SMU strengthens global presence with admission to prestigious United Nations Academic Impact Network

by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in health sciences education and research in South Africa and beyond. With its unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SMU has reached another significant milestone: its acceptance into the prestigious United Nations Academic Impact Network (UNAI).

SMU joins an elite network of over 1,600 institutions in 150 countries, alongside just five other South African public universities

This achievement positions SMU among an elite group of over 1,600 institutions across 150 countries, with only five other South African public universities sharing this distinction. As a university deeply rooted in addressing the critical healthcare challenges of the nation and the continent, this membership amplifies SMU’s voice on a global stage, reinforcing its role in driving meaningful change through research, education, and community service.

Advancing global health agendas

The UNAI serves as a vital platform for higher education institutions to collaborate in supporting the United Nations’ core values and goals, particularly the realisation of the SDGs and the ten UNAI Principles. SMU’s alignment with this global network enhances its ability to contribute to international health and educational priorities while fostering partnerships that extend its impact far beyond South Africa’s borders.

Joining the UNAI is not just a feather in SMU’s cap but a validation of the university’s commitment to addressing the pressing health challenges of our time. “Through this network, we gain access to valuable collaborators, scholarship opportunities, and platforms to showcase the innovative SDG-aligned initiatives spearheaded by our institution,” says Dr Carlien Jooste, SMU’s Director of Internationalisation.

Jooste also highlights the instrumental role played by SMU’s new institutional partner, Meharry Medical College, in facilitating the university’s engagement with the UNAI. The collaboration exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in advancing common goals and achieving global recognition.

For SMU, membership in the UNAI signifies more than prestige—it offers opportunities to expand its reach and deepen its impact. By participating in the UNAI Members Forum, SMU will collaborate with like-minded institutions on transformative projects, enhancing its capacity to address healthcare inequities and improve outcomes for underserved communities.

This achievement underscores SMU’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. As a university dedicated to advancing health sciences, its research and educational programmes are shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and contributing solutions to some of the most pressing health issues facing the African continent.

SMU’s inclusion in the UNAI opens doors for its staff and students to engage in global academic and research opportunities. The access to scholarships and collaborative platforms further underscores the university’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in health sciences. Through this membership, SMU continues to demonstrate its capability to operate at the intersection of local relevance and global excellence.

Building on a legacy of impact

This milestone adds to SMU’s growing legacy as a prestigious health sciences institution committed to addressing South Africa’s healthcare challenges. From training skilled healthcare professionals to conducting groundbreaking research, SMU remains at the forefront of transforming health sciences education for the betterment of society.

Admission to the UNAI is a testament to SMU’s hard work. It reinforces the university’s unique position to bridge the gap between global academic priorities and local community needs. Jooste says, “Admission to the UNAI allows us to have access to other collaborators through the Members Forum, scholarship opportunities, and a platform where we can share the SDG-aligned activities that we are engaging in.”

As SMU charts a path forward as a proud member of the UNAI, it is clear that the university’s contributions to health sciences and sustainable development will continue to resonate locally and internationally. This achievement underscores its role as a pivotal institution not only in South Africa but on the global stage, where its impact in shaping the future of healthcare is both profound and far-reaching.

For more information on SMU’s membership in the UNAI and opportunities for engagement, staff and students are encouraged to visit the UNAI website or contact Dr Carlien Jooste at carlien.jooste@smu.ac.za

*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli

Mudzunga Ratshilingano scoops Dean’s Merit Award for Academic Excellence

by Lorato | Nov 4, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

In a remarkable display of academic prowess, Mudzunga Ratshilingano, a Bachelor of Science (Life Sciences) graduate from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been honoured with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award from the School of Science and Technology during the recent Autumn Graduation Ceremony. This esteemed accolade recognises students who exhibit exceptional academic achievements, further highlighting SMU’s commitment to fostering excellence in its graduates.

Mudzunga Ratshilingano scoops Deans Merit Award for Academic Excellence

Receiving the Dean’s Merit Award brings numerous advantages, including enhanced credibility, increased opportunities for scholarships, and recognition by employers and academic institutions. For Ratshilingano, this award is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and dedication to her studies. “The award serves as a motivation to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. It was a surprise, as I always focus on my goals without expecting recognition,” she shares.

A series of significant achievements have marked Ratshilingano’s academic journey. She previously received accolades as the top achiever in her degree programme in 2022 and was again recognised as the top achiever in her second-year studies in 2023. Graduating in 2024 with cum laude, her success illustrates the quality education and support offered by SMU, which equips students with the necessary skills to excel in their fields.

Throughout her degree, Ratshilingano engaged with modules such as physiology, biology, and biochemistry, which deepened her understanding of the human body and the complex interplay of microorganisms and chemical processes. “My degree has empowered me to write research papers and conduct scientific inquiries,” she explains, reflecting on her educational experience.

She also credits her success to the invaluable teamwork skills gained during practical sessions and her unwavering faith. “My trust in God gives me the strength and courage to overcome challenges, including academic burnout. I found taking breaks and engaging in hobbies essential to maintain balance,” she adds.

To fellow students grappling with academic pressures, she encourages regular attendance at lectures to enhance their understanding of the material. “If possible, engage actively in your studies and don’t hesitate to seek help,” she advises, embodying the spirit of support and perseverance fostered within the SMU community.

Ratshilingano’s triumph highlights her individual capabilities and reflects the enriching educational environment at SMU, where students are inspired to excel academically and personally. As she embarks on her next chapter, she is a shining example for her peers, demonstrating that success is within reach with dedication and hard work.

Promoting Japan-South Africa relations Professor Peter Mbati meet with His Excellency, Mr. Ushio Shigeru

by Lorato | Sep 12, 2023 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

On Monday, 28 August 2023, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbati paid a courtesy visit to ency, Mr. Ushio Shigeru, Ambassador to South the Embassy of Japan. Prof. Mbati was accompanied by Acting COO, Prof. Patrick Demana and Director Internationalisation, Dr. Carlien Jooste. With more than 30 years of full diplomatic ties between South Africa and Japan, the SMU delegation was welcomed by the Ambassador in his chambers. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold. Firstly, the aim was to re-introduce SMU to the Embassy of Japan researchers and staff in attendance and secondly, to explore areas of engagement, infrastructure development, research, and other possible mutually beneficial opportunities.

Ambassador Shigeru shared his knowledge of SMU and indicated that he is aware of SMU through his predecessor. He commented that: “We, Japan, are not that strong in pharmacology, but we can share our knowledge in pandemic preparedness as this has become one of our strengths.” Prof. Mbati indicated to the Ambassador that Prof. Patrick Demana, while being Acting COO is also the Dean of the School of Pharmacy and that the School can in turn assist with work around pharmacology as well as the development and manufacturing of vaccines.

Before the presentations began, Prof. Mbati commented that: “SMU would like to extend an official invitation to you, Ambassador Shigeru and your colleagues to visit our campus and to observe the work being done in our various Schools.” This invitation was welcomed by the Ambassador. Prof Mbati then proceeded to open the presentation section of the meeting with a brief presentation, which not only focused on SMU, but also highlighted various
strategic focus areas that SMU would like to explore with Japan-based entities.

Prof Mbati further discussed infrastructural development needs with a specific focus on a SMU Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory and Centre for Pandemics to be established at SMU. As there are currently approximately 160 Japanese companies operating in South Africa, Prof. Mbati also focused on the need for collaborations which would enhance entrepreneurship within SMU’s incubation centre. The discussion concluded with a focus on SMU’s research activities and the various centres and units within SMU.

In their response, addressed by the Embassy’s Researcher in the Economic and Development Section, Mr. Takehiro Yamada, focused on international research cooperation opportunities available to South African higher education institutions. Mr. Yamada discussed the impact of AJ CORE (the Africa-Japan Collaborative Research) and SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Progress). Both these research collaboration entities are based in research collaboration that will contribute to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AJ CORE specifically focuses on realizing the SDG goals through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI’s). Prof. Mbati commented that AJ CORE is indeed an opportunity for SMU to not only build multi-lateral partnerships but enhance its research footprint. Mr. Yamada commented that: “As a new multi-lateral research framework, AJ CORE connect three (or more) countries: Japan, South Africa and at least one other African country.” The Japanese teams will be supported by their Japanese Research Foundation and South African teams by the NRF. A new joint call for proposals is set to be announced in February 2024, which SMU is looking forward to participating in.

Mr. Yamada further discussed SAJU, the South Africa-Japan University Forum. The Forum’s aim is to provide a structured framework for collaboration between the higher education institutions of the two countries. Its goals are to:
1. Increase mobility of researchers and students;
2. Increase join R&D collaboration;
3. Establish exchange programmes among universities; and
4. Institutionalize cooperation among universities of the two countries.

He indicated that SMU researchers should familiarize them- selves with SAJU as a new call for participation and attendance of a SAJU Forum Conference is imminent.

Dr. Carlien Jooste invited members of the Japanese Embassy team responsible for cultural exchange and studying in Japan to SMU’s International Scholarships Information Session to be held on the 14th of September 2023. Mr. Ryan Keet, respon- sible for the JET programme, MEXT Scholarship and Cultural Events will be visiting SMU to offer more information on these programmes. MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) offers scholarships to foreign students who wish to study at Japanese universities under the Japanese Government Scholarship, while the JET Programme is the teaching English in Japan opportunity.

In conclusion, both parties acknowledged their support of one another and a need for continued sharing of information to grow South Africa-Japan relations within higher education.