by Lorato | Jun 4, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a triumph that marries national pride with academic excellence, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumnus Felix Nkuna has emerged as a symbol of results-driven leadership after playing a pivotal medical role in South Africa’s historic victory at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. As the sports physiotherapist for South Africa’s U-20 men’s football team, affectionately known as Amajita, Nkuna’s behind-the-scenes expertise was instrumental in keeping the team at peak performance, culminating in a 1–0 win over Morocco in the final held in Egypt on 18 May 2025. His success not only earns him national acclaim but also exemplifies SMU’s core value of effective leadership on the continental stage.
Nkuna’s contribution was vital in keeping the players in peak condition throughout the tournament. “My role is to treat injuries, assist with rehabilitation, and implement preventative strategies,” he explained. “We operate as a team—the coach, sports physician, biokineticist, and myself—to ensure every player is match-fit.”
The success with Amajita is not just a professional milestone—it’s deeply personal for Nkuna, who describes it as the “biggest achievement” of his career so far. “To tell you the truth, this is the biggest thing I have ever achieved. I am now focusing on going to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with them. The tournament will run from 27 September to 19 October 2025,” he said. “This achievement summarises my career.”
Nkuna’s journey to the national team is rooted in resilience, humility, and unwavering faith. Raised in a family of academics, his late father instilled in him a deep respect for education. “My father, who passed away last year, always believed in education. My brothers were academic stars in our community, and I felt a lot of pressure to do well,” he reflected.
After matriculating, Nkuna pursued physiotherapy at SMU, a decision inspired by a senior physiotherapist who lived not far from his village and his own love for football, which he played from Grade 1 to Grade 10. “When I arrived at SMU, I joined the soccer team, but I struggled a bit since I had stayed two years without kicking a ball. Eventually, I found my rhythm playing for a local team called Ajax FC, but by then, I was finishing my degree,” he said.
Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Nkuna furthered his education with a Master’s in Sports Medicine, also at SMU. “I chose to work in sports. I wanted to combine my academic training with my passion,” he explained. Nkuna recalls his university days with fondness. “My time at SMU was nice. My brother, Dr Msuthu Andrea Nkuna, was already an SRC member when I arrived, so things were a bit easier for me. At SMU, you learn to survive with the basics—no need for fancy clothes or flashy cars. We came from humble beginnings. In my corridor, we used to share bread, and I often gave away clothes to those who had less. Now, some of those guys are GPs and allied health professionals. That makes me proud.”
Reflecting on the recent tournament, Nkuna emphasised the unity within the Amajita camp. “This U-20 team is a family. The players, the technical staff, and the medical team—we’re all united. It makes being in camp feel like home. The coach, Raymond Mdaka, always checks on me. Dr Singe Chonco and I have a rare bond—it’s uncommon for a physio and medical doctor to work so well together.”
One of the defining moments of the tournament came when Nkuna and the medical team had to make a tough call regarding a player with an unclear injury. “The coach really needed him, but we were sceptical. After thorough assessment and teamwork, we cleared him—and he ended up playing the whole tournament without any issues.”
Nkuna remains grounded despite his growing reputation. “All in all, I give God the glory. This opportunity has boosted my profile, but it’s by grace. I believe in changing lives positively and being grateful.” To aspiring physiotherapists and students, Nkuna offers this advice: “Don’t look down on yourselves. Take every opportunity seriously. Be humble, respectful, and study hard. Education builds your self-esteem. Enjoy every situation with what you have. No one owes you success—you are in charge of your life.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its reputation as a centre of academic excellence and transformative education, as one of its distinguished alumnae, Dr Prudence Buthelezi, rises to prominence across Africa. A celebrated medical doctor, award-winning author, and outspoken advocate for healthcare justice, Dr Buthelezi embodies the University’s commitment to professional training, cutting-edge research, and socially responsive scholarship.
Her recent recognition at the prestigious Emerge Africa Awards—where she received accolades for her compelling debut book Fortitude—cements her status as both a trailblazer in the healthcare sector and a powerful literary voice. Through her work, Dr Buthelezi is not only changing lives in clinical settings but also shaping critical conversations about equity, resilience, and reform within the African health landscape.
“I’m overjoyed and deeply humbled to receive this recognition,” said Dr Buthelezi. “Fortitude was born from personal pain and resilience, inspired by my sister Thabisile, who was left paralysed after a devastating car accident. This award validates her story and the journey of so many caregivers and families navigating disability.”
The Emerge Africa Award is the second honour for Fortitude, following the African Honoree Authors Award in 2023. The book, which candidly explores the challenges of caring for people with disabilities, has resonated widely. “Many readers, especially caregivers, have told me the book gave them hope and practical tools. It’s a reminder that they’re not alone,” she shared.
An alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Dr Buthelezi credits the institution for shaping her both professionally and personally. “SMU didn’t just educate me—it nurtured me. Coming from a previously disadvantaged community, I faced countless barriers. But SMU’s commitment to excellence and transformation gave me purpose and resilience,” she said.
Though her journey into medicine was inspired by her sister’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a doctor, Dr Buthelezi admits she never foresaw becoming a published author or health advocate. “Writing Fortitude was not part of the original plan. But my experiences revealed a profound need for mental resilience and support for caregivers—something I felt compelled to address.”
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed in the broader healthcare community. In addition to her literary accolades, she recently received a Recognition Award from the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for her leadership and patient-centred care. “These awards are deeply personal,” she reflected. “They honour my sister’s journey and affirm that Fortitude is making the impact I hoped for—bringing dignity and support to those who need it most.”
Beyond her writing, Dr Buthelezi is the co-founder of the National Health Care Professionals Association (NHCPA), an organisation established to protect healthcare workers’ rights and promote quality patient care. “We saw a need to address financial challenges, unfair treatment, and systemic barriers faced by healthcare professionals, especially those from marginalised communities,” she explained.
One of her most significant advocacy moments came in the wake of the Section 59 Investigation Panel’s 2021 report, which confirmed systemic racial profiling by major medical aids. “For years, black professionals like myself were flagged unfairly. Some faced financial devastation, even suicide. The report was a vindication—but more importantly, it sparked a national dialogue that continues today.”
In her pursuit of equitable healthcare, Dr Buthelezi also launched Ezempilo/Zwa Mutakalo, a talk show delivering health education in indigenous languages. “It’s about making healthcare accessible. By speaking in isiZulu, Sesotho and Tshivenda, we ensure our communities understand and trust the information they receive.”
Her journey has not been without hardship. She speaks openly about the emotional toll of caring for a sister with brain injuries and raising a son with health complications. “These experiences have taught me that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for empathy and strength.”
Dr Buthelezi’s faith plays a central role in her resilience. “It’s what keeps me grounded. In both medicine and advocacy, my spirituality reminds me that everyone deserves dignity and compassion.”
Looking to the future, she plans to expand the message of Fortitude through workshops and digital platforms. “I want to reach more people—especially those who feel invisible. This message of resilience is bigger than me.”
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave, her answer is clear: “I want to be remembered as someone who empowered others—particularly women and marginalised communities—to find strength in their stories. Anyone, regardless of their background, can be a force for change.”
To young women with big dreams but difficult paths, she offers this message: “Never underestimate your power. Your challenges don’t define you—they build your strength. Speak up. Push forward. Your voice matters, and the world needs it.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to champion excellence and innovation in health sciences, as one of its esteemed academics, Professor Johanna Meyer, is honoured with the 2025 PHILA Lifetime Achievement Award by the Public Health Association of South Africa (PHASA). This distinguished award recognises individuals whose lifelong contributions have left a lasting and meaningful impact on public health in South Africa and beyond.
A respected scholar and advocate, Professor Meyer has dedicated decades of her academic and professional life to strengthening public health systems and advancing health equity. Describing the award as “humbling and unexpected,” she joins a select group of visionaries whose work continues to shape healthier futures through research, education, and service. Her recognition is a testament not only to personal dedication but also to SMU’s growing influence in transforming health services across the country.
“I never imagined that, among all the brilliant public health professionals in the country, I would be selected. But this award is not just for me – it reflects the collective effort of many people who have walked this journey with me,” she said.
Her journey is a testament to SMU’s commitment to excellence, reflected in her work on immunisation, pharmacovigilance, antimicrobial stewardship, and health policy advocacy. Over the years, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening public health systems and promoting the rational use of medicines and vaccines.
Professor Meyer’s interest in public health was sparked early in her career, but deepened significantly when she joined the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC). Through SAVIC, she found a platform to focus on vaccine safety, training of healthcare workers, and boosting vaccine confidence—particularly in underserved communities.
“Vaccines became the vehicle through which I could pursue my goal of improving public health. I focused on their safety, uptake, and rational use – and on building trust,” she noted.
Her commitment to public service is evident in her leadership roles, both past and present. These include serving on the World Health Organization’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety and chairing both the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee.
Professor Meyer’s work became even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, SAVIC trained healthcare workers across South Africa to implement the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. She also led national efforts to monitor vaccine safety and address public concerns—a demonstration of leadership and accountability during a time of global uncertainty.
“I was on radio, TV, and Zoom calls almost every day, helping people understand vaccine safety and countering misinformation,” she recalls.
Her team’s efforts helped establish pharmacovigilance systems that now extend across five African countries.
Professor Meyer is not only a scientist and leader but also a devoted mentor. Her approach reflects SMU’s value of respect, particularly in the way she supports and inspires students and emerging public health professionals.
“Mentoring starts with motivating the heart. I encourage students to focus on public service, even when change is slow. Persistence matters,” she says.
She also advocates for greater academic engagement with government and policy work, especially in a country grappling with systemic challenges in healthcare delivery.
“Policymaking must be guided by scientific evidence. Independent voices are crucial to protect the integrity of our health systems,” she adds.
Professor Meyer continues to be a leading voice in public health, with ongoing work in antimicrobial resistance, community engagement, and vaccine safety. Her unwavering commitment to the greater good—often behind the scenes—epitomises the spirit of service that aligns closely with SMU’s ethos.
Despite global challenges such as misinformation, climate change denial, and anti-science sentiment, Professor Meyer remains optimistic and committed to inspiring future generations.
“There are so many opportunities to make a real difference. You just have to stay committed,” she says.
She often draws strength from the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
SMU is proud to count Professor Meyer among its esteemed academic leaders—a professional whose work is anchored in excellence, integrity, respect, and accountability, and whose legacy will inspire public health champions for generations to come.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) joined the global stage in celebrating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2025, embracing this year’s theme, “Intellectual Property and Music – Feel the Beat”, with an inspiring showcase of local talent, innovation, and powerful dialogue.
Through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), SMU hosted a vibrant event that highlighted the critical role of IP in the creative economy, particularly in music, and its potential to drive transformation, empowerment, and economic growth. The celebration not only amplified awareness around IP rights but also spotlighted the intersection between artistic expression and scientific ingenuity within the SMU community.
The event brought together inventors, academics, legal experts, students, and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem to reflect on the role of intellectual property in stimulating creativity, safeguarding ideas, and contributing to economic development, particularly within the spheres of academia, music, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Delivering the opening address, Professor Mapaseka Seheri, SMU’s Director of Research and Innovation, warmly welcomed delegates and emphasised the transformative power of innovation.
“Innovation makes the world work better,” she said. “At SMU, we believe that fostering a deep understanding of intellectual property among researchers and students empowers them to translate ideas into impact.”
Her remarks set the tone for a morning of education, empowerment, and celebration of local ingenuity. Pontsho Mampuru from the Technology Transfer Office provided a concise overview of the event’s purpose. She highlighted the importance of demystifying intellectual property and encouraging researchers to engage proactively with available systems to protect their work.
“World IP Day is more than just an annual event—it’s an invitation to every creative mind to take ownership of their ideas and protect what they produce,” she noted.
The audience was particularly inspired by Nondumiso Nkosi, a local inventor who developed a diagnostic tool for Hepatitis B. Nkosi shared her journey from idea to implementation, underscoring the crucial support she received from the TTO in securing intellectual property protection for her invention.
“Before this, I didn’t even know what intellectual property was. But the TTO believed in me and walked the journey with me,” she said. “This tool has the potential to close healthcare gaps across communities. IP is not just paperwork—it’s power, it’s protection, and it’s a passport to taking your idea to the world.”
Let’s give Nondumiso Nkosi a big cheer! Nondumiso, your journey from concept to impact is truly inspiring. Developing a diagnostic tool for Hepatitis B is a remarkable achievement, and your partnership with the TTO at SMU highlights the transformative potential of innovation and IP protection. Your work is a beacon of how innovation can improve lives and uplift communities.
Offering a compelling legal perspective, Dr/Adv Ophrey Ntsuxeko Shibambu, a law lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), explored the intersection between intellectual property and music, aligning with this year’s global theme.
“Music is not only entertainment; it is intellectual labour. Every beat, every lyric, every melody deserves legal protection,” he said. “Understanding copyright, licensing, and royalties is essential for creatives to fully benefit from their craft.”
He further encouraged institutions to bridge the gap between artists and legal systems by promoting awareness and strengthening policy support.
Jetane Charsley, Head of NIPMO, delivered an insightful presentation on the legislative frameworks governing IP in South Africa. She focused on how the Intellectual Property Rights from the Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act) empowers public institutions to manage and commercialise innovations effectively.
“Every invention coming out of publicly funded research must be protected. That’s our mandate at NIPMO,” said Charsley. “Our role is to ensure that knowledge doesn’t remain locked in academic journals—it must reach society.”
She also provided insights into legislation around traditional knowledge, noting that innovations, particularly in plant-based medicine—must be documented, respected, and protected under national and international IP frameworks.
“We must not leave behind our traditional knowledge holders. IP law is evolving to ensure that communities benefit from what they have always known, cultivated, and passed on,” she said.
Charsley further unpacked key aspects of copyright law, especially relevant to music and the creative arts.
“Copyright is automatic the moment a creative work is fixed in a tangible form. However, registering your work and understanding your rights ensures that you can claim your fair share when it’s used,” she added.
The event concluded with a resounding message: innovation and intellectual property are not only the domain of scientists or lawyers—they belong to everyone. From diagnostics to digital art, music, and traditional medicine, every idea holds value and deserves protection.
As the global community commemorated World Intellectual Property Day, SMU reaffirmed its commitment to building a future in which its researchers, students, and surrounding communities are empowered to innovate boldly and protect wisely.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | May 29, 2025 | All News, SMU Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its role as a catalyst for change in South Africa’s health sciences landscape, driven by a bold vision to transform education, research, and community service. This commitment was powerfully reflected during the 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies, held from 21 to 23 May, where the University conferred over 1,200 qualifications across its five academic schools.
The celebrations not only recognised academic achievement but also marked a historic milestone—the awarding of SMU’s first-ever honorary doctorate, underscoring the University’s steady rise as a hub of innovation, excellence, and national impact in higher education and healthcare development.
“This graduation series is not just a ceremonial rite—it is a powerful affirmation of the University’s mission to train a new generation of leaders, healers, and scientific pioneers,” said Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele. “Our graduates step into the frontlines of health and scientific progress at a time when their skills are most needed.”
A total of 1,294 qualifications were conferred, with 69% being undergraduate degrees and 31% postgraduate qualifications. These included 33 postgraduate diplomas, 196 honours degrees, 162 master’s degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees.
The data further underscored SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and transformation. Women accounted for 65.2% of graduates, with 95 of the 102 cum laude and 27 summa cum laude distinctions awarded to female students.
Racially, 94.3% of the graduates were African, followed by 3.4% White, 1.5% Indian, and 0.8% Coloured graduates. Importantly, 124 of the graduates had entered the institution through the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), exemplifying SMU’s efforts in widening access to tertiary education.
In a historic highlight, SMU conferred its first honorary doctoral degree upon Professor Phuti Esrom Ngoepe, a globally respected physicist renowned for his groundbreaking work in Materials Modelling. The honour recognises his lifetime contributions to the advancement of science and innovation in South Africa and around the world.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Ngoepe reflected on the honour with deep humility and gratitude. “I would like to express my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for conferring this honour upon me today. I humbly accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked tirelessly alongside me over the years.”
This is a milestone not only for SMU but for the entire scientific community. Prof Ngoepe’s work has bridged the gap between theoretical science and practical societal benefit. SMU is immensely proud to welcome him into its family.
Prof Ngoepe’s award also underscores SMU’s intention to broaden its academic footprint beyond health sciences and further establish itself as a multidisciplinary hub of excellence.
The graduation ceremonies reflected SMU’s interdisciplinary approach to addressing the country’s complex socio-health challenges:
- School of Medicine: 524 graduates, including 305 undergraduate degrees and 64 master’s degrees.
- School of Dentistry: 96 graduates, including 86 undergraduate degrees.
- School of Health Care Sciences: 240 graduates, including 168 undergraduates and 45 master’s.
- School of Pharmacy: 106 graduates, with qualifications ranging from higher certificates to doctoral degrees.
- School of Science and Technology: 230 graduates, including 204 BSc degrees and 3 doctoral degrees.
A posthumous degree was also conferred during the ceremony in honour of the late BSc Honours in Chemistry graduate, Noko James Pole, whose academic efforts were tragically cut short, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience and humanity behind the academic journey.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Mabelebele invoked a Ghanaian proverb— “Knowledge is like a baobab tree; one person’s arms can never wrap around it”—to inspire continued learning among graduates.
SMU graduates understand that their qualifications come with a purpose and responsibility—to heal, to innovate, to serve. With a blend of tradition, academic rigour and a vision for inclusive transformation, the 2025 Autumn Graduation affirmed that both the present and future, indeed, belong to SMU.
By Tumelo Moila
