by Lorato | Nov 27, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) honoured its long-serving employees at a warm and memorable Retirees’ Appreciation Event held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Dining Hall. The ceremony brought together University leadership, colleagues, and family members to celebrate the contributions of staff whose dedication has strengthened SMU over the years.
The programme opened with an inspiring welcome address by Acting Senior Director: Human Resources, Lebo Molefe, who expressed deep gratitude to the retirees for their commitment and professionalism. “Our University stands tall today because of people like you,” she said. “Your service has helped shape SMU into a place of excellence and integrity. We honour not only the years you have spent with us, but the passion you brought to your work every single day.”
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s message on behalf of Prof Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, Acting DVC: Operations, Odette Ramsingh, extended heartfelt appreciation to all retirees. Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, she remarked, “The legacy you leave behind is woven into the fabric of SMU. Your hard work has strengthened our academic, administrative, and operational excellence, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
Ramsingh encouraged the retirees to remain connected to the University community, adding, “Though this marks the end of your formal service, you will always be part of the SMU family. We value the foundation you have laid and the example you leave for those who follow.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the retirees, led by Mercia Makgati, Deputy Director: HR Operations. She congratulated each retiree individually, acknowledging their contributions with warmth and respect. “Your dedication has carried this institution forward,” Makgati said. “Today we honour not only your years of service, but the impact you made on the lives of colleagues, students, and the broader SMU community.”
Among the retirees celebrated was Radipoponono Tladi, who retires after 10 years of service as part of SMU’s gardening personnel. Fondly known across campus as “the Honourable One,” Tladi is admired for his quiet humility and gentle spirit. “I loved my work and I loved the people I worked with,” Tladi said softly as colleagues applauded. “Every flower I planted and every space I cleaned, I did with pride because this place became my home.”
Tladi leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication, kindness, and professionalism. His presence on campus—always calm, warm, and respectful—has left a lasting impact on staff and students alike.
Another standout honouree was Johanna Grobler, who retires after an extraordinary 42 years of service in SMU’s Orthodontics Department. Deeply respected across the institution, Grobler shared emotional reflections on her time at the University. “SMU has been my second home for more than four decades,” she said. “I have watched students grow into clinicians, colleagues become lifelong friends, and this institution transform into what it is today.”
Grobler expressed gratitude for the support she received over the years. “I am leaving with a full heart. It has been an honour to serve, to teach, and to learn alongside so many wonderful people.”
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of celebration, gratitude, and heartfelt connection. Colleagues shared stories and warm tributes, highlighting the unique qualities and exceptional dedication of each retiree.
As the University marked this important moment, it reaffirmed its commitment to recognising the people who have contributed to its growth and success. The retirees leave behind a powerful legacy of service, resilience, and excellence.
SMU extends its deepest appreciation to all retirees for their invaluable service. Their contributions will continue to inspire the next generation, and the University wishes them a fulfilling and rewarding journey ahead.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 26, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Black Management Forum Student Chapter at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (BMF SC SMU) has been crowned BMF Student Chapter Branch of the Year, earning national recognition for exceptional leadership, bold innovation, and unwavering commitment to student development. The accolade, conferred during the 49th annual general meeting (AGM) held in Gqebherha, Eastern Cape, from 13–14 November 2025, marks a defining moment for the chapter after a year its executive describes as one driven by discipline, collaboration, and measurable impact.
Chairperson Thato Phasha described the win as “a powerful affirmation of what focused, values-driven student leadership can achieve.” She added, “Our goal has always been to empower students with real opportunities for growth. This award proves that commitment pays off.”
The accolade is presented to a student chapter that demonstrates exceptional performance across key areas, including academic excellence, youth development, and the promotion of values such as creativity, integrity, and accountability. According to the adjudicators, BMF SC SMU excelled by delivering evidence of meaningful programmes and sustained community engagement.
Secretary Thabiso Kekana highlighted the chapter’s strategic approach, saying: “We worked intentionally—every programme, every partnership, every event had to benefit students directly. Impact was our priority.”
At the core of the chapter’s work is the BMF mandate of “Developing Managerial Leadership,” which empowers young people preparing to enter the corporate and economic sectors. The Student Chapter aims to equip its members with managerial competence and an understanding of socio-economic transformation.
In 2024–2025, BMF SC SMU rolled out a series of high-impact initiatives. The Recruitment Drive strengthened member diversity, ensuring that more students gained access to leadership development platforms. The Mentorship and Tutorship Programme provided personalised academic support, contributing to improved performance and confidence among students.
Economic empowerment remained a strong pillar of the chapter’s agenda. Entrepreneurship Day encouraged entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, while the Financial Literacy Programme equipped students with practical skills for budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning. Women’s empowerment took centre stage through Empowered Women, Empowering Economies, an initiative that promoted financial independence and leadership among female students.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Gender and Transformation Officer Maobuseng Mafata noted: “Our programmes are designed to break barriers—academic, financial, and social. We are developing well-rounded leaders.”
Project Officer Confidence Chego added, “This year proved that collaboration is our strongest tool. When students feel supported, they excel.”
The chapter’s achievements were amplified through key partnerships with STANLIB and MoneyCare, which enhanced the professionalism and reach of its programmes. These collaborations, Phasha said, “allowed us to deliver initiatives at a national standard.”
Winning the national title has energised the chapter’s leadership. According to Kekana, the recognition serves as “a commitment to go even further, to create more opportunities, and to raise the bar for student leadership across the country.”
As BMF SC SMU looks ahead, its mission remains unchanged: to shape a generation of ethical, dynamic, and socially conscious leaders. With renewed national recognition and a proven track record, the chapter stands poised for an even more impactful future.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has achieved another significant research milestone through the appointment of Dr Vusani Muswa Maphiri as Guest Editor for a Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) Special Issue titled “Advances in Supercapacitor Materials and Performance.” MDPI, a global pioneer in open-access scholarly publishing, is dedicated to fostering unrestricted scientific exchange across all disciplines. Dr Maphiri’s appointment not only reflects his growing international influence but also underscores SMU’s expanding role in shaping global research on advanced energy materials.
Maphiri, widely recognised for his precise and confident academic writing, will lead the editorial direction of the Special Issue, ensuring the publication of high-impact research in one of the world’s fastest-advancing renewable-energy fields. Reflecting on the appointment, he said: “This role is a tremendous responsibility. It allows me to help shape the scientific conversation in supercapacitor technology and ensure that high-quality, meaningful research reaches an international audience.”
His journey into the world of physics began long before his university career. Growing up in a rural community, his journey into the world of physics began long before his university career. Growing up in a rural community of Vondwe Village, just a few streets away from the late Prof Mulalo Doyoyo, he was raised in an environment where education, discipline and perseverance were deeply ingrained values. “My upbringing taught me resilience, humility and the importance of hard work. Those early lessons have guided my entire academic path,” he shared.
He attended Gooldville Mission School in Vhufhuli for his primary education, a nurturing environment that sparked his early curiosity and laid the foundation for his academic ambitions. His secondary education took him to St Augustine Residential School and later Thengwe High School in Makhitani near Tshilamba, where his interest in physics and mathematics flourished. “Those were formative years for me,” he reflected. “They strengthened my determination to pursue higher education and to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement.”
Driven by a passion for understanding materials and energy systems, Maphiri pursued his BSc, BSc Honours and MSc (cum laude) at SMU, steadily refining his research interests and academic focus. He later completed his PhD in Physics at the University of Pretoria in 2022, specialising in supercapacitor and microsupercapacitor applications under the supervision of Prof Ncholu Manyala, a highly recognised materials scientist and a top-cited researcher ranked among the world’s leading 2% scientists. This advanced training laid the foundation for Maphiri’s growing expertise in supercapacitor energy storage and emerging nanomaterials.
Today, he is a Lecturer in the SMU Department of Physics and one of the institution’s most productive early-career researchers, with an H-index of 14 and over 45 SAPSE-accredited publications, most of them published in the Journal of Energy Storage (impact factor 10). His research spans nanomaterials, electrochemical energy storage, optoelectronic devices and advanced electrode engineering, and his collaborations extend across Africa, Europe and South America.
Discussing his broader mission as a scientist, he noted: “Energy-storage materials play a vital role in the global transition to cleaner technologies. I aim to contribute solutions that are both scientifically innovative and socially relevant, particularly for African contexts.”
Colleagues across the School of Science and Technology (SST) have welcomed his appointment as a significant boost to SMU’s visibility. SST Operations Manager Dr Esmey Moema commented: “Dr Maphiri’s editorial appointment reflects the calibre of scholarship emerging from SMU. It also shows that our researchers are helping shape international scientific directions, particularly in energy-materials research.”
Equally passionate about mentorship, Maphiri supervises and mentors postgraduate projects on graphene-based electrodes, metal-oxide nanostructures and 3D-printed current collectors. Many of the students he supervises—both locally and across Africa—have successfully peer-reviewed publications under his guidance.
He also volunteers as equipment manager for advanced spectroscopy and microscopy instruments at the University of Pretoria, including the state-of-the-art Witec micro-Raman 300RAS alpha system, a high-resolution instrument capable of nanoscale chemical imaging, phase identification, and vibrational analysis of complex materials. Through this role, he strengthens national research capacity and supports multidisciplinary projects across physics, chemistry, materials science, and biomedical research.
As Maphiri assumes his new editorial role, SMU celebrates a researcher whose work, values and life journey continue to elevate the university’s standing in sustainable-energy innovation and physics-led discovery.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 20, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a year defined by strategic reinvention and unprecedented momentum, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has entered the national spotlight with its first-ever accolade from the prestigious Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) Excellence Awards. The recognition marks not only a milestone for the Communications and Public Relations Unit but also a defining moment in the university’s evolving institutional identity.
MACE, the sector’s leading professional body for higher-education communicators across Southern Africa, celebrates innovation, strategic excellence and impactful storytelling. Its awards are widely regarded as the sector’s highest honour, recognising institutions that demonstrate distinction in brand positioning, engagement and advancement. For SMU, competing among 26 universities, this achievement signals a shift in the university’s competitive posture and brand maturity.
This recognition emerges from a year in which the Communications and Public Relations Unit underwent a remarkable transformation, reshaped through refined processes, elevated outputs and a clarified strategic purpose. Since assuming leadership in October 2024, Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Manager: Communications and Public Relations, has guided a deliberate repositioning of the unit anchored in rigorous storytelling, institutional clarity and competitive brand visibility. It has been, in many ways, a re-awakening of SMU’s voice.
Reflecting on the achievement, Mphaphuli says: “When I assumed duty, I knew that SMU possessed an extraordinary story—rich, rigorous and rooted in purpose. My vision has always been to craft a brand presence that mirrors the calibre of our academic excellence, our people and our impact. This award signals that our voice is now resonating beyond our borders, and we are only getting started.”
Under her leadership, the unit delivered some of the institution’s most sophisticated communication outputs to date. Institutional publications were revitalised into rich, editorially strong, visually compelling assets that reflected SMU’s academic prestige and social impact. Digital communication experienced its strongest year yet, with engagement rising by nearly 50%, follower growth accelerating significantly, and search engine optimisation positioning SMU among South Africa’s most visible health-sciences brands. These gains, achieved through disciplined strategy and a commitment to excellence, created the foundation for the national recognition the university celebrates today.
But the triumph belongs equally to the team whose collective dedication sharpened SMU’s communications edge. Public Relations Officer Tumelo Moila notes that the award reflects a relentless pursuit of agility. “We had to operate at the speed of the sector,” he explains. “Our work demanded creativity, instinct and a willingness to constantly stretch ourselves. This isn’t just a win, it’s a reflection of our readiness to compete nationally.”
Team member, Public Relations Officer, Dimakatso Modise, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the team’s evolution. “We became a unit that embraces complexity,” he says. “Our landscape shifts daily, and we’ve learned to shift with it—always with excellence at the centre of everything we produce.”
The excellence was not confined to written communication alone. The university’s visual language underwent a noticeable elevation under the creative direction of Graphic Designer Dineo Motshegare, whose artistry strengthened brand identity, event branding, and publication design throughout 2025. “Our role is to reflect SMU’s essence visually, emotionally and with precision,” she shares. “Design became a strategic enabler, not an accessory. This recognition validates that approach,” adds Motshegare.
The surge in online visibility was also powered by meticulous web optimisation and digital stewardship led by Web Editor Lorato Molubi, who ensured that SMU’s online platforms aligned with global accessibility, SEO, and content consistency standards. “We focused on making SMU discoverable, authoritative and trustworthy in the digital space,” she explains. “Seeing our SEO rankings climb was proof that our digital storytelling is resonating.”
Within the communications ecosystem, SMU FM’s contributions played a central role in strengthening internal communication and real-time storytelling on campus. “Radio became a conduit for immediacy and authenticity,” says Mpho Legodi.
Collaboration extended beyond the unit itself. In 2025, the Communications and Public Relations Unit worked closely with Student Recruitment Officer, Ntsheu Collins Mangena, to align recruitment messaging with the university’s broader brand narrative. “Strategic recruitment relies on strategic communication,” Mangena reflects. “By working hand-in-hand with the Communications & Public Relations Unit, we were able to position SMU in a way that spoke powerfully to prospective students and their parents. This award confirms the strength of that alignment.”
The achievement has been warmly welcomed by university leadership. Acting DVC: Operations, Odette Ramsingh, who oversees the unit’s strategic direction, praised the milestone as a significant accomplishment for SMU. “This award reflects the team’s collective effort in positioning the university’s reputation on a national scale, especially as the recognition comes against the backdrop of competing with 26 other universities. It is also a powerful affirmation of the excellence, creativity and dedication of our Communications and Public Relations team, whose strategic work continues to elevate SMU’s voice and presence. Their commitment to position SMU is central to achievements such as these.”
As SMU steps into 2026, the MACE recognition serves not merely as an award but as a marker of strategic excellence, in which the institution’s voice is sharper, its story more confidently told, and its reputation increasingly aligned with national and continental expectations for a modern health sciences university.
What began as an internal transformation has now entered the national stage. And with a unified team carrying forward a shared vision, SMU’s voice—once quiet—has become unmistakably resonant.
by Lorato | Nov 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a decisive move to tackle the escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) hosted a high-impact Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Symposium on Monday, 17 November 2025. The event forms part of global, World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), observed annually from 18–24 November under the theme: “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to standard treatments, rendering common infections increasingly difficult to manage. The consequences extend far beyond clinical settings, threatening food systems, animal health, and the environment. WAAW seeks to raise awareness, strengthen best practice, and mobilise urgent One Health collaboration to curb the spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
The symposium brought together pharmacists, medical practitioners, microbiologists, nurses, and other professionals committed to improving antimicrobial use across the healthcare system. Speakers delivered focused presentations on key stewardship challenges and emerging solutions. Highlights included:
- Global Point Prevalence Survey findings in Outpatient departments, presented by SMU/DGMAH clinical pharmacists Lindiwe Mnukwa, Ama Annor, Tsholofelo Makgale, Pinky Ntuli, and Nombuyiselo Shokane.
- Microbiology susceptibility trends for 2025, presented by Dr Grace Ntlemo, Pathologist / Microbiologist,
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) – AMS contributions by Matron Millicent Boshoga, IPC – Assistant Manager Nursing, DGMAH.
- Evidence-based guidance on Ceftazidime–Avibactam provided from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals by Silindokuhle Davidson (Medical Science Liaison Hospital Business Unit).
- Targeted treatment strategies for Clostridoides difficile, presented by Clinical Pharmacist, Tsholofelo Makgale, SMU/DGMAH.
- Resistance patterns in adult intensive care units by Dr Khunou, ICU Medical doctor/ Consultant, DGMAH.
- Infectious disease case studies led by Dr Thandekile Manzini, Infectious Disease Specialist (SMU/DGMAH) & Dr Ntsizi, Internal Medicine medical doctor (SMU/DGMAH) and Fumani Baloyi, Medical student (SMU)
- Updates on Gauteng’s Provincial antimicrobial guidelines delivered by Professor Andries Gous, Clinical Pharmacy Department/AMS Chairperson, SMU/
The event was organised by Professor Andries Gous, Chairperson of the DGMAH AMS Committee, in collaboration with the hospital’s Clinical Pharmacy team, SMU’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Attendees were also provided with campaign materials and patient information leaflets to extend stewardship advocacy beyond the symposium.
Its timing could not have been more relevant. “On clinical rounds, I see how challenging some infections have become to treat. The session on hand hygiene was a real eye-opener—sanitisers are our first line of defence against dangerous pathogens. This symposium has been incredibly informative, and I’m eager to put these lessons into practice every day,” said Emmanuella Owusu, a Master of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy student at SMU.
Professor Gous underscored the urgency: “AMR is not a distant challenge—it is happening now. Every stakeholder, from healthcare providers to environmental managers, has a role to play. Immediate, coordinated action is essential to protect our present and secure our future.”
Alongside the symposium, the Gauteng Department of Health has issued two significant circulars guiding antimicrobial governance. The first, concerning Ceftazidime-Avibactam, formally notifies stakeholders of updates related to the medicine.
The second circular provides detailed directions on the Provincial Antimicrobial Therapeutic Guideline. It instructs pharmacy departments to select antimicrobial options aligned with stock availability, emphasising that the guideline supports—rather than replaces—clinical judgement. Healthcare workers are encouraged to consult infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, or clinical pathologists before making recommendations. Approved in November 2024 and June 2025, the guideline was implemented by institutional committees, supported by provincial stewardship structures.
Together, the symposium and newly issued circulars demonstrate a clear provincial commitment to strengthening antimicrobial stewardship. Gauteng’s health sector is intensifying surveillance, expanding education, and driving coordinated action to safeguard life-saving medicines and protect future generations.
By Tumelo Moila
