by Kegorapetse | Jun 7, 2019 | SMU Media
The 2019 graduation ceremonies of the SMU stood out as one of the most celebrated highlights in the university’s five year history due to the high number of students who obtained their degrees cum laude and overcoming of the odds.
A record of 30 students ascended the stage and were awarded their degrees with distinctions. The students were from the School of Science and Technology, the School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy. The glory was not only savored by those who obtained outstanding marks in their studies, but also by those who persevered and overcame serious physical and psychological challenges, in their studies.
Ms. Tsholofelo Mtshweni, who was born with bilateral mild to profound Sensory-Neural Hearing Loss (SNHL) was one such student. She registered for a Bachelor of Speech, Language, Audiology, Pathology (BSLAP), in 2013. In her third year, she was diagnosed with SNHL. Suffering from SNHL, she experiences problems with the translation of theoretical knowledge into practice because the hearing loss worsened to an extent of affecting her speech recognition abilities. She, subsequently, lost her ability to pronounce some sounds and words properly.
Unable to pronounce some sounds and words properly as a BSLPA student was not going to augur well for her because the profession deals with hearing impairment, language, speech and articulation disorders. So, the lecturers intervened and convinced her and her parents to discontinue BSLAP studies and register afresh for Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm). Her heart was broken as she had to start all over again. With the love of her family, the mentorship of Ms. Lindi Zikalala, her lecturer and support of friends, she persisted and completed her B.Pharm degree in 2019.
The other graduate who experienced psychological challenges was Dr Sandile Ndlovu. Having completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in record time, he registered at SMU for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), in 2001. In the course of his MBChB studies, he suffered from a depressive illness and consequently discontinued his studies. Having spent some time on treatment, he obtained a medical clearance which was a mandatory requirement for him to be readmitted to continue with his studies. He was ably mentored by Prof. Pindile Mntla, Head of the Department of Cardiology and Ms. Angie Malope, the Academic Coordinator, who was his social and emotional mentor. Ndlovu completed his studies and graduated in 2019.
Dr. Ananias Kgopa, a Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, established a Tissue-Culture and Molecular Biology Laboratory for Honours, Masters and PhD students, at SMU. Dr. Kgopa built the laboratory anew as the university did not have one. The Laboratory focuses on Cancer and Diabetes research, using tissue culture to explore the impact of traditional medicine on the management of Diabetes and Cancer.
by Kegorapetse | May 11, 2019 | SMU Media, statements
Media Alert
10 May 2019
For Immediate Release
The members of the media are hereby invited to grace the SMU’s graduation ceremonies which will be held from 13 to 15 May 2019, 10h00, at the Sports Complex, SMU, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Molotlegi Street, Pretoria, GPS Coordinates 25.6212° S 28 0169° E.
The highlights of these premier events of the university will be the recognition and celebration of 29 students who will be awarded their degrees cum laude (outstanding results). They will receive exciting prizes for their achievements.
Mr. Ananias Kgopa, a Lecturer and a Ph.D Student, in the Department of Biochemistry, established a tissue-culture and molecular biology laboratory for Honours, Masters and PhD students, at SMU. Kgopa had to build the laboratory afresh as the university did not have one. The Laboratory focuses on Cancer and Diabetes research, using tissue culture to explore the impact of traditional medicine to manage Diabetes and Cancer.
The audience will also listen to these influential speakers delivering key note address as follows:
| Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Deputy Vice- Chancellor (DVC) , Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
13 May 2019 |
School of Science and Technology |
| Mr Vincent Tlala, Chief Operation Officer (COO), South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) |
14 May 2019 |
School of Health Care Science and School of Pharmacy |
| Prof Ncoza Dlova, Dean and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine, University of KZN. |
15 May 2019 |
School of Medicine and School of Oral Health Sciences |
The copies of the speeches of the speakers will be made available after they have been presented. Should you wish to interview any of the cum laude students, please indicate to enable us to arrange it.
Ends
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Email: eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563
by Kegorapetse | Jan 10, 2019 | SMU Media
From 2015, Sefako Makgatho Health Scienes University (SMU) students have been flying to University of Oxford Medical School in the United Kingdom to have first-hand experience in European Medicine. Miss Pipeloluwa Mercy Adegbenro (21), a fifth year student in Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor Surgery (MBChB) at SMU is one of the 50 Elective students from around the world who will be embarking on such a journey.
The programme will run for the entire month of December 2018 at the Department of Neurosurgery, John Radcliffe Hospital. She will be attending ward rounds and observing Neurosurgical procedures in the theatre.
“My father, Mr. Adegbenro always says preparation plus opportunity brings success. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has efficiently equipped me and I am grateful to God for this tremendous opportunity to represent the school on a global platform”, said Ms. Adegbenro.
by Kegorapetse | Jul 31, 2018 | SMU Media, statements
Media Alert
31 July 2018
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) will host Prof Bongani Mayosi’s Memorial Service
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) will host the Memorial Service of the late Prof Bongani Mayosi. The members of the media are hereby informed about the memorial service of the late Prof Bongani Mayosi. The late Prof Mayosi was the dean of the faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT), a world-renowned researcher and a scholar. Prof Mayosi collaborated with SMU on various medical research projects. Further to that, he supported the University with training of subspecialist at Groote Schuur hospital. The memorial service will be held on Thursday 2 August 2018, at the Sports Complex, SMU, Ga-Rankuwa, and Pretoria at 15h00.
The provisional programme of the memorial service is as follows:
- Opening and Welcome: Prof Chris de Beer, SMU Vice-Chancellor
- Purpose of the day: MEC Dr Gwen Ramokgopa/Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla
Speakers:
- Prof Pindile Mntla, SMU
- Prof Green Thompson, University of the Witwatersrand
- Prof Mofolo/Baloyi, University of the Free State (UOFS)
- Prof Mokgokong / Prof Rantloane, University of Pretoria (UP)
- Prof Mike Sathekge, President, College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA)
- Prof Velaphi, Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Dr Kgosi Letlape, Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
- Friends/Colleagues/Students: Dr Martin Mpe, Dr Zweli Mkhize
- Student, SMU SRC President
- Eulogy, Prof Luvhengo, University of the Witwatersrand
- Vote of thanks, Dr Pooe
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Contact Dr Eric Pule, the Director, Marketing & Communication
Phone 012 521 4563
by Kegorapetse | May 17, 2018 | SMU Media
Media Invite 17 May 2018
For Immediate Release
Invitation to SMU 2018 Open Days to witness the Wonders of Science
On Friday 18 May 2018, from 7h30 to 16h00, thousands of learners dressed in their school uniforms will converge at the SMU Sports Complex, in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria. These Grades 10, 11 and 12 learners, studying Maths, Physical Science and Life Science have been invited to 2018 Open Day to witness the wonders of science demonstrated by academics and senior students, of the SMU. They will be coming from the catchment areas of Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. Parents and members of our communities are also welcome. Entrance is free of any charge.
The Open Day is a platform for the SMU to line up exciting demonstrations to inspire and fire the imaginations of these future scientists who will be attending the open day. A mascot of SMU, will also be unveiled to welcome the learners. Of a very wide menu of elaborate demonstrations that have been prepared over the months, the most notable samplings are:
(1). School of Science & Technology’s – Mobile Science Bus
● Human battery a detailed and vividly coloured model provides a visually and kinaesthetically effective method for studying the structure and function of the human body.
● Mathematical puzzles- learners will be given opportunities to solve puzzles that motivate them in Maths problem solving techniques.
● Snell’s law demonstrations – learners will learn about a formula used to describe the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, when referring to light or other waves passing through a boundary between two different isotropic media, such as water, glass, or air.
● Chemistry demonstration- how to water, wine, milk, beer
● Rates of chemical reactions
● Chemistry of colours – what adds colours to fire-works
● Standardization of an acid with a base
● Circuit interpretation
● Floating material –Densities
The department of public health will dedicate a senior student, who is involved in drug addiction research, to explain to the learners the dangers of use of Nyaope and other addictive substances.
In addition to these challenging demonstrations, the four schools, namely health care sciences, medicine, oral health sciences and pharmacy will also showcase their various programme offerings and also explain to the learners what it takes to be admitted to study programmes and career opportunities open to the learners, upon completion of their studies, at SMU.
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Contact Dr Eric Pule, the Director, Marketing & Communication
Phone 012 521 4563
