by Lorato | Dec 13, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently hosted a series of momentous events that celebrated not only the achievements of its graduates but also the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and leadership in healthcare. On 11 December 2024, the School of Pharmacy, School of Health Care Sciences, and School of Dentistry held their Oath-Taking Ceremonies, followed by the School of Medicine’s ceremony on 12 December 2024. These events, held during SMU’s 10th anniversary celebrations, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and the university’s journey of excellence.
Over the past decade, SMU has cemented its position as a leader in health sciences education, producing exceptional healthcare professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary to transform healthcare locally and globally. These ceremonies are more than rites of passage; they symbolise the graduates’ commitment to uphold SMU’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
The Oath-Taking Ceremonies also served as an opportunity to honour the remarkable achievements of SMU’s top-performing students. Numerous awards were presented, recognising students who had excelled academically and demonstrated outstanding dedication to their fields of study.
A highlight was the recognition of students who passed their final year with cum laude, a testament to their hard work and academic excellence. The prestigious Bongani Mayosi Prize was also awarded to exemplary students, celebrating their contributions and commitment to the healthcare field. These events showcased an impressive array of top achievers awards, underlining SMU’s commitment to fostering excellence and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Professor Thuli Madonsela
Professor Thuli Madonsela delivered the keynote address during the School of Medicine’s Oath-Taking Ceremony on 12 December 2024. Her profound words left an indelible mark on the graduates and attendees, as she encouraged them to embody ethical leadership and resilience in their professional journeys.
“Champions do not see falling as a failure,” she reminded the graduates, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. She further urged them to: “Let ethical leadership be the way, always lead ethically and inspire others to do the same.” In a particularly poignant moment, she addressed the future doctors directly: “Walk together on this path, but when integrity demands it, be prepared to walk alone.” Her address underscored the importance of leading with purpose, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to improving lives through healthcare.
Professor Vanessa Moodley, Acting Deputy Dean, reflected on the significance of the events: “We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Thuli Madonsela for being our distinguished guest speaker. Her valuable insights and wisdom have inspired our students and the SMU community.”
The Oath-Taking Ceremonies represent a critical juncture in the lives of SMU graduates, who pledged to uphold the highest standards of healthcare and ethical practice. These solemn oaths are a testament to SMU’s mission to shape skilled, compassionate, and ethically grounded healthcare professionals.
During the ceremonies, Mohamed Masoodah Begum was recognised as the Best Performing Student in Clinical Psychology, exemplifying the academic excellence that SMU nurtures. Her achievement and many others celebrated during the ceremonies reflect the university’s commitment to fostering talent and preparing students to excel in their fields.
As SMU celebrates its 10th anniversary, these events serve as a powerful reminder of its journey and achievements. Over the past decade, the university has stood as a beacon of innovation and excellence in healthcare education, producing leaders who are shaping healthcare systems worldwide. The graduating class of 2024 now join the distinguished ranks of SMU alumni, ready to make meaningful contributions to communities across South Africa and beyond. Their achievements are a testament to the university’s quality education and mentorship, which prepare students to meet the ever-evolving healthcare sector challenges with confidence, expertise, and empathy.
SMU celebrates the graduating class of 2024, whose dedication and hard work have brought them to this pivotal moment. As they step forward into their professional journeys, they carry with them the knowledge and skills acquired at SMU and the values that define this prestigious institution.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 10, 2024 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a groundbreaking achievement coinciding with its 10th anniversary, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has solidified its position as one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions by securing the 10th spot in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025. This accomplishment marks a new era for SMU, showcasing its rapid ascent within the competitive field of health sciences, signalling its growing influence on the global stage, and cementing the university’s status as a health science powerhouse.
SMU’s rise in the rankings comes hot on the heels of its impressive performance in the 2024 Webometrics Rankings, where it placed 18th nationally. Now, having cracked the top 10 in the most prestigious and competitive university rankings, SMU is positioned as a dynamic and influential force in higher education. This remarkable achievement is especially notable as SMU competes against long-established institutions, further underscoring the impact the university is making within a relatively short time.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 evaluated more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries, employing a comprehensive methodology that includes 18 finely tuned performance indicators. These criteria assess universities across key areas such as teaching, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook, making the rankings one of the most respected measures of global academic performance.
Professor Bassy Marvey, SMU’s Director of Institutional Planning, attributes this success to the university’s strategic focus on raising its local and global visibility and reputation. “This remarkable achievement, coinciding with our 10th anniversary, reflects the collective dedication of our staff and students. Their commitment has propelled SMU into the ranks of the nation’s best universities. We are also grateful for the dedication of our Institutional Researcher, Ben Ntshabele, whose ongoing collaboration with ranking bodies contributes to such accomplishments,” says Marvey.
SMU’s success extends beyond the general university rankings, with standout performances in subject-specific rankings. Nationally, SMU ranks 7th in Medicine and Dentistry and other health-related subjects and 8th in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Psychology. On the global stage, SMU is placed in the 1201-1500 band, sharing the spotlight with leading institutions such as the University of South Africa and the Durban University of Technology.
The university’s rise in the rankings was further celebrated by Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the Minister of Higher Education, who praised SMU for its exceptional progress during a speech delivered at the 3rd Higher Education Conference, organised by Universities South Africa (USAf). “I am delighted to see two newcomers in the rankings—Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, led by Professor Peter Mbati, and the University of Fort Hare under Professor Sakhela Buhlungu. Congratulations to both institutions for their remarkable achievements,” said Nkabane.
As SMU continues to grow its reputation in health sciences, this milestone reflects its commitment to pioneering innovation in healthcare education and research. With a student-centred approach and a focus on global excellence, SMU is rapidly carving out its place among the world’s most respected universities, a point of pride for its students, staff, and alumni.
by Lorato | Sep 18, 2023 | Accolades and Achievements
Professor Mathildah Mokgatle, the Head of Department of Public Health at SMU, in the Faculty of Health Care Sciences, has been appointed as a new member of the National Health Research Committee of (NHRC) by Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla for the term 2023-2026. The appointment took effect from 01 July 2023.
She is participating in the broad NHRC and serves in two sub- committees which are the Innovation and Research translation, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
She holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology and a Master of Public Health with expertise in the areas of Biostatistics, Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, and Health Systems Management. She possesses over 32 years of professional experience in care services and 23 of those years were spent in academia. “Besides working in academia for most of my career, I always wanted to contribute and apply my public health expertise at all levels of the health care system. Having served in the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Covid-19 from March 2020 to June 2023, I was invited by the National Department of Health through a call for nominations, and I took the opportunity to join and serve in the National Health Research Committee. Since this was a nomination, I received letters of support from two senior academics who are familiar with my work and outputs from the School of Health Care Sciences (SHCS)”, Prof Mokgatle explained.
The specification required nominees to have expertise and experience in research management, basic research, clinical research, public health and policy research, health system research, social science research or any other health-related research, and community leadership, and her career profile met the requirements.
As a member of the NHRC Prof Mokgatle will be responsible for identifying research for health priorities and advice the Minister on application and implementation thereof, determine research to be carried out by public health authorities, Co-ordinate the research activities of public health authorities and ensure that health research agendas and research resources focus on key health problems.
Prof. Mokgatle indicated that being a member of the NHRC is an achievement for her and more importantly for the University as her participation will ensure she makes a contribution towards guiding the National Department of Health in identifying health research priorities concerning the burden of disease; the cost- effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of disease; the availability of human and institutional resources for the implementation of an intervention at the level closest to the affected communities; the health needs of vulnerable groups such as women, older persons, children and people with disabilities; and the health needs of communities. Her role will ensure that SMU, through the Research Directorate, will have current information regarding the National Health Research Agenda, priority projects and activities in line with the national plans.
Prof Mokgatle explained that working and teaching in Public Health is a bit tricky because many important priority health research areas need attention and solutions by individual experts. “The diversity of issues and demand for responsiveness especially with disease outbreaks and epidemics needs one to strike the balance of being a specialist within a defined niche area and providing service and adding to the general public health body of knowledge. It took me time and effort to deliver at a broad public health spectrum and to build a specific portfolio that defines me in the area of social epidemiology, prevention and control of HIV and sexually transmitted infections”, Prof Mokgatle explained.
She believes that hard work and being open-minded is crucial for everything once people have identified the direction they want to take for their careers. “Allowing collaboration and developing networks for research puts your expertise out in the public and that attracts beneficial relationships and recognition. I opened myself up for volunteering and giving back through serving in academic, provincial and national committees. My name came up as appointable from the nominations since I have been interacting with the National Department of Health through the MAC for Covid-19, the Provincial Covid-19 outbreak team, being a keynote speaker and journal reviewer in the National Health Research Congress and the 2022 Annual Health Report”, Prof Mokgatle advised.
