by Lorato | Nov 8, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Mahlatse Precious Sekgobela, a third-year nursing student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), is leading a movement through the South African Nursing Students Association (SANSA) to reshape the future of nursing education. With a commitment rooted in her family’s legacy of healthcare, Sekgobela brings resilience and a relentless drive to her roles as a National Committee Member and interim Chairperson of SANSA at SMU. Her leadership at this juncture in South Africa’s healthcare landscape highlights the calibre of SMU students and emphasises the university’s role in fostering meaningful student-led change.
Mahlatse Precious Sekgobela
“It’s been a tough road, but I find beauty in the journey,” Sekgobela remarks, reflecting on the pressures she’s faced. Growing up in rural Carlsruhe Jr, Limpopo, she learned the importance of community and hard work, values she carries into her advocacy for nursing students. Sekgobela’s leadership in SANSA is personal—driven by her vision of creating a unified voice for nursing students who face unique challenges, from mental health strains to gaps in practical training during clinical placements.
A central mission in her work with SANSA is addressing the imbalance in nursing education, where students often fill critical staff shortages rather than receive hands-on learning opportunities. “Students are treated as replacements, moving up levels without mastering the required skills,” she explains. “This puts us at a disadvantage in our profession. I hope SANSA will challenge these norms and ensure that every nursing student gets the training they deserve.”
Sekgobela and her team are tirelessly building SANSA’s presence across universities in South Africa to achieve this. “Our current focus is to establish branches at every university. Each campus faces its own set of challenges, and having a SANSA branch means we can address these specifically and work towards meaningful solutions,” she says. Her leadership within SANSA has already brought attention to issues affecting nursing students’ education, with plans to support mental health, improve clinical training, and foster a network for mutual support.
The journey hasn’t been easy, as she juggles her intense nursing studies with the demands of leading SANSA. “There’s no perfect balance,” she admits. “But as challenging as it gets, I’m driven by my belief in our mission to unite nursing students.” Her daily schedule often includes attending clinical shifts followed by SANSA meetings, a testament to her dedication and drive to uplift her peers.
Sekgobela’s path from her rural upbringing to her position at the forefront of student advocacy at SMU stands as a powerful example of the calibre and determination of SMU students. The skills she honed as a class representative and learning to lead peers from diverse backgrounds have been instrumental in her role within SANSA. “Leadership in nursing is about advocacy, teamwork, and professionalism,” she notes, adding that her vision is for nursing to become a profession where high standards, staff well-being, and patient care are deeply valued.
Looking forward, Sekgobela sees SANSA as a force for lasting change in nursing education that will support students from their academic years into their professional careers. “Once SANSA is fully established, we’ll have the power to push for policies that protect and uplift students across South Africa,” she asserts. “This is our moment to set a new standard for nursing in the country.”
With an unwavering dedication to her studies and advocacy, Sekgobela embodies the high calibre of SMU’s students, exemplifying how passion and purpose can lead to transformative change. Through her leadership, she hopes to inspire her peers to advocate for themselves, support each other, and ultimately elevate the profession they hold dear.
by Lorato | Nov 8, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Khomotso Motiang, Lecturer in the Department of Radiography at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been awarded the prestigious International Society of Magnetic Resonance Radiographers and Technologists (ISMRT) Future Leaders Fellowship. This fellowship, an initiative developed in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to advance MRI education in Africa and other globally underserved countries, positioning Motiang at the forefront of driving innovations in MRI education. This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the field and solidifies SMU’s standing as a leader in health sciences education.
The ISMRT Future Leaders Fellowship is a highly competitive global initiative that supports emerging leaders in the field of MRI. Through this Fellowship, Motiang gains access to cutting-edge MRI resources, mentorship from global experts, and an international platform to drive innovations in patient care and radiographic research. As part of the Fellowship, Motiang is working to establish the ISMRT-South African Division, which will bring together radiographers and educators from across the country to collaborate and share best practices.
“I am deeply honoured by this opportunity,” says Motiang. “The Fellowship equips me with the knowledge and resources to enhance MRI education in South Africa, where access to equipment for student training is often limited. I am committed to empowering the next generation of radiographers and ensuring they have the skills to excel, even with scarce resources.”
Motiang’s commitment to advancing education in radiography is evident not only in her personal achievements but also in the success of her students. In 2024, she supervised a team of final-year students who won the Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation at the university’s Research Days. Her efforts underscore the critical need for improved MRI training infrastructure to equip future health professionals better and enhance patient outcomes.
Joining SMU in 2022, Motiang’s passion for teaching quickly garnered recognition, earning her the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award in the Emerging Category. Her academic journey includes presenting at three international conferences and fifteen national events, showcasing her expertise and dedication to professional growth. Her hard work and determination led to her winning the Best Oral Presentations in Forensic Imaging and MRI Tracks at the 2023 Society of Radiographers of South Africa Congress. This recognition opened doors for her to present in Singapore and Hong Kong in 2024, further solidifying her international standing in the field.
Motiang’s journey to global recognition is also a testament to her resilience. Despite the challenges of securing funding for professional development, she persevered, securing sponsorship through the Society of Radiographers of South Africa. Her commitment to growth continues to shape her professional trajectory and the future of radiography in South Africa.
“As we celebrate World Radiography Day on November 8th, I feel an immense sense of pride and responsibility to make a lasting impact in my field,” says Motiang. “This Fellowship is not just a personal achievement but a step toward advocating for the radiography profession and connecting with a global community of innovators.”
Her success highlights the exceptional calibre of scholars at SMU and the university’s ongoing efforts to employ top talent in critical healthcare fields. It reflects SMU’s dedication to fostering diversity and advancing excellence as its distinguished scholars continue to make local and international waves.
by Lorato | Nov 7, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Bonno Mohlala, a final-year Nursing and Midwifery student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), is proving that strength and femininity can go hand-in-hand. Mohlala recently made history by winning first place in the Ladies’ Wellness under 166 cm category and emerging as the overall winner in the Ladies’ Wellness division at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Bodybuilding National Competition, recently held at North-West University, Vaal Campus.
Bonno Mohlala, a final-year Nursing and Midwifery student at SMU, proving that strength and femininity can go hand-in-hand
Balancing the pressures of her demanding academic schedule with the rigorous training necessary for bodybuilding is no small feat. Mohlala succeeds in both by carefully managing her time and dedicating just one to two hours a day to her training while excelling in her studies. “By sparing an hour or two for the gym, I can balance both school and training effectively,” she explains.
Her journey in bodybuilding has been one of transformation, not only physically but also emotionally. Mohlala admits that she struggled with low self-esteem before taking up the sport. “I wasn’t comfortable in my own body until I started bodybuilding. Now, I see how unique and different I am,” she shares, reflecting on the confidence the sport has given her.
SMU has provided the platform for Mohlala to excel both academically and athletically, demonstrating the university’s commitment to enabling its students to pursue their passions beyond the classroom. Her success at the USSA competition has also earned her a spot at the national championships, where she finished in the top ten—a stepping stone towards her goal of placing in the top three next year.
But Mohlala’s achievements extend beyond bodybuilding. She serves as the Manager for the SMU Ladies’ Rugby Team, a role that highlights her leadership and mentorship skills. Although she does not play rugby herself, her involvement underscores her dedication to promoting women’s participation in various sports. “Women fear they will look like men if they lift weights, but that’s not true. You can be feminine in a muscular way. Don’t let societal stigma hold you back,” she advises, challenging the stereotypes that often discourage women from pursuing bodybuilding.
Mohlala’s story is a testament to the empowering environment at SMU. The university not only cultivates academic excellence but also supports the diverse ambitions of its students. With the backing of her academic institution, Mohlala has redefined what it means to be strong, both mentally and physically.
Her future goals are clear: she is determined to reach new heights in bodybuilding, aiming for victory in national competitions. She hopes to inspire more women to challenge societal norms and embrace the empowering effects of sports. “Bodybuilding is often seen as a men’s sport, but women are just as capable. I want to see more women taking part in sports. Bodybuilding helped me, and it can help others improve themselves,” she says.
Mohlala is more than a champion; she is a trailblazer. Her success illustrates the calibre of students that SMU nurtures—those who are not afraid to break barriers and redefine norms, proving that with dedication and the right support, anything is possible. SMU stands proudly behind students like Mohlala, enabling them to shine in all their endeavours.
by Lorato | Nov 7, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to foster holistic student development through its entrepreneurship programme, empowering students to unlock their innovative potential and take charge of their futures. One shining example of this is Koketso Malebana, a remarkable student from Atteridgeville who is balancing academic excellence with entrepreneurial success.
Malebana, pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Mathematics at SMU, discovered her passion for makeup artistry at fifteen. Growing up, she would watch her sisters, Kgothatso and Nomsa, apply makeup and ask about the products they used. This curiosity sparked a journey of self-taught skills, leading her to master the art of makeup. “I started by perfecting my eyebrows, and over time, I learned how to do full-face makeup,” explains Malebana.
SMU student, Koketso Malebana, driven by her passion and entrepreneurial spirit, founded Kokiie’s Beauty Artistry
In 2022, , a freelance makeup business that caters to clients of all ages. Her services are tailored to various occasions, from graduations and gala dinners to beauty contests and casual outings. Malebana’s business thrives on the joy of making her clients feel confident and beautiful.
Beyond her passion, financial necessity played a role in her entrepreneurial journey. “Not having funding for my studies motivated me to start my business. I didn’t want to constantly ask my parents for money, especially with the rising living costs. Running my business allows me to meet my daily needs and focus on my studies without worrying about where my next meal will come from,” she shares.
Malebana’s entrepreneurial drive is deeply rooted in her family. Her parents run a decor company, her sister Nomsa owns an environmental waste management business, and her other sister, Kgothatso, operates a catering and decor company. This family legacy of entrepreneurship inspired her to venture into business while maintaining her academic ambitions. “Balancing my studies and business is important to me. I carefully manage my time, taking bookings during my free time or study breaks. Nomsa also helps with the workload when I have many clients,” she adds.
Malebana actively markets her services within SMU to grow her business, leveraging residents’ group chats and social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. She is ambitious about the future, with plans to expand her beauty business to offer hair installations and nail services. She also dreams of becoming a data analyst or scientist, with aspirations to pursue advanced studies in mathematical optimisation.
She credits SMU with shaping her into the well-rounded individual she is today. She expresses gratitude to the university for instilling a sense of Ubuntu, acceptance, commitment, and time management in her. “SMU has taught me to manage my time effectively and balance my academic and business pursuits,” she says.
Malebana’s journey highlights the nurturing environment SMU provides for its students, encouraging them to excel both academically and personally. Through its entrepreneurship programme, SMU remains an institution of choice for students who aspire to achieve greatness across multiple disciplines.
by Lorato | Nov 7, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
From the modest township of Tsakane in Gauteng to the halls of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Bongisizwe Sibeko—known by his peers as Bharaza—has charted a remarkable path of leadership, resilience, and growth. As a Bachelor of Science student, Sibeko’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of an enabling environment like SMU, which nurtures young leaders to shape the future.
SMU student Bongisizwe Sibeko, leading with purpose and impact
Sibeko’s leadership journey began early, first as a class representative and later as the Chairperson of the Student Representative Council (SRC) School of Science and Technology (SST) Committee, a role he held for two terms. What started as a desire to inspire and uplift others evolved into a deep understanding of leadership’s complexities. “Leadership is not about being perfect,” Sibeko reflects. “It’s about recognising that even your imperfections can be seen as strengths by others.”
His tenure as Chairperson revealed the importance of belief—belief in oneself, belief in a vision, and belief in the possibility of transformation. “Believe before seeing,” he explains, capturing a philosophy that has guided him through both the triumphs and challenges of leading a student body. This mindset has allowed him to face the pressures of leadership with calm confidence, teaching him that not every challenge demands a reaction and that patience is key.
At SMU, Sibeko found an institution that provided the platform and support he needed to thrive as a leader. Through an environment that fosters growth and self-discovery, SMU enabled him to explore his leadership potential and cultivate the skills necessary to inspire others. “Living a purpose to inspire is my greatest motivation,” he shares a sentiment that captures his deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him.
His leadership role taught him patience, the importance of small steps, and the value of persistence. “You can’t win every battle,” Sibeko acknowledges, but he has learned that progress often comes from consistent, steady efforts rather than quick victories. His journey from Tsakane to becoming a prominent leader at SMU serves as an inspiring example of what is possible with dedication and an enabling support system.
Sibeko’s story is also one of personal growth. His leadership experience was not only about guiding others but also about discovering his own strengths and staying true to his values. “I may not be where I want to be yet,” he admits, “but with consistent, small steps, even those who once ignored the difference will start to notice.”
SMU’s role in nurturing young leaders like Sibeko is pivotal. By providing a supportive environment where students can take on leadership roles, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow, the university demonstrates its commitment to empowering the next generation of change-makers. Sibeko’s journey shows that leadership is not just a title but a process of continuous learning and self-discovery.
Sibeko’s path from Tsakane to SMU illustrates the power of perseverance and the importance of an enabling environment that allows young people to rise, lead, and inspire. His story is a reminder that leadership is not confined to those born with it but can be nurtured in anyone willing to grow, learn, and take on the challenge. SMU continues to be a catalyst for this kind of personal and leadership development, empowering students like Sibeko to lead with purpose and impact.
by Lorato | Nov 7, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Growing up in Nkowankowa Township, a few kilometres outside Tzaneen (Limpopo), SMU postgraduate student, Khanyisa Faith Mokgolobotho dreamt of achieving remarkable things and making a mark in the world of technology and leadership. Driven by the pursuit of better opportunities, her family moved to Soweto and later to Lenasia (Gauteng). She started schooling at Odin Park Primary School in Ennerdale (a predominately Coloured community) and then graduated and enrolled at Azara Secondary School (an Indian community). She credits these diverse communities for shaping her into who she is today: a Student Leader, Entrepreneur and Software Development Engineer.
SMU postgraduate student, Khanyisa Faith Mokgolobotho
“My community was plagued by taxi violence and gang fights, which meant I didn’t have many friends outside of school for safety reasons. This environment fuelled my determination to use education as my ticket out of this crime-ridden environment. From a young age, I was outspoken and confident, inspired by figures like former State President Jacob Zuma and Economic Freedom Fighter Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema. Their presence in politics and leadership fascinated me, and I knew from then that one day, I wanted to be a leader too,” says Khanyisa.
Leadership roles have always been a significant part of her life, and she set a goal of becoming a student leader when she registered to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mathematical Science at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in 2020. “My leadership journey started as a Sports Officer of Residence 1B’s House Committee in 2022, ultimately became a House Committee Chairperson in 2023, and eventually took on the role of Interim Student Governance Structure (ISGS) as the Residence Officer for the 2023/2024 term of office. These roles allowed me to make a tangible difference on campus and gave me the platform to advocate for my peers,” she shares.
In December 2022, she had an incredible opportunity to participate in the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA) Student Datathon Challenge under the theme, ‘using social media data to find innovative solutions.’ The DIRISA student Datathon is a competition showcasing how open research data can be used to develop creative and innovative solutions to some of South Africa’s problems. Its objectives include allowing students to learn about the benefits of open data(it gives undergraduate students an opportunity and exposes them to the world of data science), showcasing innovative solutions using open data and data science techniques, finding new solutions to problems, and advocating for the use of open data. “I was among the first cohort of students to represent SMU, competing with students from different universities nationwide. My performance earned me the Best Female Student Participant award and a R100 000 annual bursary that funded the remainder of my undergraduate degree and my Honours in Computer Science and Information Science studies. This achievement did not just benefit me personally; it also opened doors for my fellow SMU Computer Science students. The Datathon has since become an annual event at SMU, encouraging more students to participate and develop their skills,” she emphasises.
She said that before switching to a BSc in mathematical science studies, she initially had ambitions of becoming a civil engineer, which led her to apply for a BSc in physical science. However, she made a switch after researching and reflecting on her goals. This path aligned more with her engineering aspirations, and she is proud to say that today, she is a Software Development Engineer, fulfilling her dream of becoming an engineer. The shift from civil engineering to software development was a journey of discovery and research, and she could not be happier with the outcome.
In July 2023, she took another leap of faith by joining the IM IN Ideation Programme for Women. Out of hundreds of applicants, she was proud to be among the top 150 selected to participate. She later graduated in April 2024 with the top 30 cohort as a female entrepreneur with a fully registered business. This programme, sponsored by JP Morgan, Telkom, and the Embassy of Ireland, was instrumental in helping her and co-founder Rosemary Erawemen of Techmed Connect Cloud Computing Machine Learning startup to the next level. They made it to the top 15 young female startups, a milestone she holds dearly.
She says: “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the “IM IN Ideation Program. It has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations in the tech industry with determination. I look forward to witnessing the continued impact of the ‘IM IN Ideation Program’ on future participants”.
Currently, she is employed as a Software Development Engineer at PyCentric PTY LTD, which she considers one of her most significant achievements. “My journey has been one of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering ambition. I am proud to say that I am a young black woman, an Entrepreneur, a Student Leader, and a Software Development Engineer. My name, Khanyisa Faith Mokgolobotho, is a testament to the light, faith, and determination that have guided me through every step of my journey,” she concludes.
