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 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
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reaffirmed its role as a leading force in health sciences education, formally welcoming a new generation of healthcare professionals at its 2026 Oath-Taking Ceremony.
Held on 20 March at the New Auditorium, the ceremony marked a decisive entry point into the medical profession for first-year students across MBChB, Radiography and Emergency Medical Care. More than tradition, the event signalled a clear, binding commitment to ethical practice, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
The message from university leadership was unequivocal: healthcare demands discipline, not hesitation; purpose, not uncertainty. SMU’s vision to transform health services through innovation and excellence framed the occasion, positioning students as future drivers of change in a complex and evolving healthcare system.
SRC Chairperson of the School of Medicine, Vumbhoni Mahlaule, delivered a direct and motivating address. “You are not just students; you are the heartbeat of this institution and the future of our healthcare system,’ he said. He urged the cohort to replace reliance on motivation with consistent discipline, adding, “The path you have chosen is demanding, but you were selected because you have the excellence and character to succeed. Carry this oath in your hearts throughout your practice.”
Speakers reinforced a central truth: empathy is not optional in healthcare. It is a skill to be developed, sharpened and applied daily through active listening and patient-centred engagement. Students were challenged to meet this standard from the outset.
Representing Emergency Medical Care, Wisdom Ndlovu addressed the realities ahead with clarity and urgency. “Growth does not happen in comfortable places,” he said. “There will be challenges, but do not panic. You are here because you deserve to be here.” His message underscored resilience as a non-negotiable trait for success.
First-year MBChB student, Buyile Mkhwanazi, shared his excitement after taking the oath: “Standing here today, I feel the weight and honour of this responsibility. It’s more than a ceremony—it’s a promise to myself and my patients that I will always strive for excellence and compassion in everything I do.”
The defining moment came with the oath, officiated by the School of Medicine’s Dean, Professor Risenga Chauke. In a unified declaration, students committed to placing patient welfare above all else, upholding dignity across all backgrounds, and maintaining the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.
“That oath will not define who you become,” Prof Chauke told the cohort. “It confirms who you already are through the steps you have taken. One day, you will realise it was never just a moment—it was a journey, built step by step, stone by stone.”
The ceremony also highlighted SMU’s strategic focus on excellence, accountability and student-centred learning, alongside its commitment to strengthening its national and global reputation. By aligning academic training with real-world healthcare demands, the university continues to produce graduates equipped to lead, innovate and serve.
As the ceremony concluded, the message remained clear and urgent: the responsibility now rests with the students. At SMU, the oath is not symbolic—it is a standard. And through that standard, the university continues to shape healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Rose Moreki
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again proven that it is more than an academic institution—it is a vibrant community where values, leadership, and talent thrive. The inaugural Campus Life Festival, held over two days at the SMU Sports premises, drew students, staff, and alumni into a celebration of excellence, Ubuntu, and shared purpose.
Under the powerful theme, “Be the Change and Live the Values,” the festival combined artistic expression, sport, and leadership initiatives to engage the entire university community. From performances that mirrored student experiences to high-stakes sports competitions, the event reflected SMU’s mission: transforming health services through excellence, innovation, and professional education.
The festival began at the SMU Sports Complex with thought-provoking performances depicting the journey of students from rural villages to the university environment. These narratives explored themes of vulnerability, resilience, and identity while illustrating institutional values such as respect, integrity, excellence, accountability, and Ubuntu.
Anele Ngubane, a Medicine student, said: “The Campus Life Festival allows us to step into each other’s shoes and bring our peers’ experiences to life. As South Africa’s only dedicated health sciences university, it highlights our unique talent. I’m excited for more events like this that nurture creativity and character.”
Event organiser Samuel Masilela added: “This festival is about more than entertainment. It’s about shaping leadership, fostering community, and embedding ethical values that will define our students’ professional lives.”
On Day 2, the focus shifted to athletic competition. SRC Sports and Recreation Officer Siphesihle “Bob” Mkwanazi, a PhD Biochemistry candidate, noted:
“Through sports, we communicate Ubuntu. We’re seeing a home-ground advantage as the community unites. This revival is about culture, collaboration, and pride.”
The festival’s energy balanced competitiveness with empathy. Injured players were immediately supported by peers, showcasing SMU’s values in action and reinforcing the university’s ethos of student-centred development and inclusive community spirit.
The festival concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony recognising both competitive and character achievements. Sports champions, each student residence receiving R2,500, were:
- Soccer: 2000Beds
- Volleyball: 4B
- Netball: Madeira
The Values Award celebrated character and teamwork, resulting in a tie between Madeira and 5B. Madeira also earned the Drummies/Formation Award for their disciplined, dynamic display.
Overall residence rankings highlighted consistent excellence:
- 3rd Place: 4B – R10,000
- 2nd Place: 5B – R15,000
- 1st Place & Overall Champions: Madeira – R25,000
Madeira resident and Occupational Therapy student Fortuin Qhawe Lawrence expressed his excitement: “Winning the overall prize and tying it to accountability is a huge honour. Our team’s performance shows the value of discipline, teamwork, and striving for excellence. There’s always room to improve, but this sets a new benchmark.”
The festival also highlighted SMU’s broader mission: developing health professionals who serve society with competence, compassion, and ethical principles. Masilela concluded: “Values like integrity, accountability, and respect are crucial in healthcare. By embedding these principles now, we prepare students to lead in professional environments with both skill and character.”
As the festival ended with a grand finale braai, the message was clear: SMU is more than a university; it is a home, a training ground for future leaders, and a community where every student belongs. Through initiatives like the Campus Life Festival, SMU continues to cement its reputation as a distinctive, innovative, and values-driven institution, contributing meaningfully to health education and societal well-being in South Africa and beyond.
By Rose Moreki
by Lorato | Mar 19, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its position as one of South Africa’s leading health sciences institutions as applications for the 2026 academic year surged to 89,384 prospective students competing for just 1,265 first-year undergraduate spaces.
The overwhelming response reflects the growing demand for specialised health sciences education and underscores SMU’s reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vibrant student experience. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU remains committed to transforming health services through excellence and innovation while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve communities locally and nationally.
According to the university’s approved enrolment plan, SMU aims to accommodate 7,596 students in 2026, including 5,641 undergraduate students and 1,955 postgraduate students. Among the postgraduate cohort are 1,307 master’s candidates and 202 doctoral students, reinforcing the university’s expanding role in developing advanced health sciences expertise.
Student Recruitment Officer Ntsheu Collins Mangena said the unprecedented number of applications signals strong public confidence in the university’s programmes and its mission to transform healthcare through education.
“Receiving nearly 90,000 applications for the 2026 intake is both encouraging and humbling,” said Mangena. “It demonstrates the trust that learners, parents and educators place in SMU as a specialised institution dedicated to training future healthcare professionals. Our goal is to attract top achievers in Mathematics and Science while strengthening relationships with teachers and career guidance counsellors across the country.”
Several programmes remain highly competitive due to national shortages of skilled healthcare professionals.
- Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery: 15,058 applications for 60 spaces
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): 12,758 applications for 155 spaces, plus 50 Extended Curriculum Programme places
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: 11,977 applications for 71 spaces
- Diagnostic Radiography: 8,297 applications for 30 spaces
School of Health Sciences programmes have also recorded strong interest. Physiotherapy attracted 4,898 applications for 60 spaces, while Occupational Therapy received 3,358 applications for 40 places.
Meanwhile, the School of Science and Technology continues to contribute to the multidisciplinary health sciences ecosystem by offering programmes in Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental Biology, and Microbiology and Immunology. The school will enrol 476 students across its programmes, strengthening the scientific foundation that supports healthcare innovation.
Mangena explained that SMU’s recruitment strategy has become increasingly proactive, combining school outreach, national exhibitions and regional partnerships to reach talented learners earlier in their academic journeys.
“Student recruitment is no longer passive. We actively engage learners, parents and educators through school visits, exhibitions, and information sessions so that talented students understand both the opportunities and the application process at SMU.”
The university’s 2026 Schools Liaison and Student Recruitment Plan focuses on expanding SMU’s visibility across South Africa while building a stronger regional pipeline of students. Key initiatives include monthly school visits in Gauteng, participation in major national career exhibitions, and targeted information sessions in provinces such as Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Eastern Cape.
The recruitment strategy also extends beyond South Africa’s borders, with outreach planned in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia to strengthen the university’s presence in the Southern African region.
Parents and educators are also central to the recruitment strategy. Through engagement with School Governing Bodies and education associations, the university aims to ensure that families understand programme offerings, admission requirements, and career opportunities within the health sciences.
These initiatives are supported by strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, the Limpopo Institute of Mathematics and Science Academy, SAICA, and Future SA STEM, which help promote science, technology and healthcare careers among high-performing learners.
Guided by values that include excellence, integrity, accountability, respect, student-centred learning and Ubuntu, SMU continues to position itself as a transformative institution that responds directly to the country’s healthcare workforce needs.
As the university prepares to welcome the 2026 intake, its growing application numbers reflect more than popularity—they signal SMU’s expanding impact on health sciences education, research innovation, and community-focused healthcare across South Africa and the region.
By Tumelo Moila
