by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) joined the global stage in celebrating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025, embracing this year’s theme, “Intellectual Property and Music – Feel the Beat”, with an inspiring showcase of local talent, innovation, and powerful dialogue.
Through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), SMU hosted a vibrant event that highlighted the critical role of IP in the creative economy, particularly in music, and its potential to drive transformation, empowerment, and economic growth. The celebration not only amplified awareness around IP rights but also spotlighted the intersection between artistic expression and scientific ingenuity within the SMU community.
The event brought together inventors, academics, legal experts, students, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem to reflect on the role of intellectual property in stimulating creativity, safeguarding ideas, and contributing to economic development, particularly within the spheres of academia, music, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Delivering the opening address, Professor Mapaseka Seheri, SMU’s Director of Research and Innovation, warmly welcomed delegates and emphasised the transformative power of innovation.
“Innovation makes the world work better,” she said. “At SMU, we believe that fostering a deep understanding of intellectual property among researchers and students empowers them to translate ideas into impact.”
Her remarks set the tone for a morning of education, empowerment, and celebration of local ingenuity. Pontsho Mampuru from the Technology Transfer Office provided a concise overview of the event’s purpose. She highlighted the importance of demystifying intellectual property and encouraging researchers to engage proactively with available systems to protect their work.
“World IP Day is more than just an annual event—it’s an invitation to every creative mind to take ownership of their ideas and protect what they produce,” she noted.
The audience was particularly inspired by Nondumiso Nkosi, a local inventor who developed a diagnostic tool for Hepatitis B. Nkosi shared her journey from idea to implementation, underscoring the crucial support she received from the TTO in securing intellectual property protection for her invention.
“Before this, I didn’t even know what intellectual property was. But the TTO believed in me and walked the journey with me,” she said. “This tool has the potential to close healthcare gaps across communities. IP is not just paperwork—it’s power, it’s protection, and it’s a passport to taking your idea to the world.”
Let’s give Nondumiso Nkosi a big cheer! Nondumiso, your journey from concept to impact is truly inspiring. Developing a diagnostic tool for Hepatitis B is a remarkable achievement, and your partnership with the TTO at SMU highlights the transformative potential of innovation and IP protection. Your work is a beacon of how innovation can improve lives and uplift communities.
Offering a compelling legal perspective, Dr/Adv Ophrey Ntsuxeko Shibambu, a law lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), explored the intersection between intellectual property and music, aligning with this year’s global theme.
“Music is not only entertainment; it is intellectual labour. Every beat, every lyric, every melody deserves legal protection,” he said. “Understanding copyright, licensing, and royalties is essential for creatives to fully benefit from their craft.”
He further encouraged institutions to bridge the gap between artists and legal systems by promoting awareness and strengthening policy support.
Jetane Charsley, Head of NIPMO, delivered an insightful presentation on the legislative frameworks governing IP in South Africa. She focused on how the Intellectual Property Rights from the Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act) empowers public institutions to manage and commercialise innovations effectively.
“Every invention coming out of publicly funded research must be protected. That’s our mandate at NIPMO,” said Charsley. “Our role is to ensure that knowledge doesn’t remain locked in academic journals—it must reach society.”
She also provided insights into legislation around traditional knowledge, noting that innovations, particularly in plant-based medicine—must be documented, respected, and protected under national and international IP frameworks.
“We must not leave behind our traditional knowledge holders. IP law is evolving to ensure that communities benefit from what they have always known, cultivated, and passed on,” she said.
Charsley further unpacked key aspects of copyright law, especially relevant to music and the creative arts.
“Copyright is automatic the moment a creative work is fixed in a tangible form. However, registering your work and understanding your rights ensures that you can claim your fair share when it’s used,” she added.
The event concluded with a resounding message: innovation and intellectual property are not only the domain of scientists or lawyers—they belong to everyone. From diagnostics to digital art, music, and traditional medicine, every idea holds value and deserves protection.
As the global community commemorated World Intellectual Property Day, SMU reaffirmed its commitment to building a future in which its researchers, students, and surrounding communities are empowered to innovate boldly and protect wisely.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to shine as a beacon of innovation, excellence, and transformation. This graduation season, we celebrate a historic achievement that perfectly embodies the university’s mission to nurture talent that drives positive change in South Africa and beyond.
Dr Raikane James Seretlo, a PhD graduate in Public Health and a lecturer appointed through the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), has made remarkable strides by completing his doctorate in record time—just two years—while simultaneously developing a nationally recognised mobile health (mHealth) innovation that is already making a significant impact in the public health sector.
Seretlo joined SMU in March 2023 through the nGAP initiative. That same month, he enrolled for his PhD in Public Health. By March 2025, he had successfully completed his doctoral degree—an extraordinary feat that sets a new benchmark for academic excellence at SMU.
But his achievements extended well beyond academic requirements. In just two years, Seretlo authored five peer-reviewed journal articles based on his PhD research, presented his work at five major conferences (three national and two international), and co-authored an additional eight peer-reviewed papers through collaboration and community engagement—a total of 13 published works, both locally and internationally.
His academic journey has been underpinned by unwavering discipline, strategic time management, and a deep passion for health equity. “I created a strict study plan, stuck to it, and turned consistency into a lifestyle. I stayed up late, woke up early, and never lost sight of the bigger picture,” he shares.
Motivated by the urgent need to address gaps in healthcare access for queer communities, Seretlo developed Query Wellness Hub, a mobile health application that offers inclusive, stigma-free sexual and reproductive health information tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community.
This copyrighted innovation stems from his Master’s research at SMU, which revealed that public healthcare systems often lack inclusive policies and practices. Seeing a critical need for equitable digital health solutions, he transformed his findings into an accessible, user-focused platform aimed at bridging this gap.
Despite challenges such as limited funding and access to expertise, Seretlo’s perseverance bore fruit. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) awarded him R800,000 in seed funding to refine and commercialise the prototype. This achievement not only affirms the national relevance of his innovation but also underscores the power of research-driven development in solving real-world challenges.
“This isn’t just an app; it’s a voice for those often ignored in mainstream healthcare. It’s a step towards dignity, inclusion, and improved health outcomes for queer individuals,” he explains. Seretlo’s story is more than a personal triumph—it is a powerful testament to Black excellence. Born in the rural village of Lephalale, he defied the odds to become a symbol of resilience, brilliance, and community impact.
“Black excellence means pushing beyond the boundaries placed before us. It means creating, excelling, and giving back, regardless of where you come from,” he says. His growing academic legacy includes mentoring four Master’s students at SMU. Three of them will graduate alongside him this May, with one earning a cum laude distinction. The fourth is expected to graduate in September 2025.
Seretlo’s influence extends beyond South Africa’s borders. He was recently nominated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) to represent the country at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore—a prestigious international gathering of emerging scientific minds. “The summit was a game-changer,” he reflects. “Visiting the Innovation Factory and learning about design thinking, AI integration in healthcare, and academic entrepreneurship showed me how our ideas can evolve into scalable, global solutions.”
Seretlo, the journey has been as spiritual as it has been academic. “It’s a God-led journey,” he affirms. “Everything—from registration to ethical clearance, data collection, publications, and funding—fell into place. I believe I was walking on purpose.”
He credits his success to divine guidance, tireless effort, and the steadfast support of his supervisors, Professor Mathildah Mokgatle and Dr Hanlie Smuts, along with the SMU Technology Transfer Office and the nGAP team. Seretlo’s journey embodies the core values of SMU: innovation, transformation, academic rigour, and social impact. As SMU celebrates his graduation this May, we also honour a legacy in the making—one that reminds us of the transformative power of education, purpose, and community.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | All News, SMU Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its role as a catalyst for change in South Africa’s health sciences landscape, driven by a bold vision to transform education, research, and community service. This commitment was powerfully reflected during the 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies, held from 21 to 23 May, where the University conferred over 1,200 qualifications across its five academic schools.
The celebrations not only recognised academic achievement but also marked a historic milestone—the awarding of SMU’s first-ever honorary doctorate, underscoring the University’s steady rise as a hub of innovation, excellence, and national impact in higher education and healthcare development.
“This graduation series is not just a ceremonial rite—it is a powerful affirmation of the University’s mission to train a new generation of leaders, healers, and scientific pioneers,” said Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele. “Our graduates step into the frontlines of health and scientific progress at a time when their skills are most needed.”
A total of 1,294 qualifications were conferred, with 69% being undergraduate degrees and 31% postgraduate qualifications. These included 33 postgraduate diplomas, 196 honours degrees, 162 master’s degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees.
The data further underscored SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and transformation. Women accounted for 65.2% of graduates, with 95 of the 102 cum laude and 27 summa cum laude distinctions awarded to female students.
Racially, 94.3% of the graduates were African, followed by 3.4% White, 1.5% Indian, and 0.8% Coloured graduates. Importantly, 124 of the graduates had entered the institution through the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), exemplifying SMU’s efforts in widening access to tertiary education.
In a historic highlight, SMU conferred its first honorary doctoral degree upon Professor Phuti Esrom Ngoepe, a globally respected physicist renowned for his groundbreaking work in Materials Modelling. The honour recognises his lifetime contributions to the advancement of science and innovation in South Africa and around the world.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Ngoepe reflected on the honour with deep humility and gratitude. “I would like to express my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for conferring this honour upon me today. I humbly accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked tirelessly alongside me over the years.”
This is a milestone not only for SMU but for the entire scientific community. Prof Ngoepe’s work has bridged the gap between theoretical science and practical societal benefit. SMU is immensely proud to welcome him into its family.
Prof Ngoepe’s award also underscores SMU’s intention to broaden its academic footprint beyond health sciences and further establish itself as a multidisciplinary hub of excellence.
The graduation ceremonies reflected SMU’s interdisciplinary approach to addressing the country’s complex socio-health challenges:
- School of Medicine: 524 graduates, including 305 undergraduate degrees and 64 master’s degrees.
- School of Dentistry: 96 graduates, including 86 undergraduate degrees.
- School of Health Care Sciences: 240 graduates, including 168 undergraduates and 45 master’s.
- School of Pharmacy: 106 graduates, with qualifications ranging from higher certificates to doctoral degrees.
- School of Science and Technology: 230 graduates, including 204 BSc degrees and 3 doctoral degrees.
A posthumous degree was also conferred during the ceremony in honour of the late BSc Honours in Chemistry graduate, Noko James Pole, whose academic efforts were tragically cut short, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience and humanity behind the academic journey.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Mabelebele invoked a Ghanaian proverb— “Knowledge is like a baobab tree; one person’s arms can never wrap around it”—to inspire continued learning among graduates.
SMU graduates understand that their qualifications come with a purpose and responsibility—to heal, to innovate, to serve. With a blend of tradition, academic rigour and a vision for inclusive transformation, the 2025 Autumn Graduation affirmed that both the present and future, indeed, belong to SMU.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 26, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a landmark moment for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the institution conferred its first-ever honorary doctoral degree during the Autumn Graduation Ceremony held on 23 May 2025. The prestigious honour was bestowed upon Professor Phuti Esrom Ngoepe, a globally recognised scholar in the field of Physics, in recognition of his exceptional academic contributions to Materials Modelling and his enduring impact on the advancement of science in South Africa and beyond.
The degree was awarded by the School of Science and Technology, underscoring SMU’s deepening commitment to academic excellence and its recognition of transformative figures whose work aligns with the university’s mission to advance knowledge that serves society.
Ngoepe’s illustrious career spans more than five decades, marked by prolific research, pioneering contributions in computational modelling, and a steadfast dedication to education and mentorship. Over the years, he has supervised 61 Master’s students, 34 PhD candidates, and mentored 16 postdoctoral researchers. His scholarly influence extends to over 1,000 conference presentations, both locally and internationally, and a formidable body of peer-reviewed publications that continue to shape the global discourse in Physics and Materials Science.
Beyond academia, Ngoepe has been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s science policy landscape, having served on a number of high-level national councils and advisory panels. These include the Council for Geosciences, MINTEK, the South African Nanotechnology Initiative, and the Platinum Value Addition Initiative Steering Committee, among others.
His immense contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver) from the Presidency of South Africa in 2008 for his achievements in the natural sciences. In 2022, he was honoured with the Chinese Government Friendship Award, further cementing his global standing. In 2023, a Materials Science Workshop was held in his honour — a fitting tribute to his lifetime of service to science.
In his acceptance speech, Ngoepe reflected on the honour with deep humility and gratitude.
“I would like to express my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for conferring this honour upon me today. I humbly accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked tirelessly alongside me over the years.”
He also used the occasion to share a message of encouragement with the graduating class: “My message to you graduates is that only the best of yourself is good enough.”
Acknowledging the many students and colleagues who have journeyed with him, he added: “I value and appreciate the efforts and dedication of all students and co-workers over many decades. Their potential, ingenuity and talent for doing things that are the best in the world — I have learnt so much from them. They have kept me young at heart and in my mind.”
Addressing broader societal challenges, Ngoepe spoke of the need for Africa to foster independence in thought and action: “In the last two years, two weeks, two days, amazing trends in geopolitics have been unfolding. We are slowly learning that in order to survive as a country and a continent, we need to steer away from dependency. This cuts across all disciplines — whether in social matters or health matters, such as the treatment of contagious diseases — areas in which this university plays a vital role in service delivery.”
The historic conferment marks a new chapter in SMU’s journey as a leading institution in health sciences education, research, and innovation. By honouring one of South Africa’s most accomplished scientists, the university has not only recognised individual excellence but also reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing knowledge that uplifts communities, transforms lives, and inspires the next generation of changemakers.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 23, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is set to make institutional history as it prepares to confer its first-ever honorary doctoral degree during its Autumn Graduation Ceremony on 23 May 2025. The honour will be bestowed upon Professor Phuti Esrom Ngoepe, an internationally acclaimed scholar in the field of Physics, in recognition of his outstanding academic contributions to Materials Modelling and the advancement of science in South Africa and beyond.
The honorary doctorate will be awarded within the School of Science and Technology, underscoring SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and its growing recognition of transformative figures in science whose work aligns with the university’s mission to advance knowledge that serves society.
Ngoepe’s contribution to the scientific community spans over five decades, with a career marked by prolific research output, groundbreaking computational modelling in Materials Science, and an enduring commitment to mentorship. He has supervised 61 Master’s and 34 PhD students, mentored 16 postdoctoral researchers, and delivered over 1 000 conference presentations across local and international platforms. His academic footprint also includes a vast body of peer-reviewed publications that continue to influence emerging scholars and practitioners in Physics and allied disciplines.
Beyond the lecture halls, Ngoepe has played a strategic role in shaping science policy and research priorities in South Africa. He has served on numerous high-level councils and expert panels, including the Council for Geosciences, MINTEK, the South African Nanotechnology Initiative, and the Platinum Value Addition Initiative Steering Committee.
His accolades include some of the highest national and international honours: the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver) awarded by the Presidency of South Africa in 2008 for his contribution to the natural sciences; the Chinese Government Friendship Award (2022); and multiple recognitions from science bodies including the Council for Geosciences, the Black Science, Technology and Engineering Professionals Award, and a 2023 Materials Science Workshop held in his honour.
Speaking on the significance of this conferment, Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, the Acting Director: Department of Communications and Marketing, remarks: “It is both fitting and symbolic that SMU’s inaugural honorary doctorate is awarded to a scholar of Prof Ngoepe’s calibre, whose work exemplifies scientific rigour, innovation, and impact.”
“ Honouring Ngoepe is not only a celebration of a towering figure in science, but a defining moment for SMU. It signals the university’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge that transforms society, where health sciences, technology, and innovation intersect to shape a better future for South Africa, the continent, and the world,” concludes Mphaphuli.
by Lorato | May 13, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
As graduation season unfolds at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), alumna Dr Talente Biyela reflects on her studies, four earned degrees, and an already impactful career. From the rural heart of Esikhawini Nsimbini Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, to the halls of academia and the wards of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Biyela’s journey has been marked by determination, passion, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
Raised by a “resilient single mother,” Biyela is one of six siblings who defied the odds. “I’ve always been curious,” she shares. “My love for problem-solving and analysis first led me to mathematics, and later to medicine.”
Her academic achievements are remarkable. She holds a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry, a BSc Honours in Mathematics, a BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics, and an MBChB. In 2016, while pursuing her Honours degree in Applied Mathematics, she was selected among the top 30 students nationwide for a prestigious Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) scholarship in Russia. “Presenting neutron activation for life sciences in Russia was an invaluable experience,” she recalls. “Russia is incredibly rich in nuclear research.”
Transitioning from mathematics to medicine, however, was not without challenges. “It was tough moving into medicine,” she admitts. “I was used to numbers and analysis, but the theoretical focus of the first three years of the MBChB required new study methods.” At the same time, she taught Mathematics to Grades 11 and 12 at Seageng Secondary School in Soshanguve.
Beyond academics, Biyela is passionate about education and sport. After discovering SMU lacked a women’s football team, she founded the SMU Ladies’ Football Team. “Football was my escape,” she explains. “Starting the team wasn’t just about sport—it was about creating an outlet for students to decompress and build social cohesion.”
Her leadership extended beyond the pitch. Serving three terms in the Student Representative Council (SRC), she also sat on the university council, institutional forum, exclusions committee, and chaired several student organisations. “Leadership gave me insight into policy and governance,” she reflects. “It deepened my desire to transform a health system currently on its knees.”
Determined to uplift others, she established the Bokamoso Science Centre to bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary science education for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Many students arrive at university never having been inside a lab,” she laments. “We needed to change that.”
As a doctor, Biyela finds fulfilment in patient care. “Nothing beats a patient telling you how much you’ve helped them,” she shares. Yet, she acknowledges the challenges of a hierarchical medical environment. “Managing different personalities in patient care can be difficult.”
Her role as a COVID-19 compliance officer was especially formative. “Working during the pandemic forced rapid adaptation,” she explains. “I was responsible for data collection, analysis, and strategy implementation. It reinforced my belief in health education and prevention.”
Biyela is outspoken about South Africa’s healthcare inequities. “Our healthcare system is in shambles,” she asserts. “It continuously fails black, poor people who cannot afford private care. Funding models must change, and wasteful expenditure must be addressed.”
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Health. “My background in maths and research will be invaluable for data analysis and policy development,” she notes. “I want to remain in the public sector, where I can make the most impact. I dream of a health system that doesn’t discriminate based on skin colour or income.”
Despite her many roles, Biyela remains grounded. “I value time deeply,” she says. “If I give you my time, I’ve given you the most precious part of me. My culture and spirituality keep me anchored.”
Her message to young people considering career shifts is clear: “The sky is the limit. There’s nothing unattainable. Cross over with pride—every degree shapes you into a better person.”
As she continues blazing trails in medicine, policy, and advocacy, Biyela hopes to leave a legacy of service. “I want to be remembered as someone whose life was dedicated to making others’ lives better,” she says. “Someone whose allegiance was always with black, poor people.”
For Biyela, success is not merely personal—it’s about building a healthier, more equitable South Africa for generations to come.
By Tumelo Moila
