by Lorato | Apr 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Against a backdrop of rapid change in global healthcare and research, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) stands as a dynamic force, driving transformative innovations across the health sciences. SMU’s brightest minds are not only shaping the future of medicine and research—they are creating tangible, life-changing impact through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic partnerships.
One shining example of SMU’s transformative vision is the Oral Health Centre, which is revolutionising dental care for thousands. Serving an astonishing 10,500 patients monthly, the centre has become the heart of South African healthcare, setting new standards in dental treatment and community well-being. By combining advanced clinical techniques with compassionate care, the centre demonstrates how SMU is directly impacting patient outcomes and raising the bar for oral health services across the nation.
In parallel, SMU is breaking new ground through international collaborations that enhance student success and global research. Recently, the university has welcomed international funders into its fold, strengthening vital partnerships that open up unprecedented opportunities for student development. These alliances not only provide critical financial backing but also integrate global best practices into the academic environment, ensuring that students gain a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. The infusion of international expertise and resources is transforming SMU’s educational landscape, empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals to innovate and excel on a global stage.
Further amplifying its impact, SMU’s Medical Education, Clinical Research and Utilisation (MECRU) unit is at the forefront of advancing clinical research and community health. Through MECRU, SMU is spearheading projects that address pressing public health challenges, from improving treatment protocols to pioneering preventative care strategies. The work carried out by MECRU exemplifies how focused, research-driven initiatives can translate into real-world benefits, directly contributing to the improvement of community health outcomes and the overall resilience of the healthcare system.
In an era defined by collaboration, SMU has also joined forces with leading universities across the country to revolutionise health research in South Africa. The strategic collaborations harness the collective expertise of the nation’s top institutions to tackle some of the most complex healthcare issues of our time. By pooling resources, sharing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, these partnerships are catalysing breakthroughs that have the potential to reshape public health policies and clinical practices on a national—and indeed global—scale.
SMU’s success, however, is not solely the result of its state-of-the-art research facilities or its strategic partnerships; it is also built on a foundation of visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Academics and administrators work in unison to create an environment where innovation thrives and every challenge is met with a solution-oriented mindset. Whether it is through reimagining educational programmes, spearheading community outreach, or driving advanced research, SMU’s staff exemplify the university’s core ethos: transforming challenges into opportunities for impact.
The stories emerging from SMU prove the institution’s pioneering spirit. They echo a unified message: that excellence in education and research is not just about intellectual prowess but about real-world application and community benefit. With every innovative project and every strategic partnership, SMU reaffirms its role as a catalyst for positive change, one that not only shapes the future of health and science but also uplifts the communities it serves.
In celebrating these transformative achievements, SMU stands tall as a pioneer in global health and science. Its visionary approach, bolstered by robust research, strategic international partnerships, and a deep commitment to community well-being, continues to set new benchmarks in the field. As SMU’s brightest minds forge ahead, the future of healthcare and research looks not only promising but profoundly transformative.
By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Apr 1, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a groundbreaking achievement, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Master’s student Nondumiso Nkosi has developed a pioneering diagnostic assay for Hepatitis B, addressing a critical need in regions where the disease is endemic. This innovation has earned her recognition as a rising star in the intellectual property (IP) landscape.
Nkosi’s journey into innovation and entrepreneurship began with her attendance at the Bio Africa Convention in 2023, where her project was selected for presentation and won the runner-up award. “This recognition was an eye-opener, making me realise the magnitude and potential impact of my work,” she reflects.
Her diagnostic assay aims to bridge the gap in accessible and efficient Hepatitis B diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings. “Current diagnostic methods are often inaccessible or inadequate, making early detection and effective management difficult,” Nkosi explains. My innovation provides a more accessible and efficient solution tailored to the African healthcare landscape.
The collaboration with the Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine at Nagoya City University Hospital in Japan served as a foundational base for the innovation. “This partnership enabled the development of a diagnostic tool tailored to the unique healthcare challenges in Africa,” Nkosi notes.
With the unwavering support of her supervisor, Dr Omphile Simani, Nkosi’s innovation holds significant potential for the early detection and management of Hepatitis, contributing substantially to public health solutions. “Dr Simani saw the potential in my vision and encouraged me every step of the way,” Nkosi acknowledges.
The SMU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) has been instrumental in supporting Nkosi’s innovation, providing guidance on intellectual property protection and commercialisation. “We are working with Nkosi and Simani to identify potential industry partners to commercialise the assay,” says Mohlatlego Sebola, who is responsible for establishing and operationalising the TTO.
Nkosi’s achievement is a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. As SMU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus notes: “Our commitment at SMU is clear: we nurture innovation, excellence, and community service. Nkosi’s innovation is a shining example of this commitment.”
The impact of Nkosi’s innovation extends beyond the academic realm. Hepatitis B is a major global health challenge, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. Millions of people, particularly in Africa, suffer from chronic HBV infections, leading to severe liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Nkosi’s diagnostic assay has the potential to save countless lives by providing an accessible and efficient diagnostic solution. Her innovation serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by Hepatitis B, and her story is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and collaboration in driving positive change.
As Nkosi continues to break barriers in biomedical innovation, she remains committed to her vision of improving public health outcomes. Her pioneering diagnostic assay for Hepatitis B is a groundbreaking achievement that has the potential to revolutionise public health outcomes.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has embarked on an essential initiative to understand the academic and social challenges faced by first-year students. The First-Year Experience (FYE) survey, led by the Psycho-social Unit, provides valuable insights that inform the development of student support structures and foster a more inclusive university environment.
To encourage participation, a lucky draw was held, and the winners were announced live on SMU FM. The selected students, Kgolagano Made from the School of Dentistry, Andile Pitswane from the School of Science and Technology, Kgaugelo Mmoto and Thandeka Xulu from the School of Health Care Sciences, and Mbali Ngwepe from the School of Medicine, were recognised for their engagement. The winning students collected their prizes at a prize-giving ceremony held at SMU.
The FYE survey is designed to capture the experiences of first-year students during orientation and serves as a self-assessment tool for their academic and personal development. The survey explores themes such as resilience and adaptability, communication styles, conflict resolution, psycho-social well-being, academic skills and support, and financial standing. The data collected helps the university identify key areas where intervention and additional support may be needed, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources to thrive in their studies.
One critical aspect of the survey is its role in identifying students who may require financial aid and support. The university, through initiatives like Hands of Compassion run by SMU’s Social Workers, aims to assist students who are struggling financially, ensuring that financial hardships do not become barriers to academic success.
Dr Matsontso Mathebula, Head of Department SMU Campus Health and Counselling, emphasised the importance of student participation in the survey, stating: “The First-Year Experience (FYE) survey provides valuable insights into the academic and social challenges that first-year students face. By understanding their experiences, we can enhance support structures, improve student engagement, and ultimately contribute to their success.”
Furthermore, Mathebula emphasized the importance of the FYE survey in promoting student well-being, stating: “The FYE survey is a vital tool in our efforts to promote student well-being and success.” By identifying areas where students may need additional support, we can provide targeted interventions and resources to help them thrive.”
The FYE survey underscores SMU’s commitment to its core values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, ubuntu, and social responsibility. These principles guide the university’s efforts to create a nurturing and transformative academic environment for all students.
By fostering an inclusive culture of support, SMU reaffirms its dedication to student success, well-being, and academic excellence. The university continues to encourage all students to actively participate in similar programmes, as their voices and experiences contribute to building a stronger and more responsive institution.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Oral Health Centre is a vital institution that plays a significant role in dental education, research, and service delivery within the broader healthcare community. Situated on the university campus and in the northwest of Tshwane, adjacent to the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), the centre serves as a premier clinical training platform, offering a wide range of oral healthcare services to communities across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West.
Dr Ntsakisi Mukhari-Baloyi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SMU Oral Health Centre, highlights the facility’s longstanding commitment to dental training and public service. “The centre was conceptualised in 1975 as a training platform for dental therapists, with the current facility completed in 1984 and officially inaugurated in 1987. Over the years, it has grown to become the only facility in Gauteng that trains dentists, dental therapists, and oral hygienists under one roof,” she explains.
Equipped with 232 dental chairs, three operating theatres, and a dedicated in-house laboratory, the centre treats an average of 10,500 outpatients monthly. “We provide comprehensive services, from screening and diagnostics to advanced surgical procedures in maxillofacial, periodontal, and paediatric care,” adds Mukhari-Baloyi.
The centre continuously upgrades its equipment and facilities to remain at the forefront of dental innovation. Recent advancements include the introduction of digital diagnostic records, intra-oral cameras, CAD/CAM milling machines for prosthodontic restorations, and CBCT (Cone Beam Computerised Tomography) for three-dimensional imaging. “We are moving towards full digitisation of clinical records to improve efficiency and patient care,” Mukhari-Baloyi notes.
Specialised services provided at the centre include Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Medicine and Periodontology. Additionally, emergency dental care is available 24/7 through DGMAH’s casualty unit.
In line with its commitment to serving underserved communities, the centre operates on a walk-in basis and conducts outreach programmes targeting vulnerable populations. “Our teams visit elderly care homes, mental health institutions, special-needs schools, and early childhood development centres to provide essential oral health services,” says Mukhari-Baloyi. Free treatment is offered to children under six, and pregnant and lactating women, while pensioners receive subsidised care.
Community-based service-learning is an integral part of student training, ensuring that future oral health professionals gain real-world experience while making a tangible impact on public health.
The SMU Oral Health Centre is deeply invested in research that informs clinical protocols and national oral health policies. “Our faculty and students engage in cutting-edge studies, including a research project funded by the MPS Foundation on informed consent in the African setting,” Mukhari-Baloyi reveals. “We are also developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address the local burden of oral diseases.”
Collaborations with local and international research institutions further enhance the quality of research output and innovation at the centre.
Despite its successes, the centre faces challenges such as ageing infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, and shortages of dental materials. “We are actively working on solutions, including replacing old dental chairs, upgrading our water infrastructure, and collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) to streamline supply chain processes,” Mukhari-Baloyi states.
Plans are also underway to expand the clinical training platform and introduce new dental specialisations in Paedodontics, Endodontics, and Radiology. “Our vision aligns with SMU’s long-term strategy to enhance oral healthcare education and service delivery,” she affirms.
Mukhari-Baloyi emphasises the importance of collective effort in sustaining the centre’s growth. “We encourage students to uphold professionalism, faculty members to continue their dedication to teaching, and external stakeholders to support us through knowledge-sharing and resource mobilisation,” she concludes.
With its commitment to excellence in education, research, and patient care, the SMU Oral Health Centre remains a cornerstone of dental health advancement in South Africa, ensuring that quality oral healthcare is accessible to all.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Feb 19, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to produce not only top-tier medical professionals but also changemakers who are redefining healthcare in South Africa. Among its most inspiring alumni are Dr Innocent and Dr Dikeledi Chauke, two medical pioneers whose journey from SMU classrooms to private practice exemplifies the university’s commitment to developing healthcare leaders.
More than just a love story, their success underscores SMU’s role in shaping resilient, highly skilled professionals equipped to lead in the demanding medical field. Their impact extends beyond the consulting room, as they actively contribute to South Africa’s healthcare system, proving that SMU graduates are at the forefront of addressing the country’s medical challenges.
SMU has long been recognised as an institution that nurtures both academic and professional success. For the Chaukes, it was at SMU that they built the foundation of their careers—gaining not only the theoretical knowledge required for medical excellence but also the practical skills, resilience, and leadership qualities necessary to thrive in South Africa’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Their journey began within the university’s corridors, balancing the pressures of medical school while developing a shared vision for the future. “Medicine was always more than just a degree—it was our calling. SMU equipped us with the tools we needed to serve communities in need and build a future where quality healthcare is accessible,” says Dr Innocent Chauke.
The couple’s academic journey was rigorous, marked by long hours of study and clinical rotations, but SMU provided them with an environment that fostered both personal and professional growth. “We were held to high standards, expected to think critically and to be ready for real-world medical challenges. Those experiences prepared us for everything that followed,” adds Dr Dikeledi Chauke.
Serving communities, changing lives
After graduating, the Chaukes embarked on careers that placed them at the heart of community healthcare. Their medical internships and community service years saw them stationed in rural hospitals, where they encountered first-hand the realities of South Africa’s healthcare system.
“Our time in community hospitals was eye-opening. It highlighted the disparities in healthcare access and deepened our commitment to patient-centred medicine,” Dr Dikeledi reflects. The lessons learned during this time influenced their decision to open a private practice in Mamelodi East, where they now provide essential medical services to underserved communities.
From general consultations and chronic disease management to minor surgical procedures, their practice embodies the principles instilled at SMU—a commitment to service, excellence in medical care, and an unwavering focus on patient well-being.
However, their journey has not been without challenges. A recent armed robbery at their practice was a stark reminder of the risks associated with healthcare entrepreneurship. “Despite setbacks, we remain committed to our vision. The need for accessible private healthcare is too great for us to back down,” says Innocent.
The Chaukes are not content with simply running a private practice—they are working towards a larger vision. Their goal is to expand their operations into a network of technologically advanced medical centres that will bring affordable, high-quality healthcare to more South Africans.
“Our long-term vision is to merge technology with medicine, ensuring that even those in underserved areas have access to the best possible care,” explains Dikeledi. This ambitious plan aligns with SMU’s ethos of producing medical professionals who not only succeed in their fields but also innovate and lead systemic change.
Their success is a testament that SMU alumni are not just entering the workforce—they are shaping industries, solving real-world problems, and driving progress in healthcare.
The Chaukes’ story is one of dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership. It is also highlights SMU’s unwavering commitment to developing professionals who are equipped to make a difference. As the university continues to cultivate top medical minds, it cements its status as a premier institution for health sciences education in Africa.
At SMU, students are not just taught—they are empowered to lead. And as the Chaukes continue to grow their impact in the medical field, they stand as a shining example of the calibre of professionals SMU produces—leaders who are not only skilled in medicine but driven by a purpose greater than themselves.
By Tumelo Moila
