by Kegorapetse | Mar 16, 2021 | All News, Research
SMU and King’s College London had recently established a five year strategic partnership in the research and academic exchange programme between the King’s Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging and the Electron Microscopy Unit of SMU.

Strategic Partnership: Prof Fumni Olonisakin, Vice President and Vice Principal International and Prof Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation.
The impact of SMU research output will be much greater through the exchange programme. The scope of the partnership entails promotion of innovative use of modern electron microscopy (EM) techniques by working with PhD and Masters students in health sciences research; provide training for PhD and Masters student to operate microscopes and prepare specimens; work with principal investigators to introduce innovative EM imaging techniques to the SMU research community; and provision of a dedicated supervisor for ongoing consultation and support.
“Top staff from King’s college will come and teach SMU Masters and PhD students using the electron microscope machines. To ensure high quality data is collected and prepared for publication, the collaboration will support researchers with experiment design and data interpretation,” said Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, SMU DVC.
by Kegorapetse | Mar 4, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Advisory
Date: 04 March 2021
Obesity is a serious issue worldwide; it has occurred as a serious risk factor for severe diseases in the current epidemic disease of Covid-19.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s participation in this international event marks its contribution towards the realisation of the UN’s Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 3 – which seeks to bring about healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
Members of the media are hereby notified of the planned activities for World Obesity Day at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, which will take place today 4 March 2021.
This year’s activities will be held virtually due to the conditions presented by Covid-19.
World renowned weight loss expert and SMU Head of Department of Surgery Professor Zach Koto will share his expertise on obesity and Covid-19. Other speakers will focus on obesity and diet, obesity and Covid-19 effects on mental health as well as metabolic surgery. There will also be testimonials from those whose lives were changed by the programme.
Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH)/SMU bariatric Surgery Unit is accredited to perform metabolic and bariatric surgeries, making it the first public hospital in Gauteng to do this.
“SMU as a Health Sciences University is on a mission to educate people about health related matters and make a meaningful contribution especially during these difficult times of Covid-19. We are taking a lead in ensuring that we engage with our communities, raise awareness and offer them life-changing health care services and advice through programmes such as this one focusing on Obesity, which is a very serious health hazard”, says Dr Eric Pule, SMU spokesperson.
Details of the virtual proceedings are as follows:
Date 04 March 2021
Time: 16h00 – 18h00
Link : https://tinyurl.com/smuworldbobesityday
Members of the media can make arrangements for post event interviews with the experts for more in-depth perspectives on Obesity and Bariatric surgery and other alternative ways of treating Obesity.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Media Advisory World Obesity Day 2021
by Kegorapetse | Mar 1, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Statement
01 March 2021
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) congratulates Professor Joshua Olowoyo for attaining a C2 Rating from the National Research Foundation. The rating is given to researchers as a recognition for having recently produced a body of quality work recognized by their peers. Prof Olowoyo was able to identify activities that are introducing trace metals in the environment including vehicular emissions and various industries, especially mining industries, which are responsible for introducing numerous hazardous metals into the environment.
“My research has also been able to demonstrate that humans are affected by the levels of trace metals in the environment. For instance, one of my research findings revealed elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and As in blood not only in occupationally exposed individuals but also in their immediate family members”, said Prof Olowoyo.
Interestingly, the research has also demonstrated that certain plants such as lichens and other higher plants have applications in biomonitoring the levels of these toxic metals in the environment.
Prof Olowoyo has vowed to continue working on emerging pollutants in the environment and their impact on human health with particular focus on women and children living within the vicinity of polluted or urban environments.
The number of NRF rated researchers and scientists at SMU is growing. Prof Olowoyo is attached to the SMU Biology department.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Media statement Prof Joshua Olowoyo attains a C2 rating from NRF
by Kegorapetse | Mar 1, 2021 | All News, Student Media
Thank you for choosing to study at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in 2021. Kindly take note of the following conditions in respect of study offers and registration:
1. Acceptance of study offer
The study offer should be accepted or declined within three (3) days of receipt of the offer by completing the Acceptance of Study Offer Form. The completed form should be emailed to: apply@smu.ac.za. Please note that failure to respond within the three day period may result in your place being given to another student because places are limited at the University.
2. Student Fees
a. The 2021 tuition and residence fees
Information on fees is available on www.smu.ac.za. For more information on fees, call: 012 521 4614/5954.
b. Initial minimum tuition fee payment (for students without financial assistance)
• Self-funded students (without financial assistance) are required to pay an initial minimum amount of R4 500 before they are allowed to register. Payment should be made at Standard Bank into Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, account number: 071244395, branch code 020909. Use your student number as your reference;
• Cash will not be accepted on campus;
• Payment must be made at least three (3) days before registration; and
• The balance must be paid during the year.
3. Financial assistance
• If you are sponsored, provide written proof of sponsorship to the Finance Department.
• If you intend to apply for financial assistance through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) visit www.nsfas.org.za as soon as possible. For more information, call 012 521 4622 or email: karen.herman@smu.ac.za
4. Scholarships and Merit Bursaries.
The University offers merit bursaries to first time entering students who have performed exceptionally well in the Grade 12 examinations and have not studied at other institutions of higher learning before. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office. For more information, call 012 521 4622 or email: karen.herman@smu.ac.za
5. Accommodation
There are limited places in University residence and admission to study at SMU does not guarantee a place in residence. You have to apply for residence at the Sports Complex on campus after you have registered.
Please note that places are awarded on a first come first served basis. If unsuccessful, the University may assist you with off-campus accommodation or you can make your own arrangements.
6. Registration arrangements
a. Registration is online on the University self-help portal (iEnabler).
b. Students will be able to register on campus or off campus anytime during the day or at night on the dates listed in table below.
c. Students are expected to use their own gadgets (laptops or smart cellular phones) to register
d. If you experience problems during registration, call the following numbers 012 521 4204/ 4319/4644/5057 (during office hours
7. International students
International students will not be allowed to register before they are cleared by the International Office. The International Office can be contacted on 012 521 5834. Emails should be sent to: eunice.modiba@smu.ac.za. Please note that international students are required to submit certified copies of the following documents:
• Valid passport;
• Valid study permit endorsed specifically for SMU; and
• Medical aid cover that is registered and administered in South Africa during your studies at SMU.
8. Student cards
a. Students are required to have student identity cards for identification and access purposes.
b. Students can collect their identity cards at the Sports Complex on campus after they have completed the registration process.
9. Important dates
| DATE |
SCHOOL |
ACTIVITY |
| 1 -2 March 2021 |
School of Pharmacy |
Registration of first year students |
| 2–5 March 2021 |
All Schools (excluding the School of Pharmacy) |
Registration of first year students in the other 4 Schools |
| 8-10 March 2021 |
All Schools |
Orientation of first year students |
| 11 March 2021 |
All Schools |
Commencement of lectures for first year students |
10. PLEASE NOTE
The University reserves the right to verify the information provided. If the information is found to be misrepresented, your admission shall be revoked.
We look forward to welcoming you at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in 2021
Issued by:
Office of the Registrar
26 February 2021
by Kegorapetse | Feb 28, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
28 February 2021
For Immediate Release
The South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is set to have a new head. Prof Hannelie Meyer takes over the reins from Prof Rose Burnett who is retiring at the end of 2021. However, to ensure a smooth transition, the newly appointed head is expected to take over her role with effect from 01 March 2021.
Since joining SAVIC in 2013, Prof Meyer has dedicated her time to immunisation related activities including serving as part of two ministerial advisory committees while also serving in the division of Public Health Pharmacy at SMU. Currently, she also serves as the Chair of the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC).
She has made a significant contribution since joining SAVIC as Scientific Advisor for pharmacovigilance, cold chain management and logistics and this saw SAVIC grow enormously. Furthermore, Prof Meyer was very instrumental in the development and introduction of the Higher Certificate in Vaccinology offered by the School of Pharmacy at SMU as well as a series of short courses.
Her contribution is felt across the nation as she is also part of the team of experts from the nine schools of Pharmacy in the country working with the South African Pharmacy Council to develop a generic short course on vaccination techniques for pharmacists to build capacity for future vaccination, as well as the administration of vaccines as part of the national Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
Professor Meyer assumes this new role at the time when the country is rolling out a massive vaccination programme to cushion people against the debilitating effects of Covid-19. Her knowledge and expertise in the field of Vaccines and Immunisation will certainly continue to contribute to the national efforts on the fight against Covid-19.
SMU wishes the outgoing head of SAVIC Prof Rose Burnett well and thank her for the immense contribution she made while serving as the head of SAVIC.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Statement Prof Hannelie Meyer takes over the reins of SAVIC
by Kegorapetse | Feb 26, 2021 | All News, Student Media
The University will be releasing the Standard Examination Results for the 2020 academic year today in the afternoon (by 14h00), as indicated in the revised academic calendar. The results for the following Schools will be released, subject to certain conditions:
- School of Medicine, with the exception of MBCHB III students’ results. The Examination Commission for the MBCHB III class will meet later today, and the results will be released shortly during the course of next week. The Dean will provide details to the affected students;
- School of Pharmacy, with the exception of few modules that are still outstanding, to be finalized by the School early in the week. Further details will be communicated to the affected students by the School; and
- School of Health Care Sciences.
Furthermore, kindly note that:
- School of Oral Health Sciences, will only hold their Examination Commission meeting at 14h00 today (26 February 2021), and the approved results will be available with the exception of some modules that are still to be completed by the students. The results will be accessed as and when they are made available to the Registrar’s Office. Further details will be provided by the Dean.
- The School of Science and Technology will only be holding their Examination Commission meeting on Monday, 1 March 2021. The Dean of School will provide further details on the matter.
Notice can downloaded below: