by Kegorapetse | Aug 25, 2017 | SMU Media
The Discovery Limited’s Black Economic Empowerment transaction was set up in 2006 as an independent trust, with an investment of R150 million in grants that were geared towards the education and training of 300 healthcare specialists over a period of 10 years. This was motivated by the critical shortage of human health care resources in South Africa.
The grants disbursed through the Discovery Foundation Awards aimed to address this challenge through training specialists for rural areas, developing academic medicine and research centres and increasing the number of sub-specialists in the country, to adequately meet the country’s healthcare needs.
At the recently concluded Discovery Foundation Awards night held at Bakubung Bush Lodge, North West province, the department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care received the following awards:
Discovery Foundation Awards for healthcare in rural and underserved areas (Individual awards):
These awards support the training and development of specialists for rural and underserved areas, and for senior doctors practicing in these areas. Of the five awards in this category, SMU received four (all in the department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care) and the recipients were:
- Dr. K Nashed (female registrar)
- Dr. M Venter (female registrar)
- Dr. C Steyn (female registrar)
- Dr. E Okafor (male registrar)
Discovery Foundation Awards for healthcare in rural and underserved areas (Institutional awards):
The Institutional Awards aim to help improve the quality and delivery of healthcare through support for capacity building. In 2017, two institutions received this award, of which SMU Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Department was one of the recipients.
This is not the first time SMU Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Department benefited from the Discovery Foundation Awards.
SMU Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Department is to be commended for putting the university on the map regarding these rural awards sponsored by Discovery Foundation.
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) is strengthening its role as a driver of transformation and access through impactful community engagement, following its participation in the Inter-Departmental and Inter-Sectoral Career Choices Symposium in Daggakraal, Mpumalanga. In collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the initiative formed part of a broader national effort to empower rural learners with information, inspiration and pathways into higher education.
The symposium brought together key stakeholders from government, education and community leadership, underscoring the importance of collaboration in shaping South Africa’s future workforce. Among the dignitaries present was MEC Lindi Lettie Masina, alongside deputy ministers and senior officials, highlighting the strategic value of career guidance in addressing inequality and unlocking potential in underserved communities.
SMU was represented by an academic delegation including Professor Nqobile Mkolo, Dr Clarissa Naidoo, Dr Ananias Kgopa and colleagues from the School of Science and Technology. Throughout the day, the team engaged directly with learners, educators and parents, offering practical guidance on academic programmes, admission requirements, funding opportunities and student support services.
The interactive nature of the event created a dynamic platform for learners to ask questions and gain first-hand insight into higher education. From medicine and pharmacy to environmental sciences and information technology, learners were introduced to career pathways aligned with national development priorities. For many attendees, the symposium marked a rare opportunity to connect with university representatives and begin to envision futures beyond their immediate environments.
Professor Mkolo emphasised the importance of taking higher education opportunities directly to rural communities. “It is important that we meet learners where they are,” she said. “Many of these young people have the potential to succeed but lack access to information and guidance. By engaging directly with them, we are not only sharing knowledge but also building confidence and aspiration.”
Dr Naidoo reinforced the broader purpose of career guidance, noting its transformative impact on learners’ outlook. “Career guidance is not just about choosing a qualification; it is about understanding purpose and opportunity,” she said. “When learners begin to see themselves in these professions, it changes how they approach their studies and their futures.”
MEC Masina commended the collaborative effort between institutions and government, describing the initiative as a model for inclusive development. “Initiatives like this demonstrate what is possible when we work together across sectors,” she said. “We are bringing opportunities closer to our learners and ensuring that no child is left behind because of where they come from.”
Beyond engagement, the symposium delivered tangible outcomes. It enhanced SMU’s national visibility as a university committed to social impact, increased awareness of higher education opportunities among rural learners, and strengthened partnerships with government departments, schools and community structures.
Aligned with SMU’s strategic priorities of student recruitment, community engagement and inclusive access, the initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers to education. As the event concluded, it was evident that it had sparked renewed ambition among learners while reinforcing SMU’s role as a catalyst for opportunity and change.
Through initiatives such as the DBE–SMU Career Expo, the university continues to build meaningful bridges between education and communities, ensuring that every learner—regardless of background—has the opportunity to aspire, achieve and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Apr 15, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), excellence continues to take centre stage as sixth-year medical student Andile Moloi earns international recognition through the highly competitive Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. At just 23, Moloi’s selection signals both personal achievement and the university’s growing global footprint in shaping socially conscious healthcare leaders.
Originating from Tembisa in Gauteng, Moloi’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to service. As one of only eighteen students selected nationally in December 2025, she joins an elite cohort identified for their leadership potential and capacity to drive meaningful change. The bursary programme, renowned for cultivating future leaders, offers participants exposure to diverse global perspectives and transformative international experiences.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Moloi said: “Coming from Tembisa township in Gauteng with big dreams has never been easy, especially when you don’t often see people who look like you in the spaces you aspire to enter. That’s why this opportunity is so meaningful to me. It represents visibility, possibility, and representation. It allows me to take up space in rooms I once thought were out of reach, and I hope that little Black girls can look at me and see a reflection of their own potential. This opportunity isn’t just personal—it’s a chance to show others that they belong too.”
Her recognition affirms her standing within the School of Medicine. Dean Professor Risenga Chauke previously described Moloi as “a rare blend of intellectual brilliance and human compassion. She, a philanthropist, exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader in the field of medicine.”
The programme commenced in Cape Town, where recipients engaged in an intensive week of leadership development. This was followed by an international tour across the United Kingdom, including academic and cultural visits to London, Cambridge, Oxford and Bletchley Park, as well as Edinburgh, St Andrews and The Burn in Scotland. These engagements provided a rich blend of academic insight, historical context, and cross-cultural exchange, aligning with the programme’s mission to develop globally minded leaders.
Moloi described the experience as transformative: “This was such an incredible journey and opportunity. I feel I’ve grown so much since the beginning of this tour. I’ve had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with many amazing people from diverse backgrounds. I feel that I’ve made connections that will last me for a lifetime and now have so many opportunities that I could’ve never dreamt of.”
A standout moment of the programme was her clinical exposure at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where she shadowed professionals in the Emergency Department. The experience offered valuable comparative insights into healthcare systems. “The system is quite similar to South Africa, although there are some differences,” she noted. “The UK has more resources, so you seldom get a congestion of patients in the hospital; and most public hospitals in South Africa are still paper-based, whereas the UK has adopted a more digital approach to patient files.”
Moloi joins a select group of SMU recipients of this prestigious bursary, with the last award made in 2022. Her achievement reinforces the university’s commitment to producing graduates who combine academic excellence with global competitiveness and social responsibility.
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU, praised Moloi’s accomplishment, stating: “We are incredibly proud of Andile and her achievement. She really embraced this opportunity and represented SMU with pride.”
Moloi’s success underscores SMU’s broader mission of transforming health sciences education through innovation, leadership, and community impact. As the university continues to nurture future healthcare professionals, achievements such as this reinforce its role in advancing both national development and global engagement.
By Dimakatso Modise
