by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reinforced its commitment to community health and preventive care by actively participating in World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2026, using the global platform to drive awareness, education and meaningful community engagement across Ga-Rankuwa.
Observed annually on 20 March and led by the FDI World Dental Federation, WOHD highlights the importance of oral hygiene in overall well-being. This year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, marks the culmination of a three-year global campaign focused on promoting lifelong oral health from early childhood through to older age.
At SMU’s School of Dentistry, students from the Departments of Community Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene translated this message into action through targeted outreach initiatives. Their efforts were designed not only to educate but to empower communities with practical knowledge and tools to improve daily oral hygiene practices.
The outreach began at Itireleng Residential Care Facility for the Disabled, a Gauteng Department of Social Development institution that provides residential care and skills development for individuals with physical and visual disabilities. Despite resource challenges, the facility continues to offer vital support services, making it a meaningful site for engagement.
Students delivered oral health education sessions, demonstrated proper brushing techniques and distributed dental care kits to residents. The interaction created an environment of learning, care and confidence, as beneficiaries engaged directly with future healthcare professionals.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Dr Nokukhanya Makwakwa emphasised the broader impact of oral health. “It is possible to maintain a healthy mouth throughout your lifetime, and this contributes directly to overall well-being and quality of life,” she said. “Oral health goes beyond teeth—it influences confidence, social interaction and general health.”
For students, the experience provided both practical training and personal growth. Zinhle Phiri, a third-year Bachelor of Oral Hygiene student, described the experience as transformative. “At first, everything felt overwhelming, but as we engaged with patients, it became more natural,” she said. “Seeing their smiles and knowing we made a difference gave me confidence in my abilities.”
Similarly, Lethabo Madiba, a third-year Bachelor of Dental Therapy student, highlighted the value of hands-on learning. “This experience taught me so much about patient care in real-life settings,” he said. “It is the kind of learning that stays with you throughout your career.”
The outreach extended to Boikanyo Primary School, where students engaged young learners through interactive oral health education sessions. Pupils received dental kits and participated in demonstrations designed to instil healthy habits from an early age. The initiative reinforced the message that prevention begins with education and consistency.
Beyond community visits, the campaign included radio interviews, campus activations and social media awareness drives, amplifying the reach of the message and ensuring that oral health education extended beyond physical engagements.
Adding a student leadership perspective, Ace Junior Netshipale, Chairperson of the Dental Student Council, reflected on the importance of community interaction. “I was initially nervous about engaging in oral health advocacy, but the response from the community was incredibly encouraging,’ he said. ‘It became clear how many people lack basic knowledge about oral hygiene, and that motivated me to do more.”
Dr Makwakwa reinforced the long-term vision of the initiative. “Prevention is key,” she said. “By educating communities and promoting healthy habits, we are building a culture where oral health is prioritised and understood as essential to a happy and healthy life.”
Through these initiatives, SMU continues to demonstrate its role as a university that combines academic excellence with social responsibility. The School of Dentistry’s active participation in World Oral Health Day reflects a broader commitment to producing skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who are equipped to serve communities effectively.
As the 2026 campaign theme suggests, a healthy mouth is central to overall well-being. By taking knowledge beyond the classroom and into communities, SMU is not only promoting oral health but also shaping a future where prevention, education and care work together to improve lives across South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 26, 2025
Masters and Doctoral Programmes in Public Health Home » Search Results for "Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health" Health Care Sciences Undergraduate Admission Requirements Health Care Sciences Academic Programs Health Care Sciences Undergraduate...
by Lorato | Jun 11, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), formerly known as the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), has a proud legacy of promoting academic excellence, integrity and community service in the health sciences. Grounded in the values of compassion, accountability and perseverance, SMU nurtures future leaders who are committed to transforming healthcare. It was within this environment of support and purpose that Dr Odette Heyneke recently reached a major milestone — the completion of her PhD, a journey defined by resilience, personal sacrifice and unwavering faith.
Heyneke’s passion for academia was sparked at an early age. At just 14, during a visit to MEDUNSA for a science fair project, she was inspired by the campus atmosphere and by her sister, Professor Kahler-Venter, who worked in the Department of Pharmacology. “I remember walking through the corridors and saying to myself, ‘One day, I’m going to be a lecturer here,’” she recalls. That moment planted a dream that would guide her for years to come.
After completing secondary school, Heyneke went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Biochemistry and Microbiology, followed by Honours and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from North-West University (NWU). These academic accomplishments laid a strong foundation for her career, which began in 2003 when she joined MEDUNSA as a Natural Scientist in Pharmacology. By 2006, she had advanced to the role of Senior Medical Natural Scientist in Physiology, demonstrating both her expertise and commitment to academic excellence.
Soon afterwards, life’s responsibilities called her away from her professional journey as she took time out to raise her family. From 2008 to 2014, she dedicated herself to full-time motherhood. “For six years, my world revolved around nappies, teething, and toddler chaos,” she shares. Although away from the academic world, this period played a pivotal role in building her resilience and inner strength. Returning to academia in 2014 as a lecturer in Physiology proved to be a daunting transition. “I felt like I knew absolutely nothing — I had to relearn everything I thought I’d never use again,” she admits. Yet her ability to adapt and persevere reflected SMU’s ethos of resilience and lifelong learning.
Determined to make a deeper impact, Heyneke decided to embark on a PhD. After exploring several potential research areas, she found her true focus when Professor Harold Majane introduced the Heart Failure study. “Something about it just clicked,” she explains. Her research, centred on the role of aortic haemodynamic parameters on left ventricular function in adult Black South African patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), was both innovative and socially relevant.
Balancing a demanding academic role, parenting teenagers, and managing the pressures of research was no easy feat. “I experienced stress, burnout, and moments where I questioned my sanity,” she confesses. In 2022, a life-threatening illness nearly forced her to abandon her studies. Lying in a hospital bed, she made a promise to herself: she would finish what she had started. “My faith carried me. My children gave me strength. Something inside me — maybe stubbornness, maybe purpose — refused to let me quit,” she reflects.
Heyneke’s PhD represents far more than academic achievement — it stands as a powerful symbol of survival, renewal and determination. “It’s a symbol of unfinished dreams reignited, and proof that it’s never too late to rise again,” she says. Her story is a beacon of hope for women who step away from their careers for family, showing that setbacks can indeed become comebacks.
As a proud SMU graduate, Heyneke embodies the university’s mission to cultivate leaders who serve with excellence and integrity. Her journey mirrors the values that SMU upholds, and powerfully demonstrates the transformative potential of perseverance, faith and passion. Her success is a testament to what can be accomplished when one remains steadfast in the face of adversity — a message that extends far beyond the halls of academia. Heyneke’s story is not only her own; it is a shared triumph for all who believe in the power of education to change lives.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Dec 9, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Moloko Riah Mehlape, a distinguished Lecturer and proud alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), continues to elevate the university’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence and impactful leadership. Recently named Media Personality of the Year at the prestigious African Health Excellence Awards, Mehlape credits this honour to her commitment to delivering accurate, evidence-based health information. “This award is not just for me but for everyone dedicated to advancing sound health education,” she reflects.
Moloko Riah Mehlape
Her expertise and influence on leading platforms such as Power FM and various SABC radio and television stations highlight the calibre of academics produced by SMU. Mehlape’s work in nutrition underscores the university’s role in addressing critical societal issues. “This recognition motivates me to amplify credible health messaging, particularly in combating misinformation around nutrition,” she emphasises, showcasing the essential role of qualified voices in shaping public understanding of health and wellness.
Mehlape’s journey in nutrition advocacy began during her high school years. Despite limited resources, her passion for biology led her to excel and achieve a distinction—the first at her underprivileged school. “That achievement proved that with determination, anything is possible,” she recalls.
Her academic journey began at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), now known as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics in 2012. During her final year, she excelled as the top student, receiving awards for Best in Therapeutic Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Research, and Best Overall Performer in Dietetics Practice. She later pursued a Master of Science in Dietetics at the University of Pretoria (UP), graduating in 2019. Her master’s research project, titled “Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of soccer and basketball athletes at a sports academy in North West Province,” earned her the award for Best Oral Presentation in Clinical Sciences at UP. These achievements reflect her academic excellence and solidified her determination to create a healthier society through the transformative power of nutrition.
As a lecturer, media advocate, and PhD candidate, Mehlape wears many hats with grace and efficiency. Her disciplined routine begins at 3 AM to accommodate her responsibilities. “I start my day early to make time for research, teaching, and media engagements,” she explains.
Her current PhD research focuses on sports nutrition, aiming to design educational programs for professional athletes. “Nutrition can transform performance and recovery,” she emphasises, envisioning a future where sports training seamlessly integrates nutrition science.
Mehlape is a staunch advocate against nutrition misinformation. Viral trends, such as the dangerous coffee-and-vinegar weight loss concoction, deeply concern her. “Healthcare professionals must take up space in media to counteract misleading advice,” she asserts.
Through her active presence on social media, Mehlape educates the public on science-backed nutrition practices. She encourages her peers to engage with the public and use platforms like X (Twitter) to promote credible health information.
As a mentor and educator, she takes pride in shaping the next generation of dietitians. “I guide students to think critically, not just memorise,” she shares. Beyond the classroom, she supports students as they transition into private practice or further studies.“A great leader inspires through example,” Mehlape believes, and she hopes to formalise a mentorship program in the future to support aspiring dietitians.
Looking ahead, she sees vast opportunities for dietitians to innovate in sports nutrition, medical food services, and reproductive health. Despite limited job opportunities, she encourages dietitians to carve out new spaces. “There’s so much room for creativity and innovation,” she says, confident in the transformative potential of her field.
Mehlape aims to leave a lasting legacy of practical, evidence-based nutrition advocacy through her ongoing research, media work, and mentorship.
Mehlape’s advice is clear for those entering the field: “Never stop learning.” She encourages participation in CPD events, networking at nutrition congresses, and using social media strategically. “My private practice, Moloko Mehlape Registered Dietitians, thrived after I started promoting it on X,” she reveals, urging others to build their visibility and connections.
Mehlape’s multifaceted career is a testament to her dedication to improving public health. Through her academic contributions, impactful media presence, and mentorship, she continues to inspire a new generation of dietitians to embrace innovation and evidence-based practices. Her work elevates the profession and demonstrates the transformative power of nutrition advocacy, making her a true beacon of excellence in the field.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At just 19 years old, Smangele Sithole has achieved a remarkable milestone that sets her apart as one of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) youngest-ever graduates. Earning a Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) at the 2024 Autumn graduation, her journey from a bright-eyed teenager in Soweto to a future healthcare leader exemplifies SMU’s dedication to nurturing young, resilient professionals who aim to make a difference in their communities.
Smangele Sithole
Growing up in Soweto, Sithole’s initial dreams were centred around a career in media. However, a personal family experience changed her path dramatically. Witnessing her family struggle with oral health issues ignited a deep curiosity within her. “I wanted to understand what caused the oral health issues in my family and help prevent them for others,” she recalls, describing how this personal experience steered her towards oral hygiene. This newfound passion led her to SMU, where her academic journey was shaped by a commitment to improving oral health care and educating the public about preventative care.
Sithole’s perspective on the role of an Oral Hygienist goes beyond the traditional view of teeth cleaning. “We educate patients about how to take care of their oral health, prevent problems like cavities and gum disease, and improve their overall oral hygiene,” she explains. Through her studies at SMU, she has been equipped with the skills to clean teeth and educate, empower, and inspire those around her to take better care of their oral health.
Her journey, however, was not without its challenges. Transitioning from secondary school to university posed several obstacles for Sithole, who had to adapt quickly to the demands of higher education. “It was tough adapting to university life,” she admits. “I had to become independent, manage my own time, and handle responsibilities that I was not used to. It was hard at first, but I pushed through and eventually found my way.” Her determination to succeed, despite the challenges, reflects the resilience and perseverance that SMU instils in its students, preparing them to face the realities of both academia and professional life.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she credits much of her success to SMU’s environment, which fostered her growth and development as a student and future professional. “Because of SMU, I can now go out there and educate people who are unfamiliar with cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases. A lot of people think the only way to care for their mouth is just brushing their teeth, but there’s so much more to it,” she says with confidence, ready to take on the world and raise awareness about oral health.
Sithole’s achievement serves as an inspiration to countless students who may face obstacles in their academic journey. Her advice to her peers is simple yet powerful: “Study hard throughout your studies and always put God first. Don’t ever feel ashamed to ask for help.” With her degree in hand and a mission to improve oral health, she is poised to make a significant impact in oral hygiene.
As SMU continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, Sithole’s story exemplifies the university’s commitment to empowering young South Africans to achieve their full potential, overcome adversity, and contribute meaningfully to society. With a bright future ahead, Smangele Sithole is ready to make her mark and, quite literally, brighten many smiles along the way.
