by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Radiography students received an inspiring show of support from CardaXes, a company at the forefront of Cardiology, Neuro Intervention, Radiology, and Peripheral Vascular technology. The visit formed part of CardaXes’s ongoing drive to strengthen healthcare education and patient care through training, mentorship, and practical support.
CardaXes representatives visited the Radiography Department to donate lead markers—essential tools for clinical practice—and to motivate students preparing for their final examinations. The gesture, complete with gifts and words of encouragement, highlighted the private healthcare sector’s recognition of young professionals entering the field.
“Our purpose goes beyond technology,” said Marlene Birkholtz, Sales Representative at CardaXes. “We’re committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. By donating lead markers and engaging with students, we hope to boost their confidence as they approach their exams and future careers. Investing in students today ensures better healthcare tomorrow.”
The department welcomed the contribution with heartfelt appreciation. Portia Tebogo Baloyi, part-time lecturer and clinical tutor, described the donation as both practical and symbolic. “These lead markers represent more than equipment—they’re an investment in our students’ training. CardaXes went further by meeting them personally, offering encouragement and reminding them that their efforts are valued. It lifted morale at a crucial time.”
Lead markers are vital in radiography, helping practitioners ensure accuracy and uphold professional standards in imaging. For students, access to such tools sharpens their technical skills and builds clinical confidence—an essential foundation for their professional growth.
“This partnership reflects our belief in education and mentorship,” Birkholtz added. “We hope our contribution inspires students to keep striving for excellence and assures them that the healthcare industry stands behind them.”
Students were equally moved by the visit. Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography first year student Bophelo Seroma remarked, “It wasn’t just about the gifts—it was about being seen and supported. Having professionals take time to motivate us before exams renewed our confidence and drive.”
Collaborations like this reinforce SMU’s mission to produce skilled, compassionate healthcare practitioners ready to meet real-world challenges. Partnerships with industry leaders such as CardaXes bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical application, exposing students to the expectations and values of the healthcare environment.
Baloyi emphasised the importance of such engagements: “When companies invest in our students, they invest in the future of healthcare. CardaXes’s visit was inspiring, educational, and deeply appreciated. It strengthened our commitment to preparing graduates who are competent, confident, and compassionate.”
The SMU Radiography Department expressed sincere gratitude to CardaXes for their generosity and commitment to student development. The company’s contribution not only equipped students with essential tools but also reinforced the value of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose in advancing healthcare education.
As SMU continues to build partnerships that empower its students, the encouragement and resources from CardaXes will remain a powerful reminder that the future of healthcare is built through shared effort and genuine investment in people.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to produce graduates who excel on global stages — and this time, it’s Physiotherapy alumnus Kenny Darrel Mziyako, who is part of the South Africa U-17 national team’s medical staff at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, taking place in Qatar from 3 to 27 November 2025.
The 2025 edition marks a historic moment for the tournament as the 20th FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the first to adopt an annual format with 48 participating teams, a significant expansion from the traditional 24. It also ushers in a new era for youth football, as Qatar will host the competition for five consecutive years (2025–2029). With Germany entering as the defending champions, the stage is set for a highly competitive and globally celebrated event.
For Mziyako, being part of the Amajimbos’ medical team is both a professional milestone and a personal dream come true. “Football has always been my passion,” he reflects. “To serve my country in a world-class tournament like the FIFA U-17 World Cup is an honour. I’m grateful for the foundation SMU gave me — both academically and professionally.”
Born and raised in Luphisi Village near Mbombela, Mpumalanga, Mziyako’s journey has been defined by dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering love for sports medicine. He completed his BSc in Physiotherapy at SMU in 2019, where his interest in sports and rehabilitation began to flourish. He later obtained the FIFA Diploma in Sports Medicine in 2021, a qualification that has strengthened his expertise in managing sports-related injuries and athlete recovery. Currently, he is pursuing an MSc in Physiotherapy (Sports and Rehabilitation) at his alma mater, SMU.
His early career was marked by volunteer experiences with top football teams, including Mamelodi Sundowns Academy and the SMU soccer team during the USSA Games in 2018 and 2019, where he served as Coordinator of the Sports Rehabilitation Unit. After completing his community service at Witbank Hospital in 2020, he secured a permanent post as a Grade 1 Physiotherapist at Ermelo Hospital in 2021.
His daily work includes designing treatment plans, conducting rehabilitation exercises, and monitoring patient recovery — all while mentoring younger physiotherapists and serving as a NEHAWU shop steward.
Beyond hospital work, Mziyako has also collaborated with the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, accompanying provincial teams to the National School Sports Championships and providing injury screening and rehabilitation services to local football clubs in promotional leagues. His growing profile in sports physiotherapy earned him national recognition, leading to his selection as physiotherapist for the COSAFA U-17 Tournament (2024) and AFCON U-17 (2025) — experiences that paved the way for his upcoming FIFA World Cup role.
With a blend of technical skill, teamwork, leadership, and a passion for athlete wellbeing, Mziyako embodies the excellence and community spirit that SMU stands for. As the Amajimbos prepare to face the world’s best young footballers, his presence on the medical bench will not only support South Africa’s quest for success but also showcase the calibre of SMU graduates making a global impact.
“Physiotherapy is not just about healing bodies,” Mziyako concludes. “It’s about helping athletes perform at their best — physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m proud to carry the SMU flag to Qatar.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
From humble beginnings in the rural village of Moletjie, Limpopo, to completing a Master of Science in Pure Mathematics cum laude at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Lehlogonolo Mokaba’s journey is a remarkable testament to focus, perseverance, and the power of education to change lives.
Raised by her grandmother, Mokaba grew up in a loving but financially challenged environment. Those early hardships, instead of discouraging her, ignited an unyielding determination to build a better future. “I knew early on that I didn’t want to remain where I was. My grandmother always reminded me that education was the key to change,” she reflects.
That belief became the cornerstone of her academic pursuit. Though she was not naturally a top-performing learner, Mokaba’s discipline, resilience, and willingness to work harder than most carried her through. Her acceptance into SMU marked a life-changing milestone — one that would deepen her intellectual curiosity and redefine her purpose.
It was during her undergraduate studies that Mathematics revealed itself not just as a subject but as a calling. “Mathematics allows me to think deeply, solve problems independently, and see the world through structure and logic,” she says. What began as an academic interest soon evolved into a passion that would drive her to explore the depths of mathematical theory and its practical applications.
Mokaba’s master’s research, titled “Self-adaptive Technique with Two-step Inertia for Monotone Variational Inclusion Problem in Real Hilbert Space”, focuses on improving iterative algorithms used in solving complex mathematical problems. Her work introduces innovative techniques that enhance computational efficiency, offering valuable insights for fields such as data science, engineering, and applied mathematics. The significance of her findings has already gained international recognition, with two research papers published in peer-reviewed journals, including Results in Applied Mathematics and the International Journal of Analysis and Applications.
She credits her supervisor, Dr Hammed Abass, and co-supervisor, Dr Abubakar Adamu, for their mentorship and unwavering support. “Their patience, belief, and guidance made all the difference,” she notes gratefully.
In 2025, Mokaba’s academic excellence earned her a part-time position as a Junior Lecturer in SMU’s Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. In this role, she teaches courses such as Set Theory, Linear Algebra, and Abstract Algebra — all while mentoring students who, like her, aspire to rise above their circumstances through education. “Teaching allows me to give back — to make mathematics approachable, exciting, and meaningful,” she explains.
Beyond teaching, Mokaba actively contributes to academic and community initiatives. She serves on SMU’s Community Engagement Committee, coordinates mathematics competitions such as the South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiads and participates in national and international research workshops.
Her story is not just one of academic triumph but of transformation — from a determined young girl on the dusty roads of Moletjie to a published researcher and lecturer shaping the next generation of mathematicians.
“Success,” she says with quiet conviction, “is not about where you start, but about how far your discipline, faith, and persistence can take you.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Elegance met purpose at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumni, industry leaders, and partners gathered for the Convocation Fundraising and Alumni Awards Gala Dinner. Themed “Investing in South Africa’s Future of Health Sciences,” the evening celebrated leadership, honoured excellence, and strengthened support for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The event opened with an inspiring address from the President of Convocation, Japhta Phala, who urged alumni to champion transformative giving. “Each of us carries a piece of SMU’s legacy,” he said. “Tonight is not just about celebrating our achievements — it’s about taking collective responsibility for our students’ future.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus echoed this sentiment, emphasising the University’s dual mission of education and empowerment. “At SMU, we do not only educate; we empower,” she declared. “Our vision is to create healthcare professionals who are competent, compassionate, and capable of leading with integrity.” Highlighting the critical challenge of student funding, she stressed the urgency of alumni engagement. “Behind every struggling student is a dream worth saving,” she said. “Investing in our students is investing in the future of healthcare. No capable student should have their journey cut short due to financial hardship.”
Delivering the keynote address, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, a medical doctor and public servant, reinforced SMU’s role in shaping South Africa’s health workforce. “SMU continues to be the heartbeat of health sciences in this country,” she said. “It is here that the seeds of service, compassion, and excellence are planted. The doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and scientists who graduate from SMU are not only skilled — they are change-makers who carry the hope of our nation.” She further called on alumni and stakeholders to rally behind the fundraising initiative, describing it as an investment in both education and equity. “We must ensure that financial barriers never become barriers to healing,” Dr Ramathuba said. “By contributing to this cause, we are not just giving money — we are giving life, dignity, and opportunity.”
Supportive remarks from SMU Chancellor Dr Penny Moumakwa and Council Chair Nontlaza Sizani reinforced alumni unity and stewardship in advancing the University’s mission.
The Gala also featured a red-carpet ‘Legacy Walk’, symbolising SMU’s enduring tradition of excellence, and honoured alumni who have made remarkable contributions to medicine, science, and public service. Beyond glamour, the evening carried a clear purpose: to fund academically deserving yet financially challenged students. Many aspiring healthcare professionals face financial hurdles that threaten to derail their dreams. Through this Convocation-led initiative, SMU continues to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
“This Gala is not just a dinner,” Prof Matsha-Erasmus reminded guests. “It is a declaration of hope. Every contribution tonight will echo through hospital wards, research labs, and communities that need care the most.”
Alumni Awards Recipients:
- Young Alumnus Award: Mr Emmanuel Kiyonga and Dr Realeboga Sebitso.
This award recognises young alumni (≤40 years) who have demonstrated proven excellence in their field or career, serving as role models for current and future students.
- Alumni Governance and Leadership Award: Dr Mpho Phalatse, Ms Maria Rambauli, Dr Nomzamo Tutu, Ms Takalani Maumela, Ms Rhulani Thembi Siweya, Dr Lucas Khetani Ndhlovu, Dr Katlego Mothudi and Dr Mangaliso Mahlaba. This award honours alumni who have made exemplary contributions to society, demonstrating ethical leadership and good governance.
- Alumni Academic, Research and Innovation Award: Prof Mojakgomo Motswaledi, Dr Molefe Matima, Prof Paulinah Monene Khuzwayo and Prof Gregory Thabiso Lebona. This award celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions to research, academia, and innovation in health sciences.
- Order of the Champions of Sefako Makgatho: Prof Paulinah Monene Khuzwayo (Gold), Ms Maria Rambauli (Silver), Prof Gregory Thabiso Lebona (Gold), Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele (Bronze). This award is conferred on alumni or former executives for their immense contributions to SMU’s growth and development, actively promoting its mission.
- Alumni Life-Time Achievement Award: Prof Mike Sathekge. This award recognises alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their field and society over the course of their lifetime.
A total of fifteen trophies, fourteen certificates, and five medals were awarded, including a Life-Time Achievement trophy larger than the rest, with certificates signed by the President of Convocation and the Vice-Chancellor across various categories.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated: SMU’s legacy is not only written in its history but in the lives it transforms, shaping a future where education, leadership, and compassion drive South Africa’s healthcare sector forward.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 30, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a powerful display of compassion and collaboration, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the Kids Dental Home Foundation (KDHF) have once again joined forces to transform young lives—one smile at a time. Their 4th Annual Free Dental Surgeries Programme, held on 16 October 2025 at Kilnerpark Day Hospital in Pretoria, delivered life-changing dental care to children who would otherwise have gone without treatment.
Since the launch of the Saving Smiles in Africa initiative in 2022, the partnership has provided 41 free dental surgeries, targeting children suffering from Early Childhood Caries (ECC)—an aggressive dental condition that disproportionately affects those in underserved communities. SMU Oral Health Centre (SMUOHC) and School of Dentistry became an official partner in 2023, contributing clinical expertise, dental students, and a shared commitment to equitable healthcare.
This year’s programme saw seven children receive comprehensive dental surgeries, six of whom were referred directly from the SMUOHC waiting list. Under the supervision of volunteer dentists, clinicians, and final-year dental students, each child received treatment tailored to their needs—from restorative procedures to complex extractions. Every surgery was successful, with post-operative support ensuring that no child was left behind.
“This partnership is proof that when compassion meets collaboration, real change happens,” said Dr Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye, Founder and Director of KDHF and an SMU alumna.
The cumulative impact of the initiative is remarkable. To date, fifteen children from the SMUOHC waiting list have received long-awaited surgical care, reducing the backlog of urgent paediatric dental cases. The total value of these interventions—based on standard treatment costs under general anaesthesia—has reached over R500,000, with this year’s surgeries alone valued at an estimated R250,000. Most importantly, the programme has maintained a 100% success rate since its inception.
Beyond clinical outcomes, the collaboration is nurturing the next generation of dental professionals. SMU students gain invaluable hands-on experience while witnessing the tangible impact of their skills—deepening their understanding of service, empathy, and professional excellence.
To build on this success, several forward-looking steps are being considered:
- Formalising the partnership through an annual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Securing joint funding via grants and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- Enhancing student involvement through elective or community rotation opportunities.
- Advancing research collaboration using ECC data for publication and innovation.
- Boosting visibility through strategic media and academic engagement.
These measures aim to ensure the programme’s sustainability and expand its reach, paving the way towards its ambitious 10-year goal of performing 1,000 free dental surgeries for children in need across South Africa.
The KDHF extended heartfelt gratitude to SMU and the SMU OHC for their unwavering support and leadership in the fight against childhood dental disease.
“Together, we are restoring not only smiles, but confidence and dignity,” Dr Sibisi-Maboye said. “Our mission is simple: every child deserves the gift of a healthy smile—no matter where they come from.”
Adding to this, Dr Ntsakisi Mukhari-Baloyi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the SMU Oral Health Centre, commended the collaboration’s transformative impact:
“At SMU OHC, we believe that access to quality oral healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This partnership with KDHF exemplifies our commitment to reaching children who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Each restored smile represents a step towards a healthier, more equitable society.”
By Tumelo Moila
