DHET Director General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi impressed by outstanding progress made at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University during his visit

by Lorato | Oct 11, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Director General of the Department of Higher Education and Training Dr Nkosinathi Sishi paid a courtesy visit to the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University on 04 October 2022 at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati. The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to provide a general update on SMU and this gave the DG a sense of the current status of the University, existing challenges and its future plans as espoused in the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan which is being imple-mented. Accompanying the D was the DDG University Education Dr. Marcia Socikwa.

The Vice-Chancellor took the DG on a tour of the Campus visiting the SMU MECRU unit, the proposed African Bioimaging Centre, the premium 2,000 beds student accommodation facility and the upgraded Pharmacy Building.

SMU through the MECRU unit is currently conducting a Vaccination trial study sponsored by Sinovac/Numolux Group. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of two doses of CoronaVac® against confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 cases in children and adolescents aged 6 months to 17 years. The pilot study was launched in September 2021 and has successfully enrolled a total number of 370 participants as per the given target to the site. Other studies currently underway at MECRU include the following:

• CoVPN 3008 COVID 19 Vaccine (Mordena)
• VPM 1002 (Tuberculosis vaccine)
• SHERPA – SISONKE (J&J Vaccine), for booster shot of HCW with Mordena vaccine

Moreover, the proposed African Centre for Bioimaging will house the state-of-the-art High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) that has been purchased through joint funding from the Department of Science & Innovation, National Research Foundation, Department of Higher Education and Training and SMU. The HRTEM has capabilities for elemental micro-analysis, tomography and cryo-imaging which will allow the university to obtain high resolution images to amongst others, support research in the health sciences such as in nanomedicine and nanotoxicology.

Dr. Sishi expressed his appreciation on the work done so far by SMU and said the path the University has taken will lead to the realization of the vision driven by Prof Mbati. He was particularly impressed with efforts to improve research and development as well as progress made around the academic project in general. “We now have a broader picture of where you want to go as a University. My advice is that if you wish to move faster, find the right partners to work with, including international partners. I also want to give you our sincere affirmation that the department will support you”, said the DG.

Prof Mbati explained that SMU is on a new trajectory in line with its 2021-2025 strategic plan and that the academic project and the financial sustainability of the University are key priorities. He further elucidated that plans are underway to implement the approved new Business Model which will among other things allow for the commercialization of the SMU land which will in turn enable SMU to bring the much needed third stream income. The VC assured the DG that the University will account fully for every cent received.

SMU Celebrates Heritage Day in song, dance, clothing and food

by Lorato | Sep 26, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

A society’s heritage, amongst others, provides clues to the past and how our society has evolved. It helps us to examine our history and traditions and enables us develop an awareness about ourselves and to understand and explain who we are.

It is critical to note that heritage should be the subject of active public reflection, debate, and discussion. What is worth saving? What can we, or should we, forget? What memories can we learn from? Indeed, active public discussion about our heritage is a valuable facet of public life in a multicultural and multiracial country such as ours.

It is against this background that on the 23 September 2022, SMU joined the rest of South Africa Heritage Day celebrations. This was indeed a colorful day characterized by the sharing of food from different cultures, songs, dance and an array of colorful clothing from across the African continent and beyond. The SMU students, representing the different residences were in their element, showing off their skills on the dance floor.

The celebrations were underscored by the speech presented by the guest speaker, Dr Lwazi Lushaba; an academic from the University of Cape Town, who spoke on the topic, Heritage, culture and health.

Amongst other things, he indicated that “we might be physically healthy and culturally sick” because cultural health is as important as bodily health. Lushaba further specified that “culture is the be all of heritage because heritage expresses itself in culture”. He concluded by saying that “A living culture, to be able to reproduce itself, it needs a language”.

This was indeed a speech relevant to what SMU is all about!

Newsflash – SMU welcomes new members of management in critical portfolios

by Lorato | Sep 8, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

SMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati together with his Executive and Senior Management Team welcomed on board new members o morning 08 September 2022. The new team members are Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Research), Ms Noxolo Tshutsha (Director Supply Chain Management) and Mr Tulani Nkuntse (Director Student Affairs).

Speaking during the occasion, Prof Mbati congratulated the new team members on the appointment to critical management positions and wished them well in their tenure. The Vice-Chancellor thanked all colleagues who acted in the three portfolios before they could be filled. He pointed out that Professor Patrick Demana held the fort of DVC with dedication and efficiency. The VC further thanked Mr. Themba Khumalo who acted as Director Student Affairs for ensuring stability in this portfolio. Ms Tshutsha had previously acted as Director SCM and was applauded for having stabilized the directorate. The VC further emphasized that the Academic and Research portfolio is critical for the University and that everyone at SMU is here to support the academic project and the academics should be made to feel appreciated and supported.

Prof Matsha-Erasmus expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome she received upon arrival at SMU. She described herself as a nice and orderly person who is straightforward, honest and tells the truth as she sees it. She also thanked Prof Demana for his assurance that he will support her until she gets on her feet.

Mr Tulani Nkuntse also mentioned that the SMU family was welcoming when he commenced with his duties and echoed the VC’s sentiments that SMU is a supportive environment. He was excited to be part of the team and optimistic that together will achieve great things for the university.

Ms Tshutsha expressed her gratitude for the opportunity the University gave her to serve in the senior management team.