demands discipline, not hesitation; purpose, not uncertainty. SMU’s vision to transform health services through innovation and excellence framed the occasion, positioning students as future drivers of change in a complex and evolving healthcare system.
SRC Chairperson of the School of Medicine, Vumbhoni Mahlaule, delivered a direct and motivating address. “You are not just students; you are the heartbeat of this institution and the future of our healthcare system,’ he said. He urged the cohort to replace reliance on motivation with consistent discipline, adding, “The path you have chosen is demanding, but you were selected because you have the excellence and character to succeed. Carry this oath in your hearts throughout your practice.”
Speakers reinforced a central truth: empathy is not optional in healthcare. It is a skill to be developed, sharpened and applied daily through active listening and patient-centred engagement. Students were challenged to meet this standard from the outset.
Representing Emergency Medical Care, Wisdom Ndlovu addressed the realities ahead with clarity and urgency. “Growth does not happen in comfortable places,” he said. “There will be challenges, but do not panic. You are here because you deserve to be here.” His message underscored resilience as a non-negotiable trait for success.
First-year MBChB student, Buyile Mkhwanazi, shared his excitement after taking the oath: “Standing here today, I feel the weight and honour of this responsibility. It’s more than a ceremony—it’s a promise to myself and my patients that I will always strive for excellence and compassion in everything I do.”
The defining moment came with the oath, officiated by the School of Medicine’s Dean, Professor Risenga Chauke. In a unified declaration, students committed to placing patient welfare above all else, upholding dignity across all backgrounds, and maintaining the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
“That oath will not define who you become,” Prof Chauke told the cohort. “It confirms who you already are through the steps you have taken. One day, you will realise it was never just a moment—it was a journey, built step by step, stone by stone.”
The ceremony also highlighted SMU’s strategic focus on excellence, accountability and student-centred learning, alongside its commitment to strengthening its national and global reputation. By aligning academic training with real-world healthcare demands, the university continues to produce graduates equipped to lead, innovate and serve.
As the ceremony concluded, the message remained clear and urgent: the responsibility now rests with the students. At SMU, the oath is not symbolic—it is a standard. And through that standard, the university continues to shape healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Rose Moreki
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has marked a defining moment in medical education, as seventeen cohorts of final year students from its School of Medicine formally took their Hippocratic Oath in a landmark ceremony that underscored the university’s commitment to ethical training and community-centred healthcare.
The ceremony signalled more than tradition. It marked a clear transition from training to responsibility, as students publicly committed themselves to the principles that define the medical profession—compassion, integrity and service. For SMU, the moment reinforced its role in shaping healthcare professionals equipped to meet South Africa’s evolving health challenges.
Addressing the students, Dean of the School of Medicine, Risenga Frank Chauke, delivered a direct and uncompromising message on the weight of the oath. “This oath can make you or break you,” he said. “I expect you to treat patients with compassion, uphold the highest standards of care, and make a meaningful difference in our communities. I do not want to see any of you disciplined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.”
During the ceremony, students recited their oath in unison, pledging to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity and to uphold the dignity and honour of the profession. They committed to delivering care to the best of their abilities, maintaining the highest ethical standards and serving communities with integrity and respect.
For the seventeen cohorts, the ceremony represented the culmination of years of rigorous academic and clinical preparation. It formally inducted them into the medical profession while reinforcing the moral responsibility that comes with patient care. The moment reflected both achievement and accountability, as students acknowledged the expectations placed upon them as future doctors.
Prof Chauke further emphasised the broader role of healthcare professionals beyond clinical practice. “Medicine is not just about treating disease; it is about caring for people and making a meaningful impact in their lives,” he said. “Let this oath guide your actions, your decisions and your attitude throughout your careers.” His remarks reinforced the principle that technical competence must be matched by ethical conduct and human-centred care.
Students expressed a strong sense of pride and purpose as they took the oath. The ceremony also brought together families, academic staff and distinguished guests, creating a shared moment of celebration and reflection. It recognised not only the students’ achievements but also the support systems that contributed to their journey. The atmosphere reflected both accomplishment and anticipation for the impact these future professionals will have on society.
Prof Chauke encouraged students to extend their commitment beyond hospital settings and into the communities they will serve. “This oath is not a formality; it is a lifelong commitment,” he said. “Let it shape your conduct and your responsibility to society.” His message underscored the importance of community engagement as a core component of medical practice.
As these cohorts embark on their professional journeys, the values embedded in the oath—compassion, accountability, integrity and service—will remain central to their development. Through this ceremony, SMU continues to produce healthcare professionals who are not only clinically competent but also socially conscious and ethically grounded.
By strengthening the link between academic excellence and community impact, SMU reaffirms its position as a leading institution in health sciences education. The oath-taking ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that the future of healthcare begins with a commitment to serve—one patient, one community, and one decision at a time.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reinforced its commitment to community health and preventive care by actively participating in World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2026, using the global platform to drive awareness, education and meaningful community engagement across Ga-Rankuwa.
Observed annually on 20 March and led by the FDI World Dental Federation, WOHD highlights the importance of oral hygiene in overall well-being. This year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, marks the culmination of a three-year global campaign focused on promoting lifelong oral health from early childhood through to older age.
At SMU’s School of Dentistry, students from the Departments of Community Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene translated this message into action through targeted outreach initiatives. Their efforts were designed not only to educate but to empower communities with practical knowledge and tools to improve daily oral hygiene practices.
The outreach began at Itireleng Residential Care Facility for the Disabled, a Gauteng Department of Social Development institution that provides residential care and skills development for individuals with physical and visual disabilities. Despite resource challenges, the facility continues to offer vital support services, making it a meaningful site for engagement.
Students delivered oral health education sessions, demonstrated proper brushing techniques and distributed dental care kits to residents. The interaction created an environment of learning, care and confidence, as beneficiaries engaged directly with future healthcare professionals.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Dr Nokukhanya Makwakwa emphasised the broader impact of oral health. “It is possible to maintain a healthy mouth throughout your lifetime, and this contributes directly to overall well-being and quality of life,” she said. “Oral health goes beyond teeth—it influences confidence, social interaction and general health.”
For students, the experience provided both practical training and personal growth. Zinhle Phiri, a third-year Bachelor of Oral Hygiene student, described the experience as transformative. “At first, everything felt overwhelming, but as we engaged with patients, it became more natural,” she said. “Seeing their smiles and knowing we made a difference gave me confidence in my abilities.”
Similarly, Lethabo Madiba, a third-year Bachelor of Dental Therapy student, highlighted the value of hands-on learning. “This experience taught me so much about patient care in real-life settings,” he said. “It is the kind of learning that stays with you throughout your career.”
The outreach extended to Boikanyo Primary School, where students engaged young learners through interactive oral health education sessions. Pupils received dental kits and participated in demonstrations designed to instil healthy habits from an early age. The initiative reinforced the message that prevention begins with education and consistency.
Beyond community visits, the campaign included radio interviews, campus activations and social media awareness drives, amplifying the reach of the message and ensuring that oral health education extended beyond physical engagements.
Adding a student leadership perspective, Ace Junior Netshipale, Chairperson of the Dental Student Council, reflected on the importance of community interaction. “I was initially nervous about engaging in oral health advocacy, but the response from the community was incredibly encouraging,’ he said. ‘It became clear how many people lack basic knowledge about oral hygiene, and that motivated me to do more.”
Dr Makwakwa reinforced the long-term vision of the initiative. “Prevention is key,” she said. “By educating communities and promoting healthy habits, we are building a culture where oral health is prioritised and understood as essential to a happy and healthy life.”
Through these initiatives, SMU continues to demonstrate its role as a university that combines academic excellence with social responsibility. The School of Dentistry’s active participation in World Oral Health Day reflects a broader commitment to producing skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who are equipped to serve communities effectively.
As the 2026 campaign theme suggests, a healthy mouth is central to overall well-being. By taking knowledge beyond the classroom and into communities, SMU is not only promoting oral health but also shaping a future where prevention, education and care work together to improve lives across South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is accelerating its role as a leader in health sciences innovation following a significant donation of specialised diagnostic equipment to its Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology. An initiative that reinforces the university’s commitment to research excellence, industry collaboration, and student development.
The donation, secured through a partnership with AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd), a Durban-based biotechnology start-up, introduces advanced instrumentation designed for the batch-top fabrication of medical devices, including lateral flow diagnostic assays widely used in point-of-care testing. The collaboration signals a decisive step toward strengthening South Africa’s local capacity in diagnostic development.
“We are proud to support innovation that advances accessible healthcare solutions and strengthens local scientific capacity,” said Dr Mandizvo Tawanda, Director and CEO of AMASU Technologies Pty (Ltd). “Partnerships like this are essential in translating research into real-world impact.”
“This partnership reflects a shared vision to build innovation ecosystems that respond to real healthcare challenges,” said Professor Phumlani Mdluli, who played a key role in securing the donation and collaboration. “We are not just enhancing infrastructure; we are creating pathways for impactful research and skills development.”
Under the leadership of Professor Tshwafo Motaung (HOD), the Department is positioning itself as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship, where research translates into practical green solutions and spins into enterprises. The newly acquired equipment directly addresses critical gaps in prototyping and fabrication, enabling the transition from theoretical work to real-world application.
According to departmental leadership, the impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels will gain hands-on experience with industry-relevant technologies, significantly improving their readiness for the workforce.
“Exposure to this level of instrumentation changes everything,” said Dr Reagan Mohlala, a Natural Scientist in the Department. This sentiment was echoed by Mutendela Tabile Olivier, a lecturer, who added, “It allows our students to engage with the realities of medical device development, not just the theory behind it.”
The collaboration also opens doors beyond the laboratory. Internship opportunities, joint research initiatives, and potential technology transfer projects are already being explored, offering students valuable industry exposure and positioning SMU graduates as competitive contributors to the health sector.
University–industry partnerships, experts note, are no longer optional in higher education; they are essential. By aligning academic research with industry needs, institutions can remain relevant while driving innovation and economic growth.
“This is a clear example of what happens when academia and industry move in the same direction,” added Prof Mdluli. “The results are tangible, scalable, and beneficial to society.”
Strategically, the initiative aligns with SMU’s broader mission to transform health services through innovation and excellence. It also strengthens the Department’s focus on three niche research areas: bioanalytical chemistry and medical device development, biodegradable polymer-based materials, and advanced photocatalytic nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Looking ahead, the Department plans to fully integrate the equipment into its research programmes, while expanding collaboration with industry partners to co-develop next-generation diagnostic technologies.
“We are building something that carries the dreams of our people,” said Prof Motaung, “This is not just a once-off achievement, it is the seed of a legacy rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and hope. It is about giving meaning to the struggles we have endured, restoring dignity, and creating opportunities where there were none. Long after we are gone, this work will continue to speak for us, uplifting lives, transforming communities, and reminding future generations that change is possible when we dare to build with purpose.”
As SMU continues to invest in strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, the university reinforces its position as a key player in advancing healthcare innovation in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again proven that it is more than an academic institution—it is a vibrant community where values, leadership, and talent thrive. The inaugural Campus Life Festival, held over two days at the SMU Sports premises, drew students, staff, and alumni into a celebration of excellence, Ubuntu, and shared purpose.
Under the powerful theme, “Be the Change and Live the Values,” the festival combined artistic expression, sport, and leadership initiatives to engage the entire university community. From performances that mirrored student experiences to high-stakes sports competitions, the event reflected SMU’s mission: transforming health services through excellence, innovation, and professional education.
The festival began at the SMU Sports Complex with thought-provoking performances depicting the journey of students from rural villages to the university environment. These narratives explored themes of vulnerability, resilience, and identity while illustrating institutional values such as respect, integrity, excellence, accountability, and Ubuntu.
Anele Ngubane, a Medicine student, said: “The Campus Life Festival allows us to step into each other’s shoes and bring our peers’ experiences to life. As South Africa’s only dedicated health sciences university, it highlights our unique talent. I’m excited for more events like this that nurture creativity and character.”
Event organiser Samuel Masilela added: “This festival is about more than entertainment. It’s about shaping leadership, fostering community, and embedding ethical values that will define our students’ professional lives.”
On Day 2, the focus shifted to athletic competition. SRC Sports and Recreation Officer Siphesihle “Bob” Mkwanazi, a PhD Biochemistry candidate, noted:
“Through sports, we communicate Ubuntu. We’re seeing a home-ground advantage as the community unites. This revival is about culture, collaboration, and pride.”
The festival’s energy balanced competitiveness with empathy. Injured players were immediately supported by peers, showcasing SMU’s values in action and reinforcing the university’s ethos of student-centred development and inclusive community spirit.
The festival concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony recognising both competitive and character achievements. Sports champions, each student residence receiving R2,500, were:
- Soccer: 2000Beds
- Volleyball: 4B
- Netball: Madeira
The Values Award celebrated character and teamwork, resulting in a tie between Madeira and 5B. Madeira also earned the Drummies/Formation Award for their disciplined, dynamic display.
Overall residence rankings highlighted consistent excellence:
- 3rd Place: 4B – R10,000
- 2nd Place: 5B – R15,000
- 1st Place & Overall Champions: Madeira – R25,000
Madeira resident and Occupational Therapy student Fortuin Qhawe Lawrence expressed his excitement: “Winning the overall prize and tying it to accountability is a huge honour. Our team’s performance shows the value of discipline, teamwork, and striving for excellence. There’s always room to improve, but this sets a new benchmark.”
The festival also highlighted SMU’s broader mission: developing health professionals who serve society with competence, compassion, and ethical principles. Masilela concluded: “Values like integrity, accountability, and respect are crucial in healthcare. By embedding these principles now, we prepare students to lead in professional environments with both skill and character.”
As the festival ended with a grand finale braai, the message was clear: SMU is more than a university; it is a home, a training ground for future leaders, and a community where every student belongs. Through initiatives like the Campus Life Festival, SMU continues to cement its reputation as a distinctive, innovative, and values-driven institution, contributing meaningfully to health education and societal well-being in South Africa and beyond.
By Rose Moreki
