by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye, a proud alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Founder of the Kids Dental Home Foundation (KDHF), has made history as the first African dentist to win first place in the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Award, sponsored by Colgate. The award was presented at the 2025 International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) Congress in Cape Town (22–25 October), honouring trailblazers advancing innovative, preventive oral health programmes for children.
Her winning initiative, Saving Smiles in Africa: A Multi-Faceted Initiative to Transform Paediatric Oral Health in Underserved Communities, stood out for its measurable impact, innovation, and compassion. Founded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, KDHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming children’s oral health through prevention, education, and access to care. What began as a response to children waiting months for essential dental services has evolved into a continent-wide movement of hope and prevention.
Transforming Oral Health, One Smile at a Time
Since its inception, KDHF has:
- Performed 41 free dental surgeries for children suffering from Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
- Conducted more than 3,000 dental screenings in communities across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Zimbabwe.
- Trained and empowered over 4,000 caregivers, teachers, and children through Preventive Oral Health Education Workshops.
- Introduced hundreds of children to their first-ever dental visit through the affiliated Kids Dental Home practice in Montana Park, Pretoria.
The foundation’s Mobile Dental Truck is its crown jewel — a fully equipped, travelling dental clinic and classroom that takes oral health directly to schools, hospitals, churches, and rural communities. It offers free treatment and delivers hands-on education about hygiene and nutrition, making oral health accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
“Our mission is simple,” says Dr Sibisi-Maboye. “We meet families where they are — at home, in schools, or in community halls — and we teach that prevention isn’t just a dental concept; it’s a community lifestyle.”
Sibisi-Maboye credits her alma mater, SMU, for laying the ethical and professional foundation that guides her work. “SMU taught me that healthcare is both a science and a service,” she says. “That understanding drives everything we do at KDHF.”
Her recognition on the international stage reflects not only her personal dedication but also underscores SMU’s enduring legacy of producing socially conscious, globally competitive healthcare professionals.
Now based at both SMU and the University of Pretoria, Sibisi-Maboye serves as a part-time lecturer at both institutions — in the Department of Operative Dentistry at SMU and the Department of Odontology at the University of Pretoria — where she mentors dental students. She is shaping a new generation of practitioners who see dentistry not merely as a career, but as a vehicle for change. “This award belongs to the children we serve — the heartbeat of our mission. Every smile we save is a future transformed,” she affirms.
Sibisi-Maboye’s journey — from student to international award-winning innovator — exemplifies how passion, purpose, and perseverance can redefine public health. Through KDHF’s partnerships with hospitals, universities, and corporate sponsors, she continues to unite communities under one shared goal: ensuring that every child has access to a healthy, confident smile.
Her story is a powerful reminder that the greatest change often begins with one act of care — and that every SMU graduate carries the potential to make a global impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 23, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Adverts
In celebration of National Oral Health Month, the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) School of Dentistry joined forces with the Directorate of Student Health and Wellness at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to promote oral hygiene awareness and preventive care among TUT students and staff. The campaign reflected a shared mission — to prioritise holistic student wellness and integrate oral health into the broader conversation about overall well-being.
The collaboration, now in its second year, combined clinical expertise from SMU with student outreach and logistical coordination by TUT. The event provided free oral health screenings and educational sessions to approximately 250 students and staff, addressing one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of student health.
“Oral health is often neglected, but it’s fundamental to overall health and academic success,” said Kelebogile Mothupi-Modika, a lecturer and community engagement officer at SMU. “By partnering with TUT, we’re ensuring that students have access to preventive care and education that can make a lasting difference.”
The screenings took place under gazebos on campus, where SMU Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene students and staff conducted assessments and provided guidance on proper oral hygiene. TUT peer educators supported the initiative by managing registration, overseeing queues, and leading awareness activities. The event was promoted through digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to effectively engage the student community.
The campaign uncovered common oral health challenges, including dental caries, gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, and tooth sensitivity. These findings, according to organisers, emphasise the ongoing need for education and preventive intervention.
“A healthy smile builds confidence and encourages participation,” said Kholofelo Mawela, a representative from TUT’s Directorate of Student Health. “When students feel good about their oral health, it boosts their self-esteem, attendance, and focus — all of which contribute to academic performance.”
Beyond clinical benefits, the initiative had a deeper educational and social impact. Students were taught essential oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, quitting tobacco, and scheduling regular dental visits. Those needing further treatment were referred to the SMU Oral Health Centre, where affordable care is available.
SMU’s School of Dentistry played a central role, offering not only screenings but also educational materials, oral care samples, and mentorship for student volunteers. The collaboration also created valuable experiential learning opportunities for dental students — reinforcing SMU’s commitment to social accountability and community engagement.
“This partnership shows how inter-institutional collaboration can make healthcare education both impactful and inclusive,” noted Mothupi-Modika. “Clinical engagement initiatives like this bridge academia and community service — shaping students into compassionate, socially responsive professionals.”
The programme also highlighted the need for continued advocacy. Despite being young adults, many participants presented untreated dental conditions, underscoring the importance of sustained awareness campaigns.
Looking ahead, both institutions plan to expand the initiative across campuses, with hopes of developing a long-term oral health promotion programme that integrates research, education, and community outreach.
As Mothupi-Modika concluded, “Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your confidence, well-being, and success — both inside and outside the classroom.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 7, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently hosted a joint webinar with Touro University’s School of Dental Medicine, based in New York, USA, to advance global academic exchange and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). The session was facilitated by Professor Douglas Maleka, Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences at SMU.
This webinar forms part of a growing international partnership spearheaded by the university’s Directorate of Internationalisation. Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU, stated that the initiative aligns with the institution’s broader mission: “As the only dedicated health sciences university in Southern Africa, we have a responsibility to engage in meaningful cross-border collaborations that push the boundaries of knowledge and clinical innovation. This partnership allows us to benchmark against international best practices and expand our academic footprint.”
A highlight of the session was a complex case study presented by Dr Dakalo Nelwamondo from the School of Dentistry at SMU. It featured a 39-year-old male inmate experiencing persistent jaw pain, restricted mouth opening, and bilateral preauricular tenderness, years after a motor vehicle accident. The case provided real-world insight into the chronic challenges of diagnosing and managing TMD.
The webinar’s interdisciplinary format brought together specialists from a range of healthcare fields. Dr Singh Rajbaran from Maxillofacial and Oral Radiology offered insights into the importance of detailed imaging in diagnosis. Dr Sibusiso Mpungose from Prosthodontics discussed the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I and II diagnostic frameworks. He explained that Axis I focuses on the clinical physical diagnosis of TMD, including muscle and joint conditions, while Axis II assesses psychosocial factors and pain-related disability. “A systematic, patient-specific approach is essential,” he noted. “TMD is multifaceted—it requires looking beyond just mechanical symptoms.”
From physiotherapy, Ishmerelda Mabena-Segoe and Dr Muhammad Dawood explored conservative rehabilitation strategies such as movement-based therapy, postural correction, and trigger point treatment. “Our goal is to restore function while minimising invasive interventions,” said Mabena-Segoe.
Dr Rahab Mothapo from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology highlighted oral-motor rehabilitation—an often-overlooked aspect of TMD management. “TMD affects more than jaw movement—it impacts speech, swallowing, and overall communication,” she explained.
Jacques Pretorius, Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer in the School of Medicine, addressed the psychosocial implications of TMD. “Chronic pain is never just physical,” he emphasised. “In South Africa, we must approach pain through a biopsychosocial–spiritual lens to ensure holistic care.”
In closing, Professor Irene Munzhelele, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon, stressed the need for collaboration across disciplines. “Effective TMD treatment is not the domain of one profession,” she said. “It requires a team-based approach, integrating dental, medical, therapeutic, and psychological care.”
This event reflects SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. The successful webinar paves the way for further collaborative efforts and shared learning opportunities. As Jooste remarked, “This is not just about knowledge sharing—it’s about reimagining how we train future health professionals to work together, across borders and disciplines, for the benefit of our patients.”
With additional webinars and joint initiatives planned, SMU continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative health sciences education and research, both locally and globally.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), leadership is not reserved for boardrooms or podiums — it’s developed in lecture halls, residences, and grassroots initiatives. SMU continues to shape socially conscious leaders who are driven by purpose, service, and impact. One such trailblazer is Tshepo Ntlemeza, a third-year Environmental Sciences student who is proving that leadership from the margins can be powerful and transformative. “In health sciences, Environmental Sciences can feel like the quiet corner,” he says. “But sustainability and public health are inseparable. My mission has been to ensure our faculty is visible, valued, and heard.”
Ntlemeza’s leadership journey has positioned him at the centre of student life. As Chairperson of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) SMU Club, which he helped formally establish following intensive leadership training at UNICEF House in Pretoria, he has opened doors for students to participate in national training initiatives and policymaking conversations. Under his leadership, the club has worked with the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation, while also contributing to United Nations Youth Consultation roundtables. “Representing SMU at the UN Consultation was a defining moment,” he reflects. “It showed that our voices, even as students, can shape meaningful policies.”
Back on campus, Ntlemeza has helped build strong cross-faculty collaborations with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Programme (IPECP), the Built Environment Department, Khulanathi EduHub, and the Sefako Makgatho University Student Society (SMUSS). These partnerships have driven campaigns like tree planting and membership drives that highlight how environmental and public health challenges are deeply interconnected. “It’s never just about hosting events,” he says. “It’s about building a lasting culture of shared responsibility.”
As a key contributor to the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), Ntlemeza has played a leading role in elevating environmental advocacy at SMU. After attending the 11th Green Campus Conference at Nelson Mandela University in July 2024, he returned with a renewed strategy and formed partnerships with organisations like Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), Green Raising, and Miss Earth SA. “Engaging with peers and regulators inspired us to think long-term,” he says. “We’re not just running awareness campaigns anymore — we’re building institutional momentum.”
Ntlemeza’s leadership also extends to the academic space. As a Physics tutor appointed by the Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL), he helps students master one of the university’s toughest subjects. But for him, it’s about more than marks. “Tutoring is leadership in disguise,” he explains. “It’s about helping students believe in themselves, especially when they feel like giving up.”
Within student residences, he serves as an Academic Officer and Peer Educator, where he provides academic mentorship and champions mental health support. “Many students struggle quietly,” he says. “Sometimes, the most meaningful leadership is simply being present and listening without judgment.”
Through IPECP, he has advocated for interdisciplinary learning, ensuring that Environmental Sciences students are included in collaborative platforms with medical, dental, and nursing students. “The world’s problems don’t exist in silos. We need to collaborate if we want to find real solutions,” he says.
Outside academics, Ntlemeza is part of the media team of the Student Christian Fellowship (SCF), where he uses storytelling to promote spiritual wellness and purpose-driven leadership. “Leadership is also about alignment — knowing who you are and what drives you,” he adds.
He credits fellow changemakers like Atlegang Leeuw and Mpho Maako for sharing in the vision. “We’re committed to ensuring that no student — especially in the sciences — feels left behind.”
Ntlemeza’s journey reflects SMU’s broader mission: producing leaders who are grounded in academic excellence, fuelled by empathy, and committed to social impact. His work in sustainability, education, health, and spiritual development is a testament to the university’s role in shaping holistic leaders who serve with integrity and vision.
By Dimakatso Modise
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
