Public Health Department Staff Members
Administrative Staff Members
Ms Tabea Radise
Position: Academic Coordinator, Public Health Department
Qualification(s): Dip in Public Relations (Damelin Business Campus) 1994; LLB (UNISA) 2023
Tel: +2712 521 3816
Email: tabea.radise@smu.ac.za
Building: Old Veterinary Building. No 3: Office no:006
Ms. Tabea Radise is an Academic Coordinator in the Department of Public Health. Her main responsibility is to co-ordinate and administer student matters within the department. Amongst others, she is responsible for responding to stakeholders’ enquiries on applications and registration matters. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Laws.
Mr. Welcome Akani Baloyi
Position: Admin Officer, Public Health Department
Qualification(s): BA Honours: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (University of Venda), Advance Course: Thought Leadership for Africa’s Renewal (University of South Africa), Certificate: Project Management Principles, Practice and Scheduling (Enterprise University of Pretoria)
Tel: 012 521 4613
Email: welcome.baloyi@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 4: D-11
Mr Welcome Akani Baloyi is an Admin Officer at the Department of Public Health. He focuses on the Administration of postgraduate teaching programs students’ records and files external examiners’ invitations for end of block assessments and final exams conferences/ symposia / seminars attendance by academic staff academic-related financial assistance for all lecturers and Attend to internal and external client services or queries and Plan, organize and manage time and workload effectively.
Academic Staff Members
Professor Mathildah Mokgatle
Position: Head of the Department (HoD) Public Health Department
Qualification(s): BRad (Diagn) MEDUNSA (1990); Brad Hons (Diagn) UP (1997); MPH MEDUNSA (2001); PhD UJ (2011)
Tel: +2712 521 4177
Email: mathildah.mokgatle@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 4: D-12
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5807-8212
Mathildah Mokgatle is a full Professor and Head of Department of Public Health, with a focus in the areas of online postgraduate programmes, research and innovation. She holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology and a Master of Public Health with an expertise in the areas of Biostatistics, Social and Behavioural Health Sciences and Health Systems Management. She possesses over 32 years professional experience in the care services, of which 23 years are positioned in the domain of academia. In addition to her duties as Professor of Public Health, which includes teaching the following courses: Research Methods, Health Programs evaluation, Population Health Measurement and Biostatistics, Professor Mokgatle currently holds the position of Departmental Head at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).
Professor Mokgatle has a strong foundation in particularly postgraduate studies, also assuming the role of Chairperson of the SMU Postgraduate Studies Committee. Her duties attached to this role include conducting independent studies, recruiting students into the postgraduate programme, and supervising and graduating postgraduate students. She is an established and diversified researcher, occupying positions such as Research Consultant, Research Associate and the supervision of Master’s and Doctoral students’ thesis work, with a particularly extensive research background in reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections across population groups. In addition to this, she brings over 20 years experience as a public health and independent researcher, co- and principal investigator and supervisor in various projects and programmes, and student and staff mentor. Since 2004, she has successfully graduated 59 Master of Public Health Students and 6 doctoral (PhD and DrPH) students.
Outside of her tertiary work, Professor Mokgatle’s clinical accomplishments include being a co-researcher in the NRF Researcher – SARChI Population Mental Health and Substance abuse, co-researcher in HIV Trial Network Social and Behavioural Workgroup, and co-Principal Investigator for KZN-NHI implementation. Furthermore, she is Deputy Project Leader of the VLIR/UOS – Laboratory and Public Health management of sexually transmitted infections, an NRF self-initiated grant holder for sexually transmitted diseases partner notification. More so, she also serves in international, national and provincial research committees and activities. She is also Co-Researcher of the HIV Trial Network – Social and Behavioral Science workgroup, Lead scientist in the National Department of STI sentinel surveillance data analysis, Lead scientist in the Gauteng DoH Covid-19 research, and Extraordinary Professor of the University of South Africa College of Graduate Studies. Professor Mokgatle is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee at the South African Center of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis.
In addition to the above, Professor Mokgatle is a reviewer in several local and international peer reviewed journals. She has also played a crucial role in the fight against Covid-19, having served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) for Covid-19, in the capacity of researcher, author and scientist, since March 2020. Furthermore, she has made a significant contribution through writing evidence-based advisories. Over 100 of these meetings, have resulted in the submission of 145 advisories to the South African government to date, many of which have informed relevant policies and practice, and are published on the National Department of Health website: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/category/mac-advisories/.
Professor Mokgatle has also attracted numerous funding, her achievements including acquiring a grant to conduct fieldwork at the University of Johannesburg, securing the university research fund to initiate independent research for early researchers, and successfully acquiring grants from the NRF as a department. Additionally, she secured an interuniversity collaboration funding in Microbiology, Virology, Anatomical Pathology and the MeCru research unit, which was funded by VLIR/UOS- Belgian collaborators. Between 2008 and 2019, she raised research and development funding for students “HIV/STIs” research work, and further funding on a collaborative level, on the development of HIV disclosure intervention, particularly among perinatally HIV infected children and adolescents.
Professor Kebogile Mokwena
Position: Professor
SARCHI chair for Substance Abuse and Population Mental Health
Qualification(s):
Tel: 012 521 4613/4618
Email: kebogile.mokwena@smu.ac.za
Building: Old Veterinary Building. No:3
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0257-0520
Professor Kebogile Mokwena is head of the subdivision of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences within the Department of Public Health. Her primary training was in Physiotherapy, and she spent 14 years as an academic in the Physiotherapy Department. Since obtaining her Doctoral degree in Public Health Education from the University of South Carolina in 1998, she has been involved in Public Health curriculum development, teaching and student supervision of both Masters and doctoral students. Her main teaching areas include practical Public Health practice, health behaviour change and health promotion interventions.
She has managed several research grants, which includes being the first recipient of the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) grant at SMU, with a focus in Substance Abuse and Population Mental Health. Her focus in substance abuse research is on nyaope, while her focus in mental health is mainly on depression and anxiety
Professor Paul Chelule
Position: Associate Professor in Occupational and Environmental Health Unit
Qualification(s): Higher Nat. Dip. Medical Technology (KMTC, Nairobi), Master of Medical Science (MMedSc)(University of Natal) and PhD (Biomedical Sciences)(University of Natal). He is Registered Medical Biological Scientist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Tel: 012 521 3330
Email: paul.chelule@smu.ac.za
Building: Old Veterinary Building. No:4
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3477-3242
Prof Chelule has an extensive experience spanning over 20 years in practicing and lecturing in both medical laboratory technology and medical sciences including molecular and environmental toxicology, environmental and occupational health. He joined to date in the Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (Former University of Limpopo, Medunsa campus), in March 2010 as a senior lecturer in the sub-department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. He is currently an Associate Professor in the same department. Paul has supervised and graduated over 20 masters and PhD students. His current research interests are in environmental/occupational health, public health nutrition and fermented foods. He has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals, presented in over 20 local and international conferences and two book chapters from these research areas.
Prof Sogo France Matlala
Position: Associate Professor in Health Systems Management and Policy Health
Qualification(s): Diploma in Nursing Sciences & Midwifery; Secondary Teachers Diploma; BA, BA Honors (Psychology); MPH; DLitt et Phil (Health Studies)
Tel:
Email: sogo.matlala@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2291-6779
Sogo Matlala has experience of working in government health facilities as professional nurse and also worked for some nongovernment organizations (NGOs) as project coordinator. He has more than 15 years working in a Department of Public Health as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor. Prof Matlala is teaching health systems management and policy modules, and supervises both masters and doctoral students. He published several articles in local and international peer-reviewed and accredited journals. Prof Matlala is an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE and is a reviewer for local and international journals. He is a member of Provincial Health Research Committee (PHRC) for Limpopo province and is elected as deputy chairperson for a second term. Prof Matlala research interest are Human resources for health, community health workers, school health services and indigenous health.
Dr Busisiwe Ntuli
Position: Senior Lecturer in Public Health
Qualification(s): BA (Social Work), MSW (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), MPH (Medunsa), DrPH (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University)
Tel: 012 521 5033
Email: busisiwe.ntuli@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6304-2345
Dr Busisiwe Ntuli is a senior lecturer of the Department of Public Health. She obtained a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in 2004 and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in 2017. Dr Ntuli has benefitted from training in programme evaluation through a collaboration between the Atlanta Center for Disease Control (CDC) and MEDUNSA that led to her participating as one of the evaluators on the implementation of the supervision component of CDC-Funded Home-Based Care programmes in South Africa. Dr Ntuli teaches Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation in Public Health and Principles of Health Education and Health Promotion. Other modules she has taught include Theoretical Foundation of Public Health Education and Health Promotion, Evaluation of Health Programmes and Research Methods in Public Health. Dr Ntuli is a supervisor of MPH students and is involved in co-supervision of PhD students. She has graduated 24 MPH students both as a supervisor and as co-supervisor. She has interest and expertise in the areas of qualitative research and programme evaluation. Her area of focus in research is in the pyscho social wellbeing of key populations with an emphasis on orphans and vulnerable children, and other social aspects of HIV. She has published 19 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals. co-supervisor. She has published 19 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals.
Dr Moreoagae Bertha Randa
Position: Senior Lecturer in Health Systems Management and Policy Unit
Qualification(s): B Cur (I et A), B Tech (OHN), MPH, PhD in Nursing Sciences
Tel: 012 521 5031
Email: moreoagae.randa@smu.ac.za
Building: Public Health building: Office number: 012
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0067-289X
Dr Moreoagae B Randa completed her Diploma as a Nurse (General, Community, and Psychiatry) and Midwifery at Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College. She worked as a professional nurse at Helen Joseph Hospital (former JG Strydom), and DGMAH (former Ga-Rankuwa Hospital) as a chief professional nurse where she specialized as a critical care nurse. She furthered her education by obtaining a Diploma in Nursing Education, a Diploma in Nursing Administration and a B Cur (I et A) from UP, a Diploma in Medical-Surgical Nursing (Critical Care) from Ga-Rankuwa Nursing College, a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UL (Medunsa Campus) and a post graduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing from TUT. Moreoagae joined the erstwhile University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) in 2011 as a clinical facilitator and later translated as a lecturer in 2013 under Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She has served as a Primary Emergency Care facilitator for the University Health Sciences students from 2011 to 2018; and served as a lecturer and a coordinator in General Nursing Science for level two undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing Science and Arts and a facilitator for final year level four students respectively.
Dr Randa is a PhD holder, a Senior Lecturer, an academic with over 30 years of working experience acquired across a wide range of demanding roles within the health and education sector. Experienced in enabling cross-institutional collaboration and research, initiating activities furthering research development, and promoting the generation of external income through research and innovation activities. Dr Randa attracted funding from the Newton Travel Grant; and is also a recipient of the SIR-Medical Research Grant. She successfully established collaboration with the University of Nottingham and De Montfort University which is still sustained. Collaboration has been established with United States and sub-Saharan Africa led by the University of Michigan, and funding secured from the Center for Global Health Equity (CGHE).
She is the facilitator and co-facilitating modules in Health Systems and policies unit. Dr Randa is a supervisor for both Master’s and MPH students and is also involved in co-supervision of PhD students. She is a qualitative researcher, and her research interest is on Gender-Based Violence with specific focus on both domestic and sexual violence. She has over 25 publications that include book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals.
Dr Mygirl Pearl Lowane
Position: Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
Qualification(s): MPHHM, PHDPH
Tel: 012 521 4969
Email: mygirl.lowane@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 4: D3
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1705-5919
Dr Mygirl Pearl Lowane a qualified teacher by profession holds a higher Diploma in Education (Giyani College of Education). Then join nursing fraternity at 2001 where she obtained the following: Diploma in Nursing Science: General, Psychiatric and Community & Midwifery (Limpopo College of Nursing: Sovenga Campus), Advanced Nursing Science Diploma: Clinical, Nursing, Assessment, Treatment and Care: known as PHC specialty (UNW: Potchefstroom Campus), Advance Diploma in Nursing Science: Health Science Education & Health Services Management (UNISA), Bachelor of Art in Nursing Science: Health Science Education and Health Services Management (UNISA), Master’s Degree in Public Health: Health Measurements measuring with advance Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Health Informatics (UNIVEN), Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Public Health (UNIVEN). Her PHD study was to develop a strategy that will reduce missed appointments by people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
She is a lecturer in the School of Health Sciences at the Department of Public Health: Epidemiology and Biostatistics unit. She collaborates with colleagues in teaching Principle of Epidemiology and Introduction to Biostatistics for MPH students and Research Method for PGDPH students. She is also supervising research work for MPH students. Dr. Lowane’s research focus areas are HIV, STI, TB and Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Thembi Simbeni
Position: Lecturer in Health System Management and Policy Unit
Qualification(s): B Occ ther (MEDUNSA), MPH (University of Limpopo), PhD Public Health (SMU)
Tel: 012 521 3094
Email: thembi.khoza@smu.ac.za
Building: Public Health building: Office number 009
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3289-689X
Dr. Thembi Simbeni holds a Bachelor of Occupational therapy degree, obtained in 2004 from Medical University of South Africa and a Master of Public Health degree from University of Limpopo in 2015 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University obtained in 2021. Dr. Thembi Simbeni was appointed as a lecturer at SMU Department of Public Health, through the New Generations of Academics Programme (nGAP) in 2016 when she enrolled in the Doctor of Public health Programme. She completed her term as an nGAP lecturer 2021. Her PhD study developed guidelines for supporting mental health needs of orphaned adolescents. Dr. Simbeni”s research interest is in mental health of vulnerable populations, particularly orphaned adolescents. She currently supervising students’ research and teaching in the Master of Public Health programme. She is mostly teaching in the sub-department of Health systems management and policy, facilitating the modules Introduction to Health systems management (MPBB 191) and Introduction to health policy (MPBF 191). She is also facilitating the module Introduction to research methods in public health (MPBA 600) and facilitated the module Theoretical foundations of public health education (MPBD 191)
Mr Mabina Mogale
Position: Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
Qualification(s): BSc (Medunsa), Bsc Honours (Biology) (Medunsa), Master in Public Health (University of Limpopo – Medunsa Campus)
Tel: 012 521 3969
Email: mabina.mogale@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3847-444X
Mr Mogale has been in academia for the past 21 years and is currently a lecturer in the Department of Public Health. He is teaching Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Methods in the Department. He is also responsible for the online self-paced Biostatistics pilot course, offered to all postgraduate students in the University as part of REME Course through the Research Directorate. Mr Mogale is involved in the supervision of MPH and several MMed students and has supervised over 20 Masters and Postgraduate Diploma students. He is a member of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC), Tshwane District Research Committee, Blackboard Champions, and ICT Committee of Senate.
Mr. Mogale is very passionate about technology both in teaching, research and in everyday life. His research interests include i) Health technology, ii) Biostatistics training, iii) Vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases in adults and children, and iv) Maternal & child health issues, in general. He is currently busy with his PhD thesis titled “Behavioural intention of health care professionals to use real-time continuous glucose monitoring on patients with type2 diabetes mellitus in Tshwane”
Between 2001 and 2009, Mr. Mogale was a Senior Technical Officer in the Department of Biology. He was responsible for all Biology practicals and maintenance of the practical laboratory and learning materials. From 2009 he lectured Ecology, Environmental Health and Ichthyology until his transfer to the Department of Public Health in 2013.
Ms Mmampedi Mathibe
Position: Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
Qualification(s): BSc (Natural Sciences – University of the North); BSc Hons (Medical Microbiology – Medunsa); National Diploma, Medical Technology (Virology – Wits Technikon); MPH (UL- Medunsa campus); MPH (Field Epidemiology SAFELTP – UP); Post Graduate Diploma in Health Sciences Education (Wits). PhD candidate
Tel: 012 521 3055
Email: mmampedi.huma@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6493-5567
Ms. Mmampedi Mathibe is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit. She teaches Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Population Health Measurements and Research Methods in Public Health. She is a member of the SMU Infectious Diseases Team, SMU Community Outreach Team and NDoH – NPEC. Alumni – University of Limpopo, Wits Technikon, University of Pretoria, MEDUNSA and Wits. She often collaborates with colleagues in teaching, supervising students and research both internally and externally. Furthermore, she collaborate with NICD, NHLS and Tshwane District Health. Ms Mmampedi Mathibe is involved in supervising MPH students and mentors Field Epidemiology students from FETP/NICD. Her research interests are in STIs and Reproductive Health, Substance use and abuse (nyaope) and Infectious Diseases.
Mr Modikwe Rammopo
Position: Lecturer in Occupational and Environmental Health Unit
Qualification(s): ND: Biomedical Technology, Clinical Pathology and Chemical Pathology (TUT, 1995), Tech Biomedical Technology (CPUT, 1997), MPH (SMU, 2006)
Tel: 012 521 3855
Email: modikwe.rammopo@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9974-5263
Mr Rammopo is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health and teaches Occupational and Environmental Health as well as Research Methods in Public Health. Mr Rammopo is also involved in the supervision of MPH students’ research projects. Research areas of interest are maternal and child health, occupational health as well as environmental health.
Mr Atholl Kleinhans
Position: Lecturer Health Systems Management and Policy Unit
Qualification(s): BA, BA Honors (Sociology), MSc (Global health), MA (HIV/AIDS), Ph.D. candidate
Tel: 012 521 3983
Email: atholl.kleinhans@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4432-6910
Mr Atholl Kleinhans is a Lecturer, Health Systems Management and Policy at the School of Health Care Science in the Department of Public Health, at the Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree with majors in Psychology and Industrial Psychology from the University of Johannesburg in 2001. In 2008 be obtained an Honours Bachelor’s degree (Cum Laude) in Sociology (Social behavioural aspects of HIV/AIDS) from the University of South Africa. In 2013 he obtained a Master degree in Science (Global health) from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He also completed a higher certificate in Healthcare management at the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in 2010. He is currently reading towards a Ph. D degree in Health Sciences, through the University of Stirling (Scotland) and SMU. He completed various short courses in Project Management, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (NOSA), Train the trainer, assessment and moderation of training. Mr Kleinhans has a fervent interest in HIV/AIDS and has been involved in this domain since 2004 in various areas including, psycho-social support, designing HIV prevention programmes, advocacy for key populations and LGBTI communities. Mr Kleinhans’s study field is in health sciences with a Thesis titled “A qualitative analysis of the HIV and AIDS policy in Serbia, Novi Sad” focusing on commercial sex workers, intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men. In 2015 he was awarded the HSRC / UCLA fellowship in stigma reduction where he conducted a stigma reduction intervention among students at the University of Johannesburg. Since 2016 he joined Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University where he teach Health systems strengthening in the Department of Public Health. Mr. Kleinhans is currently an Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity based at Tekano.
Ms. Lindiwe Cele
Position: Lecturer in Epidemiology & Biostatistics Unit
Qualification(s): N.Dip. Medical Technology Microbiology (TNT), BSc Microbiology & Biochemistry (UDW), MPH: Epidemiology & Biostatistics (UP)
Tel: 012 521 4222
Email: lindiwe.cele@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2148-7439
Ms Lindiwe Cele has a Master of Public Health degree (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) which was awarded her by the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2012. She studied through the then South African Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (SAFELTP) conducted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in partnership with the National department of health (NDoH), UP and CDC Atlanta. She is currently serving as a lecturer at the department of public health, in Epidemiology and Biostatistics unit of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Her interests are infectious diseases such as TB and the hobbies include reading, watching soccer matches, travelling and site seeing.
Ms Feida Malebatja
Position: New Generations of Academics Programme (nGAP) Lecturer in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences unit
Qualification(s): Bsc (UL) 2009, Bsc Hons: Environmental Technology (UP) 2016, Post graduate diploma in Public Health (SMU) 2018 and Master of Public Health (UP) 2020
Tel: 012 521 4117
Email: mohora.malebatja@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0915-5493
Ms Feida Malebatja is a New Generations of Academics Programme (nGAP) Lecturer at the School of Public Health in the division of Environmental and Occupational Health. Research Interest: water borne diseases, occupational diseases, emerging and re-emerging diseases, air pollution, food safety, water quality and environmental health and safety. Her research interests include water-borne diseases, occupational diseases, emerging and re-emerging diseases, epidemiology, food safety, water quality, air quality and toxicology. She collaborates with colleagues in both teaching and research.
Ms Thembekile Smangele Dhlamini
Position: Lecturer in Social and Behavioral Sciences Unit
Qualification(s): National Diploma: Journalism (TUT), BSc Dietetics (Medunsa), MPH (SMU), PhD candidate (Stellenbosch University)
Tel: 012 521 4613
Email: thembekile.dhlamini@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0329-2067
Ms Thembekile Dhlamini is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health within the Social and Behavioral Sciences at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She is responsible for teaching and learning in postgraduate and masters’ studies. She directs Principles of Public Health Education (MPBA191) for Master of Public Health Program and Introduction to Public Health Education and Health Promotion (MPBC 602) for Post- Graduate Diploma in Public Health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Master of Public Health from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She also holds a communication degree in journalism from Tshwane University of Technology. She is pursuing her PhD in Nutritional Sciences at Stellenbosch University with the interest to respond to how a framework for integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies for sustainable food production and food and nutrition security in response to climate change impacts can be developed using shared learning involving stakeholders and communities of interest. She enhanced her understanding of environmental issues on Climate Change Adaptation in Africa and Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries with the University of Cape Town and Transformation of the Global Food System with the University of Copenhagen. She worked in different provinces in South Africa serving in public health settings with her main interest in maternal and child health, interacting with communities and different stakeholders.
Ms Margaret Ntombizodwa Mbelle
Position: Lecturer in Social and Behavioral Sciences Unit
Qualification(s): BPaed FHU (1987); MA ELT Thames Valley University (1993); MAP WITS (1995); MPH MEDUNSA (2004)
Tel:
Email: margaret.mbelle@smu.ac.za
Building:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4671-7704
Ms Margaret Ntombizodwa Mbelle (Zo) is a lecturer in the Social and Behavioural Sciences unit at the Department of Public Health of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Ms Mbelle currently leads the Monitoring and Evaluation modules, facilitates the Health Education and Health Promotion modules at MPH and Postgraduate diploma levels. She is qualified and has expertise in areas of education, health, business and research. Her strengths in health lie in both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, programme design, coordination, training and facilitation, project management and group leadership. She is experienced in policy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, health systems set up and operations, and institutional/organizational systems. At organizational level, she has strong skills in conceptualization, planning, activity execution and reporting. In addition, as former director of health research in the national department of health and in a health systems research organization, and as a member of the board of trustees in the non-governmental organization contexts, she possesses strong and effective leadership skills at a senior level. Her experience at the South African Medical Research Council includes management and leadership of multi-discipline vaccine (HIV) development team which included health care professionals, ethicists, legal experts, infectious diseases scientists, science journalists and educators.
Zo’s focus is largely on carrying out the SMU work through teaching and learning, student support, and community engagement activities. Whilst she has the ability to function within mental health, infectious diseases (HIV and TB), Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive Health, vaccines and health systems and HIV research, her focus areas are psychosocial and behavioural aspect, although she has a wide range of niche areas which include health policy, health systems, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Her experience spans 20+ years in various senior positions in the government, research institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sector. She has part-timely taught students at Masters level, Research Methods, at the University of Pretoria. Zo possesses other critical skills that are commonly required for senior leadership such as, analytical skills, as they relate to: critical thinking, problem solving, research and communication, reporting, data analysis, creativity, administrative, coordination, financial, human resources, and organizational skills.
Mr. Raikane James Seretlo
Position: nGAP Lecturer in Social and Behavioural Sciences Unit
Qualification(s): ENA & EN, HEALTHNICON (2009); D4 in Nursing, LIMPOPO COLLEGE OF NURSING (2013); BCUR I ET A, UP (2018); MPH, SMU (2022); PhD (cand) SMU.
Tel: 2712 521 4163
Email: Raikane.seretlo@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 4: D-1
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6459-9065
Mr. Seretlo is a New Generations of Academics Programme (nGAP) Lecturer at the School of Public Health in the division of Social & Behavioral Science. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. With a background in nursing, he has extensive experience in mother and child healthcare. He is equipped with the skills of Clinical Applications Specialist, research, and teaching assistant. Mr. Seretlo’s research interests encompass eHealth, telemedicine, mHealth applications, innovation, technology, digital transformation, climate change, and sexual and reproductive healthcare services. He focuses on addressing the healthcare needs of key populations, including the LGBTIQ+ community, prisoners, sex workers, and survivors of gender-based violence and rape.
He co-supervises master’s students’ research, teaches, and facilitates Public Health Modules principles of public health education and health promotion (MPB191) theoretical foundations of public health education (MPBD191). He is involved in the Ubuntu model of nursing project collaborated with the University of Pretoria as part of community engagement. In addition to the above, Mr. Seretlo is a reviewer in several local and international peer reviewed journals. Outside of academia, Mr. Seretlo has achieved numerous accolades, such as being recognized as the best student in enrolled nursing (both practical and theory), community nursing, and psychiatric nursing. He graduated cum laude with a nursing degree and has been honoured by the Golden Key International Honour Society. He has also been named one of the Mail and Guardian 200 young South Africans and was nominated as a Nurse Hero in 2023. Additionally, he received the CEO Innovative Nurse award in 2023.
Professor Linda Skaal
Position: Head of Unit: Social & Behavioral Unit: Public Health Department
Qualification(s): BSc Physiotherapy (MEDUNSA); MPH (MEDUNSA)(2004); DrPH (UL)(2010).
Tel: 2712 521 4177
Email: linda.skaal@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 005: D-12
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5614-4017
Professor Linda Skaal is a full Professor and Head of Social & Behavioural Studies Unit within the Department of Public Health. Her focus is in the areas of teaching of postgraduate programmes, research and community engagement. She holds a Doctor of Public Health degree in Social & Behavioural Studies and a Master of Public Health specializing in Health Promotion; Addictive Behaviours; Obesity Management and Women’s Health. She possesses over 30 years professional experience in the health care services, of which 27 years are positioned in the domain of academia, in Institutions of Higher learning. Her duties include: Research; Student Research Supervision; Mentorship and teaching in the field of Social & Behavioural Studies. She teaches the following courses: Research Methods, Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion and Advanced Social & Behavioural Modules.
Professor Skaal has previously assumed several research roles in academia, which include: Chair of Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee; Chair of School of Health Care Sciences Research Committee (UL); Member of Senate Research Committee (UL); Member of TREC (UL), and other academic leadership positions. She is grounded in postgraduate studies, both Research; Student Research Supervision and Teaching & Learning. Her research activities include: conducting independent studies, mentoring of upcoming researchers and supervising postgraduate students. Her niche area include: Women’s Health; Obesity Management; Addictive Behaviours. To-date; she has graduated 66 Masters and 6 PHDs and has published over 60 articles in peer-reviewed international & national journals and has published 5 academic book chapters. She has also attracted numerous funding and is the recipient of several research awards.
Professor Muhammad Hoque
Position: Unit Head and Full Professor: Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Public Health Department
Qualification(s): PhD in Medical Science (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Email: muhammad.hoque@smu.ac.za
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 005: D-16
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5686-3070
Prof. Muhammad Hoque has obtained PhD in Medical Science from University of Antwerp, Belgium. He is a visionary, who is passionate about solving complex problems and building a vision for organisational and operational success by executing strategies that generate quantifiable results. Having worked as the Head of Research, Teaching and Learning, Prof. Hoque has proven skills in strategy development and implementation. Having more than 20 years of experience in higher education institutions, he has taught undergraduate to postgraduate students and has championed research, teaching and learning as part of the strategic visions of academic institutions. Prof. Hoque has a hands-on approach to team leadership and is a strong communicator and relationship builder with multi-level organisations and industry stakeholders. He has a positive, focused, solutions-centred mindset with an ability to think innovatively and diligently by accurately applying statistical methodologies and work processes.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Prof. Hoque was recognised as a Y2*-rated researcher (<40 years old) by the National Research Foundation of South Africa for the 2018-2022 period for the research conducted and published in the area of public health. In 2018, based on his research output, he was one of the top 10 young, published researchers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He was also among the top 30 published researchers (13th) and in the top 10 young, published researchers (1st) at UKZN for the year 2017. Prof. Hoque received the College Research Award in 2014 and 2016 in recognition of outstanding research productivity during 2013 and 2015 whilst employed at UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies. He received the Young Investigators Award from the 21st Asia Pacific Cancer Conference held in Malaysia in 2011. He was also awarded a travel scholarship to present research papers at international conferences held in Miami and Lyon in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Prof. Hoque received first prize for the research excellence award from the University of Limpopo in the category of the best overall upcoming researcher in the year 2012.
Research focus area: Mental Health, Women’s Health, Substance use, Cervical Cancer.
Prof. Olanrewaju Oladimeji
Position: Head: Doctoral Programmes, Department of Public Health
Qualifications: MB; BS, MSc, MPA, PhD, Postdoc (Harvard)
Building: N28 – Old Veterinary Building. No 005: D-06
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5356-901X
Olanrewaju Oladimeji is a full Professor and Head of Doctoral Programmes. He is an NRF Y1-rated researcher, a “rating for less than 40 years young researcher with the potential to become a future leader” (2021 to 2026), and a member of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). His academic journey commenced with medical training at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Subsequently, he pursued his postgraduate studies in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the same institution before earning his PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. After that, he was awarded a prestigious Fogarty Scholarship for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Global Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA.
Olanrewaju was the Acting Head of the Department of Public Health at Walter Sisulu University. Olanrewaju served on the research and higher degree committee and ethics committee. He pioneered the “Publications from Dissertations” model of medical registrars (MMed) supervision and started “Catch-Them-Early Supervision Mentorship Initiatives” for new medical specialists at Walter Sisulu University. Olanrewaju has adjunct professorial affiliations with a few institutions in Africa, where he supervises postgraduate students and mentors junior researchers. He has played critical roles as co-investigator in numerous funded research projects and principal investigator of implementation and capacity development grants. He is passionate about implementation research. His primary research focus lies in enhancing access to care for individuals affected by Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Non-communicable diseases. Additionally, he is passionately committed to mentoring emerging academics and healthcare professionals.
Olanrewaju’s scholarly contributions have resulted in over 100 publications in DHET-accredited journals. The impact of his research is evident through numerous high-profile citations, with a Google Scholar citation index of 47,910, h-index of 33, and i10-index of 62. He serves as a Guest Editor for a special collection on “Health Disparities” in Scientific Reports and as an Editorial Advisor to F1000 Gateway Global Public Health. He is an Academic Editor of PloS One and Associate Editor of BMC.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), a member of the American College of Epidemiology (MACE), and a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Olanrewaju was one of the recipients of the 2023 SAMRC Bronze Scientific Merit Awards for his exceptional contributions to health research in South Africa.