SMU alumni gala ignites a brighter future for health sciences

by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Elegance met purpose at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumni, industry leaders, and partners gathered for the Convocation Fundraising and Alumni Awards Gala Dinner. Themed “Investing in South Africa’s Future of Health Sciences,” the evening celebrated leadership, honoured excellence, and strengthened support for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The event opened with an inspiring address from the President of Convocation, Japhta Phala, who urged alumni to champion transformative giving. “Each of us carries a piece of SMU’s legacy,” he said. “Tonight is not just about celebrating our achievements — it’s about taking collective responsibility for our students’ future.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus echoed this sentiment, emphasising the University’s dual mission of education and empowerment. “At SMU, we do not only educate; we empower,” she declared. “Our vision is to create healthcare professionals who are competent, compassionate, and capable of leading with integrity.” Highlighting the critical challenge of student funding, she stressed the urgency of alumni engagement. “Behind every struggling student is a dream worth saving,” she said. “Investing in our students is investing in the future of healthcare. No capable student should have their journey cut short due to financial hardship.”

Delivering the keynote address, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, a medical doctor and public servant, reinforced SMU’s role in shaping South Africa’s health workforce. “SMU continues to be the heartbeat of health sciences in this country,” she said. “It is here that the seeds of service, compassion, and excellence are planted. The doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and scientists who graduate from SMU are not only skilled — they are change-makers who carry the hope of our nation.” She further called on alumni and stakeholders to rally behind the fundraising initiative, describing it as an investment in both education and equity. “We must ensure that financial barriers never become barriers to healing,” Dr Ramathuba said. “By contributing to this cause, we are not just giving money — we are giving life, dignity, and opportunity.”

Supportive remarks from SMU Chancellor Dr Penny Moumakwa and Council Chair Nontlaza Sizani reinforced alumni unity and stewardship in advancing the University’s mission.

The Gala also featured a red-carpet ‘Legacy Walk’, symbolising SMU’s enduring tradition of excellence, and honoured alumni who have made remarkable contributions to medicine, science, and public service. Beyond glamour, the evening carried a clear purpose: to fund academically deserving yet financially challenged students. Many aspiring healthcare professionals face financial hurdles that threaten to derail their dreams. Through this Convocation-led initiative, SMU continues to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

“This Gala is not just a dinner,” Prof Matsha-Erasmus reminded guests. “It is a declaration of hope. Every contribution tonight will echo through hospital wards, research labs, and communities that need care the most.”

Alumni Awards Recipients:

• Young Alumnus Award: Mr Emmanuel Kiyonga and Dr Realeboga Sebitso.
  This award recognises young alumni (≤40 years) who have demonstrated proven excellence in their field or career, serving as role models for current and future students.
• Alumni Governance and Leadership Award: Dr Mpho Phalatse, Ms Maria Rambauli, Dr Nomzamo Tutu, Ms Takalani Maumela, Ms Rhulani Thembi Siweya, Dr Lucas Khetani Ndhlovu, Dr Katlego Mothudi and Dr Mangaliso Mahlaba. This award honours alumni who have made exemplary contributions to society, demonstrating ethical leadership and good governance.
• Alumni Academic, Research and Innovation Award: Prof Mojakgomo Motswaledi, Dr Molefe Matima, Prof Paulinah Monene Khuzwayo and Prof Gregory Thabiso Lebona. This award celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions to research, academia, and innovation in health sciences.
• Order of the Champions of Sefako Makgatho: Prof Paulinah Monene Khuzwayo (Gold), Ms Maria Rambauli (Silver), Prof Gregory Thabiso Lebona (Gold), Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele (Bronze). This award is conferred on alumni or former executives for their immense contributions to SMU’s growth and development, actively promoting its mission.
• Alumni Life-Time Achievement Award: Prof Mike Sathekge. This award recognises alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their field and society over the course of their lifetime.

A total of fifteen trophies, fourteen certificates, and five medals were awarded, including a Life-Time Achievement trophy larger than the rest, with certificates signed by the President of Convocation and the Vice-Chancellor across various categories.

As the evening concluded, one message resonated: SMU’s legacy is not only written in its history but in the lives it transforms, shaping a future where education, leadership, and compassion drive South Africa’s healthcare sector forward.

By Dimakatso Modise

Mahlorhi Baloyi honoured with Vice Chancellor’s Award for excellence

by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

From the rural heart of Tzaneen, Mahlorhi Baloyi has emerged as a visionary leader whose journey embodies resilience, excellence, and global impact. Recently, he received the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award at the SMU Student Affairs Excellence Awards, cementing his place in the university’s history.

Baloyi’s rise is a story of determination and purpose. From modest beginnings, he has become a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating extraordinary leadership in South Africa and beyond. As Secretary of the SMU Rising Stars, he nurtures talented students, shaping the next generation of leaders. His influence stretches internationally, connecting youth through the global network “Connecting Dreams” and participating in the South American Business Forum, promoting cross-continental dialogue, leadership excellence, and sustainable solutions.

This year marks a new chapter in his academic journey: Baloyi is pursuing a Master’s degree with SMU’s School of Pharmacy. Balancing postgraduate studies with demanding leadership roles, he exemplifies commitment to personal growth and the development of others. “Pursuing my Master’s is not just about advancing my knowledge; it’s about equipping myself to make a meaningful impact in healthcare, locally and globally,” he explains.

His leadership transcends borders. Baloyi has represented Africa at global forums, including the Asia International Model United Nations in Thailand, leadership engagements in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and visits to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, turning aspiration into reality. “Each place I have visited has taught me that the world is vast yet connected. My purpose extends far beyond borders,” he reflects.

The Vice Chancellor’s Award recognises not only academic excellence but also outstanding leadership, influence, and commitment to co-curricular development. On receiving the accolade, Baloyi shared heartfelt gratitude: “This honour fills me with tears of joy. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported my journey, especially my parents, who have witnessed me rise to fulfil my potential.”

Key contributors to his success include:

• Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Patrick Demana, inspired him to aim higher.
• Dean of the School of Medicine, Prof. Chauke Risenga, highlighting the importance of safeguarding reputation.
• Group Senior Executive, Strategic Trade at Aspen Pharma Group, Dr Stavros Nicolaou, reminding him that knowledge must translate into action.

Baloyi’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Leadership is not about recognition; it is about impact, service, and the courage to lift others as you climb.” Humility guides him, echoing Bishop Benjamin Dube’s wisdom: “If you humble yourself, he will lift you up.”

With top honours at every stage of his education and now pursuing a Master’s in Pharmacy, Baloyi is more than a high achiever. He is a transformative leader whose vision, determination, and purpose inspire those around him. “I am not merely making history; I am shaping the future,” he declares, embodying the spirit of a true trailblazer.

Baloyi’s journey is a testament to what vision, perseverance, and service can achieve. It demonstrates that leadership and influence are not measured by titles but by the lasting impact one has on others.

By Dimakatso Modise

SMU Convocation leads a movement to fund South Africa’s future health sciences leaders

by Lorato | Oct 21, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

At a time when South Africa’s health system continues to demand capable, compassionate, and visionary professionals, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is once again leading from the front. Through its Convocation, the university is rallying alumni, partners, and the broader corporate community to reinvest in the next generation of health-sciences leaders.

This initiative will culminate in a prestigious evening of celebration and purpose — the SMU Convocation Fundraising & Alumni Awards Gala Dinner, to be held on 25 October 2025, under the theme “SMU NextGen: Investing in South Africa’s Future of Health Sciences.”

The gala will bring together distinguished alumni, corporate partners, government leaders, and philanthropists in an atmosphere of elegance and generosity, while raising critical funds to support financially constrained students in the health-sciences disciplines.

A vision born of convocation leadership

For Japhta Phala, President of the SMU Convocation, the gala represents far more than a single fundraising event but a powerful act of collective responsibility. “The Convocation was inspired to initiate this fundraising gala because we understand that education remains the most enduring investment in South Africa’s future,” says Phala. “As alumni, we are products of a system that once gave us a chance to realise our dreams and now it is our turn to extend that opportunity to those who come after us.”

Under Phala’s leadership, the Convocation Executive Committee has prioritised rebuilding the bridge between SMU and its alumni network, not only through nostalgic reconnection but through tangible, transformative contribution. The gala is envisioned as an annual anchor event to institutionalise alumni giving and affirm SMU’s standing as a national asset in health sciences education.

Phala emphasises that the event also serves as a symbolic bridge between SMU’s proud legacy and South Africa’s urgent need for more skilled health sciences professionals.

“We hope this initiative will make a measurable difference in the lives of our students — students who are talented, committed, and eager to serve,” he explains. “Beyond financial relief, this is about restoring dignity and hope. It’s about ensuring that a gifted student from a rural or township background doesn’t abandon their dream simply because they can’t afford to continue studying.”

He adds that the gala reflects the broader spirit of SMU itself; a university founded to democratise access to health-sciences education and to transform the health landscape of South Africa.

Alumni and partners: The lifeblood of progress

Phala believes the success of SMU’s mission depends on a collective ecosystem of support where alumni and partners play an active, enduring role.

“Our alumni and partners are vital architects of the university’s future,” he notes. “Their involvement, whether through mentorship, research collaboration, or financial contribution is what keeps the SMU flame burning. They embody the university’s values in the workplace and in society, and their investment today will shape the calibre of healthcare professionals our country produces tomorrow.”

The Convocation Executive Committee echoes this sentiment, calling on alumni from across generations to see themselves not as former students, but as lifelong ambassadors and investors in the institution’s continued excellence.

Beyond the fundraising appeal, the gala will honour outstanding alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in medicine, governance, innovation, and social impact. Through initiatives like this, SMU is positioning itself not only as a centre of academic excellence but also as a hub for national health transformation, driven by its own graduates.

Phala concludes: “The future of SMU — and indeed South Africa’s health sciences system will be written by those who understand that legacy is not what we inherit, but what we build for others to inherit. This gala is our collective commitment to that principle.”

Event: SMU Convocation Fundraising & Alumni Awards Gala Dinner
Theme: SMU NextGen – Investing in South Africa’s Future of Health Sciences
Date: 25 October 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie (Men – Black & White Tuxedos | Women – Elegant Red Gowns)
For Sponsorships/Donations More Information: letsai.mashishi@smu.ac.za

By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli

SMU welcomes the newly constituted 2025/2026 SRC

by Lorato | Oct 16, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 2025 Student Representative Council (SRC) elections and the constitution of a new cohort of student leaders for the 2025/2026 term.

The elections, held on 18 September 2025, reflected the University’s commitment to democratic values and participatory governance. Following the voting process, all objections were addressed through proper channels, ensuring transparency and fairness. The final results were officially published on 6 October 2025, and the new SRC was formally constituted on 7 October 2025.

Tulani Nkuntse, Director of Student Affairs, congratulated the newly elected council and thanked students for their active participation. “We wish the new SRC well in their term and look forward to their meaningful contribution towards improving the student experience at SMU. They carry the trust and confidence of their peers,” he said.

The SRC serves as a vital governance structure, linking students and University management. The newly elected council is expected to strengthen student representation, enhance communication, and promote initiatives that advance academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

The 2025/2026 SRC comprises:

Nkuntse emphasised that the SRC must embody teamwork, accountability, and servant leadership. “Leadership at SMU is not only about representation but also about stewardship — driving initiatives that improve student life and promote academic success,” he said.

This year’s elections marked a significant milestone with a voter turnout of 63.67%, more than double previous years. “Such engagement reflects students’ growing awareness of the importance of participation in governance and their commitment to building a stronger, inclusive student community,” Nkuntse added.

The new council assumes office as the University continues to prioritise student development, wellness, and engagement. In the coming months, the SRC will collaborate with the Department of Student Affairs on programmes aimed at improving residence life, promoting student wellness, expanding recreational opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

SMU remains committed to nurturing student leadership and empowering young leaders to make a lasting impact within and beyond the University. “We look forward to seeing this council continue the legacy of strong student leadership and contribute to a vibrant, engaged, and inclusive campus environment,” concluded Nkuntse.

By Dimakatso Modise