by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently welcomed a delegation from Mozambique’s Universidade Wutivi (UniTiva), led by its Chancellor, Professor Domingos Tivane, for a high-level benchmarking visit. The visit focused on exploring best practices across SMU’s flagship academic programmes in medicine, pharmacy, hospital management, nursing and midwifery, and clinical psychology.
The day commenced with a warm welcome from Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Community Engagement, who emphasised the spirit of collaboration between the two institutions. “We are honoured to host Professor Tivane and the UniTiva delegation. This is an opportunity not only to showcase our strengths but also to learn from one another and build sustainable academic partnerships,” said Mabelebele.
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation, provided an overview of SMU’s institutional footprint and introduced the South African Policy Framework for the Internationalisation of Higher Education as the basis for the visit. Professor Tivane responded by reaffirming the purpose of the engagement.
“We are here to learn, to be inspired, and to build bridges between our institutions,” he said. “UniTiva is looking to enhance its own health sciences training, specifically Medicine, which will commence in July 2025, and SMU, with its track record of academic excellence, is the ideal institution to benchmark against.”
An insightful overview of the School of Medicine’s curriculum and operations was delivered by Gerda Botha and Professor Honey Mabuza, followed by a session on best practices per year level in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme. Notable contributors included Dr Edwin Seleka (MBChB I) and Professor Robert Ndou (MBChB II), with further input from Professor Honey Mabuza on undergraduate research and Thokozile Kgongwane on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP).
“Our fourth-year students are publishing in accredited academic journals, which speaks to the quality and impact of our undergraduate research training,” noted Mabuza. Professor Lesiba Baloyi was joined by colleagues Prof Mokoena Maepa and Maryke Pierce to discuss the University’s clinical psychology programme and their African-focused approach in SMU’s highly competitive postgraduate clinical psychology programme.
Thokozile Kgongwane, along with Skills Centre Director, Dr Lesego Phiri, then led the delegation on a hands-on tour of the SMU Skills Centre, offering a glimpse into simulation-based teaching and the university’s commitment to experiential learning.
The afternoon sessions focused on Nursing and Midwifery, Hospital Management and Pharmacy, where Dr Madan Poka outlined innovative teaching methods, student support, and community engagement initiatives.
“This visit is not just about showing what we do, but how we do it—our pedagogy, our partnerships, and our passion,” Dr Poka, Acting Dean of Pharmacy, observed.
Professor Sogo Matlala, Dr Andile Mokoena-De Beer, and Kgomotso Mabasa presented best practices in nursing, midwifery and hospital management. These included competency-based education aligned with the South African Nursing Council’s R174 regulations, incorporating rigorous objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), a 50% pass mark threshold, and 2,120 supervised clinical hours across key disciplines—closely aligned with international standards set by the United Kingdom’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and European Union (EU) directives.
SMU’s unique IPECP programmes are redefining healthcare education through interprofessional collaboration, shared values, and ethical practice. The programme aligns with global frameworks from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses while maintaining a strong local impact.
“Our IPECP model improves patient outcomes, reduces duplication of resources, and supports our graduates to thrive in multidisciplinary teams,” noted Kgongwane.
Dr Jooste stressed that any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) developed must be “intentional, mutually beneficial, and active.” A lively discussion on the potential MoU followed, setting the tone for future collaborations and an invitation for SMU delegates to visit UniTiva.
The day concluded with a tour of the School of Pharmacy laboratories and reflections on SMU’s continuous quality improvement efforts. These include quarterly academic review meetings, internal and external moderation processes, peer reviews, and student feedback loops that inform module planning and redesign.
SMU’s commitment to innovation was also on full display, from hybrid and flipped-classroom models to the integration of 3D-printed anatomical structures and dispensing software in Pharmacy education. The institution’s research-integrated curriculum prepares students for evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and global competitiveness.
“We pride ourselves on excellence, innovation, and relevance. This benchmarking visit confirms that we are on the right track in shaping Africa’s next generation of healthcare professionals,” concluded Jooste.
SMU continues to set the pace in health sciences education across the continent, with international visits such as this reaffirming its role as a beacon of health care sciences academic excellence and societal impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is making waves in health sciences education through its state-of-the-art Skills Centre, which is redefining how future healthcare professionals are trained. Since its establishment in 2010, the facility has become a cornerstone of clinical teaching, offering a dynamic space for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to hone their skills in a realistic and controlled environment.
At the heart of the transformation is a simulation-based learning model that bridges the often-daunting gap between theory and clinical practice. From high-fidelity manikins and virtual reality systems to simulated patients, the Skills Centre equips students with the tools to learn, make mistakes, and improve—without compromising patient safety.
Dr Lesego Phiri, Director of the Skills Centre, emphasised the centre’s impact: “The Skills Centre is a game-changer for health sciences education at SMU. It provides our students with a unique opportunity to develop their clinical skills in a realistic and immersive environment, without the risk of harming real patients.”
The facility boasts four labs and four dedicated simulation spaces fitted with advanced health sciences equipment, including defibrillators, ventilators, and a variety of task trainers. It offers a suite of courses ranging from Basic Life Support and Primary Emergency Care to Advanced Cardiac Life Support, as well as competency assessments such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Phiri noted the continuous evolution of the facility. “The Skills Centre has improved greatly over the years, and it has ensured that graduates from SMU’s health sciences programmes are clinically competent, confident, and ready for real-world healthcare challenges.”
More than just a training ground, the centre promotes Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP), bringing together students from various health disciplines to collaborate and develop teamwork and communication skills essential for quality patient care.
“We believe that IPECP is crucial for preparing our students for the complexities of modern healthcare,” said Phiri. “By working together, students can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities, leading to better patient outcomes.”
The Skills Centre has also reached beyond South African borders. Through partnerships with international institutions—most notably the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC)—SMU has launched collaborative projects, including one with Haukeland University Hospital in Norway, focusing on trauma and emergency care.
“The NOREC project has provided a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), our clinical training partners, to learn. The Skills Centre, together with the Internationalisation Office, is now exploring ways to include our students, as this initiative was initially intended for professionals to learn from international experts and exchange best practices,” said Phiri. “This collaboration has enriched our training programmes and enhanced our research capacity.”
Innovation extends into technology. A smart camera system supports tele-simulation and remote learning, seamlessly integrated with platforms such as Blackboard, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. These tools have proven vital for maintaining high-quality training, especially during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For students, the impact is tangible. “The Skills Centre is an essential resource for health sciences education at SMU,” said Kgaugelo Mahlwana, a final-year medical student. “It has helped me develop my clinical skills and confidence, and I feel well-prepared for my future role as a healthcare professional. Practising all the skills beforehand, rather than performing them directly on patients, really does boost our confidence. The facilitators are also excellent. Our Skills Centre has great facilities – including some impressive programmable simulated mannequins, which make the learning experience even more enriching.”
The Skills Centre’s reputation as a leader in healthcare education has attracted interest from universities and health institutions both locally and internationally. It is also an active research hub, with findings presented at global conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
“We are committed to providing our students with the best possible education and training,” Phiri added. “The Skills Centre is a key part of our strategy to produce clinically competent, confident, and compassionate healthcare professionals who can make a real difference in the lives of their patients.”
As the centre continues to expand its offerings and forge new collaborations, its influence on the future of healthcare training in South Africa—and beyond—is undeniable.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is taking a firm stand against gender-based violence (GBV) through the dedicated work of its Gender-Based Violence Office. Under the leadership of Acting Manager, Busi Mbanjwa, the Office has become a cornerstone in promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both students and employees. “The Gender-Based Violence Office at SMU is a dedicated unit committed to preventing, addressing, and responding to incidents of GBV,” says Mbanjwa. “Our goal is to foster a safe and inclusive campus by providing survivor-centred support and leading institutional interventions.”
The establishment of the Office was driven by a national directive from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in response to the alarming prevalence of GBV in institutions of higher learning. Since its inception, the Office’s role has evolved from reactive case management to spearheading proactive policy implementation and educational initiatives across the university.
“Our role has grown tremendously,” Mbanjwa explains. “We now lead prevention campaigns, policy development, and campus-wide education efforts that seek to shift the culture towards one of respect, safety, and zero tolerance for GBV.”
Though physically located in Room S531 of the Clinical Pathology Building, the GBV Office is present and active throughout the campus. “We ensure inclusivity and accessibility by engaging directly with the university community—whether in student residences, cafeteria, lecture venues, or public areas,” she adds.
When a survivor reports an incident, the office facilitates a private, confidential, and trauma-informed intake process. “We create a safe space for disclosure, assess immediate safety needs, and guide the survivor through all available options,” says Mbanjwa. Survivors are then supported through either formal grievance procedures or informal resolutions, based on their informed preference.
In formal cases, an independent investigator is appointed, and the matter proceeds in line with institutional policies. If there is sufficient cause, this process may lead to disciplinary action. In contrast, informal resolution focuses on restorative approaches such as mediation or facilitated dialogue to address the harm.
“Survivors are never alone in this journey,” she emphasises. “We also have a legal obligation to report certain incidents—particularly sexual offences involving vulnerable groups, such as female students aged 25 and under—to the South African Police Service.”
Confidentiality is a fundamental principle. “We have stringent protocols to protect survivors’ privacy and dignity,” Mbanjwa affirms. “At the same time, we ensure accountability through fair and transparent processes.”
The office collaborates with internal stakeholders including the Student Counselling Unit, Security Services, Residence Office, Human Resources, and the Legal Office to provide psychosocial support and emergency accommodation. “Our strength lies in collective action,” Mbanjwa says. “Together, we offer a comprehensive support network.”
Advocacy and awareness are central to the office’s mission. “We run structured annual campaigns, including self-defence classes, webinars, policy awareness sessions, and inclusive forums like the ‘Sisterhood Safe Space’ and ‘iNdoda Must, iMama Must’ dialogues,” she explains.
Training sessions educate the SMU community on topics such as consent, healthy relationships, power dynamics, and navigating institutional reporting mechanisms. The office has also trained first-line responders to manage disclosures with compassion and professionalism.
Response from the university community has been largely positive. “Students and staff appreciate our visibility and the support we offer,” Mbanjwa notes. However, she acknowledges that stigma and fear still hinder many from reporting. “We are actively working to break this silence and build trust.”
To evaluate its impact, the office uses data on case reports, survivor feedback, and participation rates, and is planning a campus-wide perception survey. Its goals for 2025 include expanding advocacy efforts, increasing policy awareness, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the visibility of services.
“Our ultimate aim,” concludes Mbanjwa, “is to make SMU a leading example of how institutions can foster a culture of safety, dignity, and support, where every individual feels protected, heard, and empowered.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has long been a cornerstone of social and economic development, fostering impactful relationships with communities to drive socio-economic progress. Through its commitment to community-based teaching, learning, and research, SMU ensures that students graduate as engaged citizens ready to address real-world challenges. The university’s reciprocal approach to community engagement benefits both students and the broader society, reinforcing its mission to integrate academic excellence with social impact.
Demonstrating this commitment, SMU has recognised Emma Musekene with the prestigious Best Community Engagement Award at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards. This accolade acknowledges her dedication to bridging the gap between dental education and underserved communities, particularly her work with pensioners at Korwe Multi-Purpose Centre in Ga-Rankuwa.
Under Musekene’s leadership, Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Oral Hygiene students refine their clinical skills while providing essential oral healthcare services. Approximately 200 pensioners benefit from free oral health screenings, personalised hygiene advice, and demonstrations on proper brushing and flossing techniques. The initiative promotes oral health equity and instils a lifelong commitment to community engagement among future dental professionals.
A seasoned oral hygiene Lecturer, Musekene holds multiple qualifications, including a Bachelor of Oral Hygiene, a Bachelor of Administration, an Honours in Developmental Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and a Master’s in Public Health. She is currently pursuing a PhD. Her career shift from a Community Development Officer at the Assistant Director level to oral healthcare was driven by the realisation that oral health is a critical yet often neglected aspect of overall well-being.
“With this award, we celebrate the lives we have touched, the smiles we have restored, and the trust we have built with communities,” says Musekene. “It reaffirms our dedication to making oral healthcare accessible and reminds me why I chose this path—to serve, educate, and uplift those often overlooked.”
Beyond clinical work, Musekene leads multiple outreach initiatives, including mobile dental clinics and school programmes, ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential oral healthcare. “Many people suffer in silence, unaware their pain is preventable,” she says. “Our goal is to bring hope and dignity to those neglected by the healthcare system.”
A defining feature of these outreach efforts is their holistic approach to oral healthcare. “We don’t just conduct screenings; we ensure patients receive referrals within the School of Dentistry for continued care,” she explains. “Our work is not just about treatment—it’s about empowerment, education, and restoring confidence.”
The impact of these initiatives aligns with SMU’s broader mission of integrating education with social responsibility. “We measure success not just through statistics but through transformation—the trust we build and the lives we change,” Musekene emphasised.
One particularly moving experience reinforced the importance of her work. “An elderly woman told us she had never owned a toothbrush. The joy on her face when she received one was unforgettable. That moment underscored the immense gaps in oral healthcare and the power of small gestures.”
Musekene’s initiatives also provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences, immersing them in real-world challenges while fostering empathy and compassion. “Our students do not just learn—they experience. They witness firsthand the human impact of their future profession. Faculty members guide them, ensuring they refine their skills while developing a deep commitment to service.”
She strongly advocates for embedding community engagement within academic programmes, urging institutions to see it not just as an academic requirement but as a moral responsibility. “True education extends beyond the classroom. It is about using our knowledge to uplift others. Every institution should integrate community engagement to produce professionals who serve with both knowledge and heart.”
Receiving the Best Community Engagement Award marks a milestone, but for Musekene, it is just the beginning. “This award is for the communities we serve, my students, and the faculty members who guide them,” she reflects. “It reminds us that what we do matters and fuels my dream of a world where preventable oral health issues no longer go unnoticed.”
Her motto, “Your Smile, Our Concern,” encapsulates her unwavering commitment to transforming lives—one smile at a time. As SMU deepens its dedication to community engagement, its impact will resonate for generations, shaping a future where knowledge, compassion, and social responsibility drive meaningful change.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
From the quiet village of Mohlahlereng in Tzaneen to the roaring stadiums of international football, Dr Nthabiseng Maesela’s journey is a compelling testament to purpose, perseverance and passion. An alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the doctor for South Africa’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, Maesela is not only a practising Sports Physician but also a trailblazer for young women entering the world of sports medicine.
Born in Mohlahlereng and raised in Burgersfort before relocating to Lephalale and eventually Polokwane, Maesela’s path to medicine was inspired from an early age. “My journey into medicine was your typical ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ story – and the answer was always ‘a doctor’,” she says. Motivated by her father’s constant affirmation— “You’re going to be a doctor, akir?”—and the allure of saving lives as portrayed on television, she enrolled at the University of Limpopo’s Medunsa Campus in 2012, calling it “the beginning of everything”.
While medical school is notoriously demanding, Maesela credits her success to her deep faith and involvement in campus ministry. “I was strengthened by my faith and my participation in Believer’s Loveworld (BLW). It was more than just a ministry—it became a place of worship, mentorship, and lifelong friendships,” she reflects.
Initially unsure of her specialisation, it was during her internship that Maesela discovered sports medicine, far from the confines of hospital corridors. “I met a sports physician on the athletics field and began volunteering at local events. I eventually worked with organisations like the Limpopo Academy of Sports. I was captivated. I had found my calling in a space I never expected,” she shares.
Her career reached a defining moment in 2023 when she received a call-up to support Banyana Banyana in their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. “I was in absolute disbelief,” she admits. “That quickly turned into appreciation and a sense of responsibility. I knew I had to give my best—not just as a doctor, but as a contributing member of the team.”
Working with elite athletes brought new challenges. “High-performance athletes are generally healthy, but they are prone to injuries, and their care revolves around recovery, performance optimisation, and adherence to anti-doping rules,” she explains. “You can’t prescribe medication as you would with regular patients—timing and substance content are crucial.”
From addressing knee and ankle sprains to tackling female-specific health concerns such as menstrual cycles, relative energy deficiencies, and ACL vulnerabilities, Maesela highlights the importance of holistic care. “Our team includes physiotherapists, biokineticists, sports scientists and psychologists. Everyone brings their expertise—it’s a collaborative effort to support the athlete’s performance and wellbeing,” she says.
She vividly recalls the emotional high of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: “When Banyana Banyana reached the Round of 16, making history as the first South African team—male or female—to get that far, it was overwhelming. To know I played even a small part in that success was incredibly humbling.”
Despite her achievements, Maesela remains focused on community impact. “I’m fortunate to have entered the field at a time when young black women are welcomed and encouraged. But there’s still a gap. We need more visibility, more representation. Seeing someone like you in the field makes all the difference.”
Looking to the future, her ambitions are grounded in her home province. “While I don’t plan to stay on as a full-time team doctor, I’m dedicated to my private practice and providing medical support at tournaments and events. I also hope to establish a high-performance centre in Limpopo for semi-professional and professional athletes.”
She concludes with heartfelt encouragement: “It’s not about where you start, but where you’re willing to go. SMU gave me the foundation I needed, and now I’m building from there. Let’s keep supporting our ladies—they’re not just hardworking, they’re history-makers.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a commendable act of corporate social responsibility, TANC Scrubs recently made a meaningful contribution to the advancement of healthcare education in South Africa. The company donated 120 sets of medical scrubs, valued at R30,000, to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting the future of the country’s healthcare professionals.
The donation is aimed at students in the School of Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Oral Health who are in financial need. These essential uniforms are more than just attire, they represent a step towards educational equity and professional readiness. By easing financial constraints, this initiative enables students to fully concentrate on their clinical training and academic performance, laying a strong foundation for excellence in healthcare delivery.
Craige Dixon, Head of Group Marketing at TANC Scrubs, shares his thoughts on the collaboration: “It’s truly our pleasure to support the students at SMU, and we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa. We are honoured by the university’s appreciation and excited about the possibilities of future collaboration.”
This generous contribution aligns with SMU’s vision of “Transforming health services through excellence in teaching, research and community engagement” and reflects its core values of excellence, integrity, respect, compassion, and accountability. Through this partnership, TANC Scrubs has not only supported individual students but has also contributed to narrowing the resource gap faced by many academic institutions.
The initiative will directly benefit 120 students, equipping them with the practical tools necessary for clinical learning. It is a tangible reinforcement of SMU’s mission to develop socially accountable and competent healthcare professionals who are responsive to the health needs of the nation.
Legodi Mashiane, from the Office of Institutional Advancement at SMU, expresses sincere appreciation for the donation: “The Office of Institutional Advancement at SMU would like to warmly thank the TANC group for their incredibly thoughtful donation of scrubs to students in the School of Medicine, School of Health Care Sciences, and School of Pharmacy.
For many of our students, the path to becoming a healthcare professional comes with financial hurdles, and this donation helps lift some of that weight. TANC’s generosity ensures that our students walk into their clinical environments with confidence, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.
This act of kindness reminds us that our journey is not one we walk alone. It’s support like this that builds hope, inspires excellence, and strengthens the SMU community.”
This donation by TANC Scrubs is a powerful example of how shared values and collaborative action can lead to meaningful change. As SMU continues to live its mission and uphold its values, partnerships like these will be instrumental in building a healthcare system that is inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of all South Africans.
By Dimakatso Modise
