by Lorato | Apr 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Professor Hannelie Meyer was recognised as the Best-Established Researcher and Best Overall Female Researcher at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards 2024 for her outstanding contributions to public health pharmacy research. She received this prestigious recognition for her dedication to impactful research, mentorship, and leadership in research. “I am deeply honoured by this recognition,” she says. “It is evidence that dedication and collaboration drive impactful research in public health pharmacy.”
Her journey in academia and research bears testimony to her unwavering commitment to improving public health through evidence-based interventions. As a Full Professor in the Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management (PHPM) in the School of Pharmacy, she also leads the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC) at SMU. With over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and public health sectors, she has made significant contributions to improving primary healthcare at the national, regional, and global levels.
Meyer’s research focuses on strengthening healthcare services and improving public health, with a particular emphasis on vaccination as a vital pillar of antimicrobial stewardship. This includes building vaccine confidence and promoting the rational use of medicines to ensure patient safety. A National Research Foundation (NRF) Category C2 rated scientist since 2022, she has an impressive body of work, including 184 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 406 national and international conference presentations, and 57 research and academic awards, including several SMU Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, namely the Distinguished Community Scholar Excellence Award in 2021; Most Established Researcher in the School of Pharmacy Excellence Award in 2018 and 2022; and Best Overall Female Researcher Excellence Award in 2018. Her mentorship has led to the successful completion of 96 postgraduate students, including 7 PhDs.
Her academic leadership has seen her coordinate the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) programme for nine years, lead the development of the professional Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) in PHPM, and develop training materials for the Higher Certificate in Vaccinology. Her work supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of ensuring global access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical products, vaccines, and technologies.
Throughout her career, Meyer has benefitted from strong mentorship, which she now pays forward to young and emerging researchers. I was fortunate to have had great mentors, such as Professor Rose Burnett, who introduced me to research on the social aspects of vaccination, and Professor Brian Godman, who helped expand my expertise in drug utilisation research,” she explains. “Now, I strive to provide the same support and guidance to early-career researchers.”
She encourages early-career researchers to seek mentorship, engage in academic collaborations, and take advantage of funding opportunities provided by SMU and external bodies. “Commitment, dedication, hard work and a passion for meaningful research are key to long-term success,” she advises.
Balancing academic excellence with personal responsibilities remains a challenge for many female researchers. Meyer acknowledges the difficulties of securing research funding, managing administrative tasks, and maintaining a work-life balance. “Women in research face unique challenges, but with resilience and support, we can excel in both our professional and personal lives,” she says. Despite these challenges, she has carved a path of success, demonstrating that women can excel in academia and research while fulfilling personal and family roles.
Beyond academia, Meyer’s work has helped shape national, regional and global health policies. She holds three ministerial appointments in South Africa, including chairing the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee and serving on the National Advisory Group on Immunisation and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority Board. She also serves on various African Union vaccine safety committees and the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety.
Her dedication to community engagement was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. She played crucial roles in developing training materials, training healthcare workers, designing vaccine implementation guidelines, and establishing vaccine safety surveillance systems. During the pandemic, it was crucial to ensure that healthcare workers were well-equipped with the knowledge and resources to manage the implementation and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, she recalls. Her leadership in vaccine risk communication and pharmacovigilance has significantly contributed to strengthening South Africa’s primary healthcare service delivery.
Meyer considers her most significant achievement to be the success of her postgraduate students. “Seeing my students thrive and take on leadership roles is incredibly rewarding,” she reflects. Many of her mentees now hold leadership positions in government and academia, driving positive change in public health and pharmacy. She believes in the power of mentorship, collaboration, and dedication to fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals who will continue her legacy.
Her philosophy is encapsulated in the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Through her research, mentorship, and leadership, Meyer has undoubtedly made significant strides, and her contributions will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 22, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reinforced its international research footprint by co-hosting the prestigious 8th Global Public Health Conference (GLOBEHEAL 2025) in partnership with the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). The conference, recently held at the Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on “Community Engagement and Empowerment: Strengthening Health Promotion Initiatives.”
The collaboration was led by Professor Martha Chadyiwa, who initiated discussions between SMU and TIIKM. Under the leadership of Professor Mathildah Mokgatle, the Department of Public Health played a pivotal role, with senior faculty members representing SMU.
GLOBEHEAL 2025 provided a platform for SMU to showcase its research, engage with international experts, and establish new academic partnerships. The university’s representatives delivered research presentations, chaired technical sessions, and participated in high-level discussions. SMU co-hosted the conference, which focused on community engagement and empowerment in health promotion initiatives.
As Chadyiwa notes: “The conference provided an exceptional platform for showcasing SMU’s research strengths through Professor Olanrewaju Oladimeji’s plenary speech and our faculty’s diverse presentations, while the leadership roles they assumed elevated our reputation from mere attendees to recognised contributors shaping global health conversations.”
The conference brought together leading public health experts from around the world, with SMU delegates attending both in person and virtually. This hybrid approach enabled the university to showcase its research to over 500 delegates from 30+ countries, further enhancing its global reputation.
SMU’s partnership with TIIKM expanded its international research network, provided opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, enhanced its academic credibility, and initiated new collaborations. Research findings from the conference were included in international academic databases, demonstrating the academic impact of the event.
This achievement embodies SMU’s values of innovation, social responsibility, excellence, and integrity. The university’s commitment to social responsibility was evident in its engagement with global health experts, addressing pressing public health challenges. The pursuit of excellence was demonstrated through high-quality research presentations and technical sessions.
The collaboration required meticulous planning, with virtual meetings held to finalise SMU’s contributions, arrange travel logistics, and develop promotional materials. The Research and Internationalisation departments played key roles in coordinating these efforts.
Moving forward, SMU will leverage the relationships and opportunities cultivated at GLOBEHEAL to further its commitment to impactful public health research and education. The university plans to formalise collaborations with international institutions, expand exchange programmes, host a future conference, develop joint publications, and secure research funding.
Chadyiwa says: “GLOBEHEAL 2025 was a transformative experience for SMU. The knowledge shared, networks formed, and research collaborations initiated will drive our public health mission forward.”
The conference has opened doors for joint research, publications, and funding opportunities. SMU’s participation has placed the university on the global stage for public health discussions, demonstrating its commitment to advancing public health research and education.
In conclusion, SMU’s participation in GLOBEHEAL 2025 marked a pivotal moment in its journey towards international academic excellence. As SMU continues to build on this momentum, it is clear that the university will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of public health research and education.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 22, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a landmark achievement for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), PhD candidate Thabo Lesiba Lekgoathi has successfully filed a provisional patent for a novel compound derived from a medicinal plant, demonstrating significant activity against respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. This innovation, developed under the mentorship of Dr Vuyisile Thibane and Professor Stanley Gololo in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology under the School of Science and Technology (SST), exemplifies SMU’s commitment to pioneering research that bridges indigenous knowledge with modern scientific advancements.
The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at SMU facilitated the patent filing process, highlighting the university’s dedication to translating research into tangible health solutions. This development not only underscores SMU’s role in addressing pressing health challenges but also positions the institution at the forefront of innovation in the health sciences sector.
Lekgoathi’s research centres on Schinus molle, a plant traditionally used in rural communities to treat colds and flu-like symptoms. Through meticulous analysis, he identified geranylgeranyl acetate, a diterpenoid extracted from Schinus molle, which exhibits inhibitory effects on key SARS-CoV-2 protease enzymes, PLpro and Mpro. These enzymes are critical for viral replication and immune system suppression. By inhibiting them, geranylgeranyl acetate disrupts the virus’s ability to mature and allows the immune system to remain active.
“The compound’s ability to inhibit broad targets of the virus makes it unique,” Lekgoathi explains. “Its volatile nature allows for administration through an oil-based formulation which has been enriched with the compound and/or through pelletized extracts which can be deposited into a hot water system for inhalation, potentially offering a natural, accessible treatment for respiratory symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.”
The journey from concept to provisional patent was not without challenges. Lekgoathi faced infrastructural limitations and personal hardships, including the loss of loved ones to COVID-19. Despite these obstacles, he remained resolute. “Computational studies helped narrow down the search for a novel active compound, which would have been an expensive exercise through other methods,” he notes.
Securing a provisional patent for this compound is a pivotal step, in safeguarding the intellectual property and facilitating further development. The TTO at SMU played an instrumental role in this process. “The TTO provided essential resources, including legal expertise, ensuring that the patent application was properly structured,” Lekgoathi acknowledges.
Looking ahead, the focus is on conducting analytical tests such as toxicity studies to validate the compound’s efficacy and safety. Exploring various formulations and delivery methods will be crucial to ensure practical application. Lekgoathi envisions potential partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and government agencies to support the development, testing, and commercialisation of this compound. “This innovation has the potential to make a significant contribution to global health by offering a natural, accessible, and effective treatment for respiratory infections,” he asserts.
Dr Esmey Moema, Operations Manager of the SST at SMU, emphasises the broader implications of this achievement. “This accomplishment is a powerful reflection of the school’s evolving research strategy, aligned with innovation-driven outputs and the potential for commercialisation,” she states. “It underscores our commitment to advancing translational research that contributes to health security and economic development.”
This development not only highlights the potential of indigenous plants in modern therapeutics but also positions South Africa’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for growth. By bridging traditional knowledge with scientific research, Lekgoathi’s work exemplifies the transformative impact of integrating cultural heritage with contemporary science.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 10, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor. The decision was unanimously taken by the University Council at its ordinary meeting held on 3 April 2025. She will serve for a term of five years.
Moumakwa, a highly respected medical practitioner and executive, is an alumna of the erstwhile Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), where she obtained her MBChB in 1987. Her impressive academic portfolio also includes a Management Advancement Programme from Wits Business School and a General Management Programme from Harvard Business School—testaments to her enduring commitment to education and leadership development.
Amongst other roles, she is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mohau Equity Partners (MEP). Over the years, she has held several senior executive roles across the healthcare and business sectors. These include:
- Executive Head at Thlabi Family Practice (1992–1995)
- Chief Executive Officer of Transmed Medical Fund (1996–2000)
- Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Healthcare Funders (2002–2005)
- Director: Keycare Product Development at Discovery Limited (2005–2011)
- Group Head of Human Resources and Sustainability at Discovery Limited (2011–2018)
Moumakwa is widely recognised for her visionary leadership and pioneering work in healthcare and health financing. Her influence spans clinical practice, healthcare policy, corporate governance, and transformation, leaving an indelible mark on both the private and public healthcare landscapes in South Africa.
Her appointment as Chancellor reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and inclusive leadership.
Moumakwa brings not only a wealth of expertise but also a deep sense of purpose and integrity that will strengthen the university’s mission in health sciences education and research.
In her congratulatory message, Chairperson of the SMU Council Maria Rambauli states: “I would like to thank Dr Moumakwa for agreeing to serve the university as the Chancellor for the next five years and wish her success in this role.”
Moumakwa’s appointment marks a bold step forward for SMU as it strenghtens its mission to become a globally competitive health sciences university, guided by transformative leadership and a commitment to advancing health equity across the continent.
by Lorato | Apr 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a strong display of skill, teamwork and determination, approximately 70 members of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Staff Sports Association (SMUSSA) took part in the 13th annual SEPWLICO tournament, hosted by the University of Limpopo on Saturday, 5 April 2025. The event brought together staff teams from SMU, the Department of Public Works, the University of Limpopo, and the Department of Correctional Services (SEPWLICO).
The tournament, commonly referred to as SEPWLICO, is a key platform for university and departmental staff to foster camaraderie through sport, while also sharpening their competitive edge ahead of major events. For SMUSSA, it marked an important preparatory step en route to hosting and competing against twenty other universities in the prestigious Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association (SAUSSA) Games, scheduled to take place from 7 to 13 December 2025.
SMUSSA fielded teams in aerobics, darts, football, fun walk, fun run, netball, supa pool and volleyball—demonstrating a broad commitment to sport and wellness. The teams did not disappoint, returning to Ga-Rankuwa with an impressive tally of two gold (including floating trophies), four silver and two bronze medals.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results,” said Caroline Moeletsi, Chairperson of SMUSSA. “Our teams gave it their all—not just for the medals but to genuinely test our readiness for hosting SAUSSA 2025. The energy, discipline and sportsmanship displayed by our staff were truly inspiring.”
Gold medals and floating trophies were secured by the football and darts teams, both of which dominated their respective fixtures. The football team, in particular, showed exceptional coordination and resilience, overcoming tough opposition from the University of Limpopo and the Department of Public Works in closely contested matches. “We’ve been training hard and refining our tactics,” said Sfiso Zulu, captain of the SMUSSA football team. “Winning gold at SEPWLICO proves we are on the right track. We are ready to welcome the SAUSSA participating institutions in December with our heads held high.” Silver medals were awarded in netball, supa pool, fun walk and volleyball, while the team earned bronze in aerobics and the fun run.
For many, the tournament was about more than just medals; it symbolised broader goals of staff engagement, health promotion and institutional pride. “This event is a testament to the power of sport in fostering unity across departments and institutions,” said Poeletso Tlaka, General Secretary of SMUSSA. “We are proud of SMUSSA’s achievements and excited to see the momentum build as we approach the SAUSSA Games later this year.”
The SEPWLICO tournament also served as an important networking and benchmarking opportunity. Universities and government departments used the occasion to exchange best practices and learn from one another in areas such as sports development, wellness programmes and inter-institutional collaboration.
With just eight months to go before SMU hosts SAUSSA 2025, the SEPWLICO performance has boosted confidence among organisers and participants alike. “The road to December is still long, but this tournament gave us a clear indication that we are on track,” Moeletsi added. “We look forward to hosting our counterparts from across Southern Africa and showcasing not only our sporting talent but also our hospitality, infrastructure and SMU spirit.”
As preparations continue, SMUSSA has committed to maintaining momentum through regular training camps, wellness drives and friendly matches in the lead-up to the main event.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a digital world driven by content and connection, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has found its storytellers not in boardrooms or brochures but within its own student community. A new generation of SMU Student Brand Ambassadors is using creativity, authenticity, and a love for their institution to share the university’s essence with the world. From TikTok to Instagram and inspiring campus content, these student leaders are redefining brand representation and embodying the values that make SMU not just a university but a community.
The newly selected ambassadors are not chosen for titles or popularity—but for the authenticity of their voice and the pride they wear like a badge of honour. In a crowded digital space, they rise above with content that reflects not only their personal experience but the character and vision of SMU. Their ability to translate student life, institutional excellence, and brand identity into relatable, positive content makes them true brand champions. What sets them apart is their deep love for the university—turning pride into purpose and content into connection.
What unites this vibrant group is not only their pride in SMU but also their belief in the power of narrative. For Alizwa Boco, the lens of her camera becomes a bridge to the world. “I’ve been given a platform to share the untold stories hidden within the gates of SMU,” she explains. Her goal? To inspire students and investors alike to see SMU as a hub of potential.
Echoing this is Bongani Trevor Bvuma, who sees the role as a chance to connect with current and future students and represent a brand built on trust. “SMU is one of the leading universities in teaching, learning, and innovation,” he notes. “Representing it brings both confidence and honour.”
For Bonolo Malema, it’s about being part of a legacy: “SMU is well known for producing the best doctors, scientists, dentists, pharmacists… I’m beyond proud to represent it.” Her excitement mirrors that of Mamelo Letseka, who values the exposure, teamwork and communication skills that come with being part of the programme. “It helps me grow while promoting something I genuinely love.”
Each ambassador brings a unique perspective. Mbali Ndamase is driven by a commitment to excellence, diversity and community engagement. “The university’s values align with my own,” she explains, “and I’m eager to promote that.” Rolivhuwa Rasilingani adds, “I’m thrilled to share the amazing work our students, faculty, and staff are doing to advance healthcare.”
But beyond accolades and achievements, it’s the sense of belonging that resonates deeply. As Samantha Maxase passionately puts it, “Wearing the SMU emblem every day is one reason that makes me smile no matter what I might be going through. It carries so much importance.”
This sense of pride is echoed by Simamkele Talatala, who says the ambassador role allows him to share his passion and inspire others. Thapelo Mthimunye sees the position as an opportunity to lead and showcase SMU’s vibrant student experience. “SMU is a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and community-driven healthcare,” he explains.
Tsakane Pearl Nghonyama, a natural content creator, relishes the chance to represent SMU with authenticity. “SMU is home to a disadvantaged black child. The warmth and support I’ve received here is something I want others to experience too.”
Finally, Yonela Fihlani highlights the university’s progressive spirit: “SMU empowers students with knowledge and skills to excel in the health sector and make meaningful contributions to society.”
Together, these ambassadors are more than just the faces of the brand—they are its voice, heart, and future. Their stories offer a window into the soul of SMU: a progressive institution where excellence, empathy, and impact converge. Through their creativity and commitment, the world sees not only what SMU represents today, but also the boundless potential it holds for tomorrow. You can get to know each of them better through our upcoming digital features, which will be shared on SMU’s social media platforms and in the SMU Student Herald weekly eNewsletter. And when you spot them filming their next campus TikTok—don’t miss the chance to join the vlog and smile. Better yet, create your own vlog using these three hashtags: #WeAreSMU, #SMU, #ProudlySMU, and you might just get a DM inviting you to join our exclusive ambassador list—or receive some cool branded merch.
By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
