SMU embraces digital transformation to enhance the Academic Project

by Lorato | Aug 30, 2023 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

SMU is committed to the acceleration of its digital transformation journey to enhance teaching and learning experience of its staff and students. This is according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbati, following the conclusion of the 29th Annual PwC Education Conference held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 21–22 August 2023.

In this context, the School of Science and Technology has been identified to start the pilot phase for the opportunities presented by disruption in pedagogy through generative artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Vice Chancellor, a comprehensive strategy for all the five SMU Schools will be developed for implementation over a two-year period. “Because of the substantial investment that will be required to achieve this vision, targeted partners, both in government and the corporate sector, will be approached to walk this this journey with us” says Mbati.

Regarding issues of governance, the SMU Chairperson of Council Ms. Maria Rambauli, who was part of the panel of Council Chairs, made a strong case for a clear delineation of responsibilities between Council and Vice Chancellors to ensure proper functioning of governance structures within higher education institutions. Rambauli further stated that in many instances, governance challenges arise when nonexecutive Council members interfere in the operations of university management structures. “Our role as Council is to set the strategy and to hold the Vice Chancellor to account” said Ms Rambauli.

The conference also identified technological disruptions as part of megatrends that will continue to change societies for many years to come. It is, therefore, important for SMU to consider a clear set of generative AI policies and strategies, stakeholder management on setting expectations and training on ethics and governance. The AI wave is inevitable and SMU must embrace its accompanying risks and opportunities. Curriculum and pedagogy transformation, and a change of our assessment strategies will also be important. The keynote address was delivered by Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women.

SMU hosts a high-level delegation from the Gauteng Department of Health

by Lorato | Jul 4, 2023 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Deepening stakeholder relations is important to the growth and development of SMU, especially given the interconnectedness that the university has with different critical role and their contribution to its success. Anchoring this understanding, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbati hosted a high-level delegation from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on the Campus on 03 July 2023. Leading the delegation from the GDoH was the Acting HoD Mr. Lesiba Malotana, who was accompanied by amongst others, the DDG for Corporate Services, Ms. Basani Baloyi, Advisor to the MEC, Dr. Victor Ramathesele, and Dr. Terence Carter of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). This meeting follows on the heels of earlier meetings between the University Management and the MEC of GDoH, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Joe Phaala. Discussions happened in a frank and conversational manner, with respective parties gaining appreciation for current context and challenges, and providing reports on the status of various matters previously deliberated on. This approach sets a good foundation for finding solutions to problems, and also to ensure constant feedback and monitoring on developments on matters affecting the University and the Hospital. It also helps build working relationships between persons responsible for functions from the perspective of GDoH and SMU, and allows for quicker interaction to address matters.

Feedback revolved around a number of issues, providing important insights and timeframes. A draft bilateral MoU to govern the relationship between SMU and GDoH has been shared with the University for further inputs. Whilst a short-term resolution for the staffing needs in the School of Oral Health Sciences has been implemented, a long-term solution to address the staffing needs for both Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) and the SMU Dental hospital are receiving appropriate attention and should be finalized within the next six (6) months. Urgent repairs to some critical infrastructure backlog maintenance at the DGMAH and the Dental Hospital have been initiated, and there is a commitment by GDoH to embark, in a prioritized fashion, in resolving all other infrastructure and maintenance challenges in the clinical training platforms used by SMU staff and students. Other important agenda items explored included expansion of the SMU PQM to cater for a range of training needs and, the resuscitation of student bursaries by GDoH. The meeting emphasized the importance of GDoH and SMU jointly managing joint appointees across the entire value chain, from recruitment, including adverts and interviews, appointments and performance management. It was accepted that making reference to GDoH as the “Primary Employer” is incorrect and inadvertently exposes fissures of inefficiencies in the management of joint appointees. This will be immediately resolved by the HR heads from the University, DGMAH and the Dental hospital.

The parties agreed that there will be monthly progress reports on the various work streams, including progress towards planning, resourcing and implementation of a new state of the art tertiary academic teaching hospital that is fit-for-purpose.