by Lorato | May 20, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University celebrated a major academic milestone during its 2026 autumn School of Pharmacy graduation ceremony as Lerato Sarah Mosima graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy degree for her pioneering research into the accessibility of radiopharmaceuticals in English-speaking African countries.
Dr Mosima’s doctoral study, titled Accessibility of Radiopharmaceuticals in English-speaking African Countries, examined the severe shortages and inequalities affecting access to nuclear medicine services across the continent. Her research highlighted the urgent need for investment, infrastructure development, regional collaboration and policy intervention to improve access to lifesaving diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
Radiopharmaceuticals play a critical role in the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, and the treatment of different types of cancers. However, Dr Mosima’s findings revealed that many African countries continue to face significant barriers in accessing these specialised healthcare services.
Speaking about the significance of her research, Dr Mosima said: “The study demonstrated that accessibility to radiopharmaceuticals in English-speaking African countries remains severely limited due to major gaps in infrastructure, equipment, trained personnel and procurement systems. Without urgent intervention, some countries risk losing these critical healthcare services entirely.”
The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-method design involving nuclear medicine professionals, such as radiopharmacists, medical physicists, nuclear medicine physicians and nuclear medicine technologists from thirteen English-speaking African countries. Data were collected between May 2023 and May 2024 through online questionnaires and focus group discussions.
The research found that countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe have only one nuclear medicine facility each, while Zambia was reported to have imaging equipment older than 33 years.
Dr Mosima also identified that only Kenya and South Africa currently offer Positron Emission Tomography (PET) services, while theragnostic — an advanced form of targeted cancer treatment — is extensively practised only in South Africa.
“Participants raised serious concerns about the high cost of radiopharmaceuticals, inadequate infrastructure and the shortage of trained personnel across the region,” she explained. “There is also limited awareness of nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy among healthcare stakeholders and policymakers, which further delays investment and development.”
One of the major contributions of the study was the development of a radiopharmacy database mapping the geographic distribution of radiopharmaceutical infrastructure in English-speaking African countries. The database provides a visual overview of service availability and existing gaps across the region.
Currently serving as an nGAP lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at SMU, Dr Mosima has built an impressive academic and professional profile in radiopharmacy. She previously obtained both her Master of Pharmacy in Radiopharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy qualifications from SMU, after completing degrees in Pharmacy and Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Limpopo.
Her growing body of scholarly work includes multiple peer-reviewed publications in international journals focusing on radiopharmacy services, radiation exposure, healthcare access and nuclear medicine development in Africa.
Dr Mosima said collaboration would be essential in transforming radiopharmaceutical services across the continent. “Regional governments, healthcare institutions and international partners need to work together to establish local production facilities, strengthen procurement networks and expand training opportunities. Improving access to radiopharmaceuticals is ultimately about improving equitable healthcare access for African patients,” she said.
The achievement reflects SMU’s continued commitment to advancing innovative health sciences research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges facing South Africa and the African continent. Through cutting-edge research, postgraduate training and academic excellence, the university continues to position itself as a leading institution driving transformation, innovation and healthcare advancement in Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 20, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumna Dr Jennifer Njenga has been recognised internationally for her leadership in primary healthcare innovation and health systems transformation across four continents, reinforcing the university’s legacy of producing globally impactful health professionals.
Dr Njenga, who graduated with an MBChB from MEDUNSA, now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in 2002, before obtaining an MPH from the University of Auckland, a DrPH from Flinders University and a Certificate in Global Healthcare Leaders programme from Harvard Medical School, has built a 24-year career spanning Uganda, South Africa, Namibia, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening primary healthcare systems, advancing maternal and child health, and improving equity in underserved communities.
Her previous appointment as Co-Chair of the International Expert Panel for Modernising Alberta’s Primary Care System marked a significant milestone in her career. The panel, convened by Alberta’s Ministry of Health, was tasked with developing strategic recommendations to improve access, integration, and sustainability within primary care.
Speaking on her approach to health systems transformation, Dr Njenga said: “Primary healthcare is the foundation of equitable societies. When we invest in integrated, community-centred systems, we are not only treating illness—we are building resilience for generations.”
She added that her work is driven by a commitment to vulnerable populations. “Whether in rural Uganda, rural Canada, or Indigenous migrant communities in New Zealand, the principles remain the same: dignity, access, and continuity of care must guide every health system decision.”
Dr Njenga is the Founder and CEO of Engage Global Health Ltd and BriJen, through which she leads global digital health equity initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership development programmes. Her work includes strategic partnerships with governments, academic institutions, and community organisations aimed at strengthening health systems and workforce capacity.
Senior Officer: Alumni Coordination at SMU, Benedict Masenamela, praised her achievements, stating: “Dr Njenga exemplifies the university’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. Her global leadership reflects the calibre of SMU alumni and their ability to influence health policy and practice internationally.”
In previous roles, she served as Manager of Clinical Services at Edmonton West Primary Care Network, Clinical Lead for eReferrals at Alberta Health Services, and Family Physician Liaison for Women and Children’s Health in New Zealand. She also served as the Physician Representative for Refugee Health within Alberta Health Services and was a member of the Alberta Coalition for Refugee Health. She remains actively involved in refugee and Indigenous health initiatives and continues to provide leadership through advisory and governance roles on several health boards, including HIV Edmonton, where she currently serves as Board Chair, and the Canadian Public Health Association, where she is a current Board Director.
Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Rosalind Smith Professional Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
Beyond clinical leadership, Dr Njenga is also a published author and researcher, with work focusing on maternal obesity and healthcare policy. Her leadership continues to influence global conversations on health equity, systems redesign, and community-centred care.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: “My training at SMU laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service. I remain deeply connected to the values of equity, respect, and Ubuntu that shaped my early professional identity.”
SMU continues to celebrate its alumni who are shaping global health systems, with Dr Njenga standing as a testament to the university’s enduring impact on healthcare leadership and innovation worldwide.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 18, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
More than 2 300 top-performing learners and educators from 103 schools across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West gathered at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University recently, for the institution’s highly anticipated Open Day 2026, themed “NEXTGEN: Shaping Health Sciences in South Africa”.
Hosted at the university’s Sports Complex, the event welcomed Grade 9 to 12 learners with a strong interest in health sciences careers, particularly those studying Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and English. The initiative offered prospective students an immersive introduction to professions shaping the future of healthcare, science and technology in South Africa, while reinforcing SMU’s growing reputation as one of the country’s leading specialised health sciences universities.
Representing all five SMU schools — Dentistry, Health Care Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, & Science and Technology — the university transformed its campus into an interactive learning environment filled with live demonstrations, exhibitions, campus tours and one-on-one engagements with academics, students and alumni. From the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere reflected excitement and ambition as learners explored the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced first-hand what student life at SMU has to offer.
One of the day’s standout attractions was the Emergency Medical Care Unit exhibition from the School of Medicine, where realistic trauma simulations demonstrated CPR procedures and spinal immobilisation techniques. The hands-on experience captivated learners and highlighted the practical nature of healthcare training at SMU. The School of Science and Technology also drew significant attention through engaging scientific demonstrations designed to spark curiosity about careers in applied sciences, innovation and research.
Visitors further explored the university’s cutting-edge laboratories, simulation centres and the Oral Health Centre, which plays a central role in the clinical training of students. Dedicated information sessions for learners, parents and educators covered important topics including NSFAS funding, student accommodation, campus safety, mental health support and student wellness services, reinforcing the university’s commitment to student-centred education and holistic development.
Speaking during the event, Ntsheu Collins Mangena, Student Recruitment Officer at SMU, said the Open Day formed part of the university’s broader mission to inspire and prepare future healthcare professionals.
“We focus on both academic excellence and the development of compassionate, community-conscious professionals,” said Mangena. “Open Day is about helping learners visualise their place in this ecosystem and showing them how they can contribute meaningfully to transforming healthcare in South Africa.”
SMU student brand ambassadors also played an important role throughout the day by sharing their personal academic journeys and offering practical advice to prospective applicants. Simamkele Talatala, a fourth-year medicine student and student ambassador, encouraged learners to prepare thoroughly for the demands of higher education.
“Understand what you are applying for,” said Talatala. “Aim for higher marks and prepare yourself for the journey of becoming a healthcare student. SMU is the right place to become a clinically competent healthcare professional.”
Learners described the experience as both informative and inspiring. Temoso Hlakole, a Grade 12 learner from P.H.L Moraka Secondary School, said the event provided clarity about her future aspirations.
“I would like to pursue an MBChB at SMU,” said Hlakole. “I had a wonderful time and got clarity on most of the questions I had regarding the course I want to pursue. I connected with the higher education environment and interacted with people who share the same interests as mine. I would rate this event a solid 10 out of 10.”
With applications for the 2027 academic year officially open, SMU used the event to encourage learners to begin preparing for careers in healthcare and science. Undergraduate applications close on 31 July 2026, while postgraduate applications close on 31 August 2026.
Guided by its vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, SMU continues to strengthen its role in developing skilled, ethical and community-conscious healthcare professionals. As learners departed campus carrying prospectuses, application guides and renewed motivation, the success of Open Day 2026 once again highlighted the university’s contribution to advancing health sciences education, research and healthcare delivery in South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 18, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has celebrated an extraordinary international achievement by Master of Pharmacy candidate Mahlorhi Baloyi, who has been ranked among the Top 5 globally for contribution and impact within the prestigious South American Business Forum (SABF) Community.
The recognition places Baloyi among a select group of influential young leaders shaping international conversations on leadership, healthcare, innovation, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and social justice. Hosted annually in Buenos Aires, Argentina, SABF is regarded as one of the world’s most competitive youth leadership platforms, attracting thousands of applications from exceptional students, academics, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across the globe.
Selection into the SABF network is based on academic excellence, leadership ability, social impact, innovation, critical thinking, and commitment to sustainable change. Baloyi’s ranking among the Top 5 globally reflects not only his academic strength but also his growing influence within international leadership and policy spaces.
Throughout his engagement with SABF, Baloyi has actively participated in high-level discussions, policy engagements, collaborative initiatives, and strategic debates focused on addressing global challenges. His contribution has enabled him to establish meaningful relationships with international policymakers, healthcare advocates, entrepreneurs, and young leaders from different regions of the world.
Baloyi said the recognition represented far more than personal success. “Being recognised among the Top 5 globally within the SABF Community is an incredible honour. These experiences continue to remind me of the importance of collaboration, leadership, and using our voices to contribute towards meaningful global conversations,” he said.
“I hope this inspires students to believe in the value of their ideas, their potential, and their ability to make an impact beyond borders.”
Beyond his international engagements, Baloyi is currently working towards establishing a global organisation aimed at advancing transformative and innovative healthcare solutions. The initiative seeks to strengthen healthcare accessibility, equity, sustainability, leadership, and health advocacy through international collaboration and systems-focused innovation.
His work aligns closely with SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while reinforcing the university’s growing reputation as a producer of globally competitive graduates committed to meaningful societal impact.
What distinguishes Baloyi’s journey is his continued commitment to uplifting others despite his rising international profile. Within the university community, he remains involved in mentorship programmes, motivational initiatives, peer coaching, leadership development activities, and student support programmes designed to encourage young people to pursue excellence and global engagement.
SMU said Baloyi’s achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who combine academic excellence with leadership, integrity, innovation, and social responsibility.
The university added that his success demonstrates how South African students can compete successfully within highly competitive international platforms while remaining committed to service, collaboration, and community impact.
Baloyi’s achievement continues to strengthen SMU’s international profile and reinforces the university’s position as a distinctive health sciences institution developing future leaders capable of shaping healthcare, policy, and innovation on a global scale.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 14, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, recently participated in a high-level strategic roundtable hosted by the British High Commission in Pretoria, reaffirming the university’s growing role in shaping the future of health innovation, digital health, and artificial intelligence on the African continent.
The engagement, hosted at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Waterkloof, brought together senior representatives from the British High Commission and University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, to explore opportunities for strengthened United Kingdom–South Africa collaboration in healthcare innovation and academic partnerships.
The roundtable focused on South Africa’s evolving health priorities and emerging opportunities in digital health and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in relation to strengthening healthcare systems, research collaboration, innovation, and capacity development. The discussions also explored how institutions from both countries can work together to advance impactful and contextually relevant health solutions for society.
The VC’s participation in the engagement reflects SMU’s growing positioning within international academic and healthcare networks and underscores the university’s commitment to advancing innovation-led healthcare education, research, and partnerships.
Under the leadership of Matsha-Erasmus, SMU continues to strengthen its strategic global engagement agenda, particularly in areas aligned to the future of healthcare, health sciences education, research excellence, and technological advancement. Her participation in the roundtable further demonstrates the university’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to conversations shaping the future of healthcare in Africa and globally.
The engagement comes at a time when digital health and artificial intelligence are increasingly becoming central to healthcare transformation worldwide, including improving healthcare access, data-driven decision-making, disease surveillance, diagnostics, and health systems strengthening. International institutions such as UCL continue to play a leading role in advancing digital public health, health innovation, and AI-driven healthcare research.
As a specialised health sciences university, SMU remains committed to fostering collaborations that contribute towards strengthening healthcare systems, advancing scientific innovation, and producing graduates equipped to respond to contemporary and future health challenges.
The university views international strategic engagements such as these as critical in expanding knowledge exchange, strengthening institutional partnerships, and positioning South African health sciences institutions within global conversations on innovation and healthcare transformation.
by Lorato | May 14, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Nomusa Sikhakhane, a PhD candidate at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), is placing South African cancer research on the global stage after receiving the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Amgen Global Scholars-in-Training Award (GSITA). The honour recognises emerging leaders in oncology and supports early-career researchers across Africa through international collaboration and capacity development.
Sikhakhane was one of only five researchers selected globally for the 2026 GSITA cohort, and the sole recipient from South Africa. The award enabled her to present her research at the AACR Annual Meeting in San Diego, United States, a major international gathering that attracts approximately 22,000 cancer researchers each year. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “Presenting my work on such a global platform was both humbling and empowering. It affirmed the importance of research rooted in our local context but contributing to global scientific advancement.”
Her research focuses on ex vivo drug sensitivity testing in primary cells derived from South African gynaecological cancer patients. This work contributes to precision oncology by identifying treatments that are more effective for specific patient populations. “Our goal is to move towards more personalised cancer treatment strategies that reflect the biological diversity of our population,” she explained. “Too often, African patients are underrepresented in global datasets, which limits the relevance of treatment approaches.”
As part of the GSITA programme, Sikhakhane participated in a scholar visit to the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, where she engaged with leading researchers and explored how scientific discoveries are translated into patient care. She also visited Amgen in Thousand Oaks, gaining insight into the full drug development pipeline. “Seeing the journey from discovery to manufacturing gave me a deeper appreciation of how multidisciplinary collaboration drives innovation in healthcare,” she noted.
Beyond the immediate experience, the GSITA programme offers continued engagement, including participation in the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer International Conference in 2027. This ongoing support aims to strengthen leadership development and foster regional collaboration among African researchers. Sikhakhane emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Sustained investment in African researchers is critical if we are to address the continent’s unique cancer burden effectively.”
In addition to her doctoral studies, Sikhakhane serves as a laboratory technician and part-time lecturer at SMU, where she teaches across multiple pharmaceutical science disciplines and supervises student research. Her academic journey includes qualifications in biotechnology from the Vaal University of Technology, reflecting a strong foundation in both research and applied science.
She also highlighted the broader significance of global engagement for local researchers. “I strongly encourage emerging scientists to affiliate with international organisations such as the AACR,” she said. “These platforms not only expand collaboration opportunities but also amplify the visibility of African research.”
Sikhakhane’s achievement underscores SMU’s growing role in advancing impactful, globally relevant health research. Through its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation, the university continues to develop scientists who are not only contributing to knowledge production but also shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 23, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) took centre stage in advancing the future of Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) as it hosted the 7th Networking Workshop of the South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions Alliance (SAHDIA) from 20–21 April 2026. Bringing together senior leaders, policymakers and academics, the two-day engagement positioned SMU as a catalyst for strategic dialogue on sustainability in higher education.
Anchored on the theme “Navigating the Funding for Sustainability Landscape: Opportunities for HDIs,” the workshop moved beyond diagnosis of systemic constraints to focus on practical, actionable solutions. Discussions were characterised by intellectual depth and a shared sense of urgency to reposition HDIs within an increasingly competitive funding landscape.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Thandi Lewin, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), set a clear and pragmatic tone. “The sustainability of Historically Disadvantaged Institutions will not be secured through traditional funding models alone; it requires agility, innovation, and a deliberate alignment with national development priorities,” she said. Her remarks underscored a shift from dependency to strategic positioning, urging institutions to reassess their approach to funding ecosystems.
Professor Lewin further highlighted the critical role of collaboration in unlocking opportunities. “Funding opportunities do exist within the system, but they are increasingly competitive and partnership-driven. Institutions must position themselves not in isolation, but as part of a cohesive and strategic collective,” she added. This call resonated strongly with delegates, reinforcing SAHDIA’s relevance as a unifying platform for collective advancement.
In her welcome address, SMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus framed the workshop as both reflective and forward-looking. “Historically Disadvantaged Institutions carry the weight of history, but they also hold the promise of transformation. It is through platforms such as SAHDIA that we begin to convert that promise into measurable impact,” she noted. Her message positioned SMU not only as a host but as an active contributor to shaping a transformed higher education landscape.
Emphasising the university’s commitment to partnership-driven growth, she added: “This gathering is not merely about dialogue; it is about forging partnerships that will redefine our institutions as centres of excellence, innovation, and societal relevance.” The statement aligned with SMU’s broader mission of advancing health sciences education through collaboration and impact.
Chairing the workshop, Professor Nosisi Feza, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at Walter Sisulu University, ensured continuity and strategic focus throughout the proceedings. She called for a shift from discussion to implementation, stating: “SAHDIA must evolve beyond being a platform for engagement into a mechanism for coordinated action. Our strength lies in our ability to move together, with purpose and clarity.”
Her emphasis on governance and structural alignment further sharpened the conversation. “If we are to influence the funding landscape meaningfully, we must first ensure that our own governance frameworks are robust, responsive, and future-oriented,” she said during panel deliberations.
Day 2 built on this momentum, expanding the funding conversation into research impact, international collaboration and open science. The workshop culminated in a forward-looking panel on collaborative projects, where institutions outlined shared priorities and concrete initiatives.
Closing the engagement, SMU’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research, Professor Dini Mawela, reflected on the outcomes with measured optimism. She noted that the discussions had “laid a strong foundation for actionable partnerships that will shape the future of HDIs.”
The SAHDIA workshop ultimately affirmed SMU’s role as a convener of critical conversations and a driver of institutional transformation. By fostering strategic alignment, strengthening partnerships and advancing innovative funding approaches, the university continues to position itself at the forefront of shaping a sustainable and equitable higher education system in South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 23, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University continues to shape leaders across Africa, and few stories capture this impact as powerfully as that of Dr Tiro Mampane. President and founder of the Boitekanelo Group of Companies. A graduate of Medical University of Southern Africa, now SMU, Dr Mampane completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2003 and has since built a transformative healthcare education enterprise in Botswana.
Raised in Bontleng, a small township in Gaborone, Dr Mampane credits his entrepreneurial roots to his family. “I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My grandmother owned a tuckshop selling magwinya, and that’s where I acquired my early business instincts,” he recalls. “Bontleng is a community where education, hard work and service to others are highly valued. Those early experiences shaped my desire to contribute meaningfully to my country.”
His decision to pursue health sciences was shaped by witnessing inequality in healthcare access. “As a child, I saw the challenges families faced in accessing quality healthcare. I wanted to be part of a profession that not only heals, but uplifts communities,” he says. This passion would later drive him to establish Boitekanelo College, creating pathways into healthcare careers for others.
Dr Mampane’s academic journey was influenced by strong role models, particularly his mother. “Her strength, discipline and sacrifices laid the foundation for everything I have achieved,” he says. He also acknowledges mentors such as Ms Nkwane and Mr Jim Ngambi, who encouraged him to “dream beyond my circumstances”.
Choosing MEDUNSA was a deliberate step. “It had a reputation for excellence and for producing professionals who make a difference across Africa. I wanted an environment grounded in service and social responsibility,” he explains. His time at the institution proved formative. “The university challenged me intellectually and taught me discipline, perseverance and leadership,” he says, adding that exposure to diverse peers strengthened his belief in continental collaboration.
After graduating, Dr Mampane worked at Princess Marina Hospital during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Confronted with a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, he made a pivotal decision. “I realised I could make a greater contribution by training the next generation,” he says. This led to the founding of Boitekanelo College.
Today, the institution stands as a significant force in Botswana’s health education landscape, with over 10,000 graduates and a strong employment rate. “Our mission is to change lives through quality healthcare education,” he says. “We focus not only on technical skills, but on compassion, ethics and accountability.”
A recent collaboration between SMU’s Department of Speech and Audiology and Boitekanelo College marks a full-circle moment. “As an alumnus, it is deeply meaningful to see my alma mater and Boitekanelo working together. It demonstrates the lasting value of relationships built at university,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Dr Mampane emphasises the importance of African collaboration. “By working together, we can share knowledge, address common challenges, and strengthen health sciences education across the continent,” he says.
For current students, his message is clear: “Remain committed to excellence, never stop learning, and always remember the communities you serve.” His journey stands as a testament to SMU’s enduring role in developing leaders who drive innovation, expand access to healthcare, and transform lives across Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Apr 23, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), formerly the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), continues to produce graduates who shape health systems far beyond South Africa’s borders. Among them is Dr Luvuyo Bayeni, an alumnus whose journey from clinical medicine to continental health leadership reflects the evolving role of doctors in strengthening public health systems across Africa.
Dr Bayeni, who holds an MBChB from SMU and an MBA from Nelson Mandela University, has built a career that bridges frontline clinical care and strategic health governance. He currently serves as Chief Director for Human Resources for Health at South Africa’s National Department of Health, where he leads national workforce planning and policy development aimed at strengthening the resilience of the health system.
Speaking about his professional journey, Dr Bayeni reflects on the shift from clinical practice to systems leadership: “Medicine taught me to treat individuals, but leadership has taught me to treat systems. If we fix the system, we improve care for millions, not just one patient at a time.”
With over 21 years of experience, his career has spanned Obstetrics and Sexual and Reproductive Health, district health management, and senior executive roles, including Acting Chief Executive Officer, Clinical Manager for Surgery, and District Health Manager. His reputation for operational turnaround in challenging environments, particularly in the Eastern Cape, earned him the informal title “Dr Fix It”.
Dr Bayeni’s leadership foundation was shaped early during his time at SMU, where he was deeply involved in student governance. He served in multiple leadership roles, including four terms in the Student Representative Council and positions within SASCO and other student structures. These experiences, he says, were formative in understanding accountability and advocacy.
“Student leadership was my first exposure to governance. It taught me that leadership is not about position, but about responsibility to others,” he explains.
Beyond national government, Dr Bayeni extends his influence through DrB Talks, a platform he founded to drive conversations on health systems, leadership, and community development. The platform has featured discussions across media outlets, including Sowetan and TruFM, aiming to connect policy with public understanding.
At the continental level, he serves as Co-Chair of the Governance and Leadership Subcommittee of the African Union Health Workforce Task Team, contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening health workforce systems across member states. He is also a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative, recognising his contribution to ethical and transformative leadership.
Reflecting on Africa’s health challenges, Dr Bayeni emphasises the need for collaboration and long-term thinking: “Africa’s health systems will not be strengthened by isolated interventions. We need coordinated leadership, investment in people, and sustained commitment to reform.”
In addition, he serves on governance structures, including the Board of Boxing South Africa and the Medical and Dental Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, contributing to regulatory oversight and professional standards.
Dr Bayeni’s journey illustrates a broader shift in health professions: the transition from individual clinical excellence to systemic leadership. His work demonstrates how clinicians can shape policy, governance, and workforce development at national and continental levels.
His story also reflects the enduring role of SMU in producing health professionals who are not only clinically competent but also equipped for leadership in complex systems. The university’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and innovation continues to be evident in the impact of its alumni across Africa’s health landscape.
Ultimately, Dr Bayeni’s career stands as a testament to the power of combining clinical expertise with visionary leadership. From hospital wards to national policy and African Union platforms, his work continues to advance the goal of equitable and resilient healthcare systems.
SMU remains central to this narrative, reinforcing its mission of transforming health sciences education and contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of communities in South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 23, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transformative education when the Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) recently hosted its Teaching and Learning Symposium. Under the theme “Transforming Health Sciences Education: Towards Contextually Relevant and Future-Ready Curricula,” the symposium brought together academic staff, clinicians, and teaching and learning practitioners to reflect critically on the future of health sciences education.
The event formed part of SMU’s broader institutional agenda to strengthen curriculum transformation, inclusive pedagogy, and Health Professions Education (HPE). It also underscored the university’s strategic mission of producing graduates who are not only clinically competent but also socially responsive and ethically grounded.
Delivering the opening address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Masha Erasmus set a decisive tone for the discussions, stating: “We are not merely revising curricula; we are reimagining the very purpose of health sciences education in a rapidly evolving world. Our graduates must be both clinically competent and socially responsive.”
Her remarks were echoed through strong institutional participation, with senior leadership including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Community Engagement, deans from various schools, and the Deputy Director of Student Affairs in attendance. Their collective presence signalled a unified commitment to academic excellence and educational reform.
The pre-symposium programme featured two intensive capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening institutional capability in curriculum design and digital pedagogy. The first session focused on Council on Higher Education (CHE) Higher Education Practice Standards (HEPS), with Siyabulela Sabata facilitating discussions on quality assurance and curriculum reform. He noted: “Transformation is not an event—it is a disciplined, continuous engagement with standards that demand both rigour and creativity.”
The second workshop explored digital teaching and learning innovations, particularly the effective use of Ithute, SMU’s digital learning platform. Facilitated by Dr Tabisa Mayisela from the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, the session emphasised intentional design in online education. She remarked: “Digital pedagogy is not about replacing the lecturer; it is about amplifying meaningful learning experiences through intentional design.”
These preparatory sessions laid a strong foundation for the main symposium held recently, which featured keynote presentations, research papers, and a panel discussion. The hybrid format attracted approximately 66–90 in-person delegates daily, alongside 45–55 online participants, reflecting growing engagement with flexible academic platforms.
Across the programme, presenters highlighted emerging approaches in problem-based learning, interprofessional education, student wellbeing, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of clinical reasoning. Collectively, these themes reflected a shared institutional drive to produce graduates capable of navigating complex healthcare environments with competence and compassion.
A key highlight of the symposium was the keynote address by Professor Flavia Senkubuge, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria. She challenged institutions to rethink inherited pedagogies, stating: “We must move beyond inherited pedagogies and build curricula that speak directly to our context, our communities, and our health system realities.” She further emphasised the importance of adaptability in modern healthcare training: “A future-ready graduate can navigate complexity with empathy, evidence, and ethical clarity.”
The panel discussion that followed expanded on these ideas through an Ubuntu-informed lens, emphasising relational and humanising pedagogies. Speakers stressed that health sciences education must remain grounded in community engagement, compassion, and collaborative knowledge production.
In conclusion, the symposium reinforced that curriculum transformation is an ongoing institutional responsibility requiring sustained collaboration, critical reflection, and innovation. As repeatedly emphasised during the event, “curriculum transformation is not the responsibility of one unit or one faculty, but a collective institutional commitment.”
The discussions further aligned with SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, and its mission of delivering high-quality education and research that responds to societal needs. The university’s institutional values—particularly accountability, excellence, integrity, student-centredness, and Ubuntu—were evident throughout the engagements, shaping both discourse and direction.
Ultimately, the symposium reaffirmed SMU’s role in shaping future-ready health professionals equipped to respond to both local and global health challenges. It also highlighted the importance of strategic communication and institutional advancement in strengthening the university’s brand, ensuring that its achievements in teaching and learning continue to be recognised nationally and internationally.
By Dimakatso Modise
