SMU lists amongst SA’s top ten institutions in THE World University Rankings
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.
University of Johannesburg VC and Principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi delivered a captivating lecture at SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted a Public Lecture delivered by the University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, on 12 October 2023 with the topic: Exploring the ethics and legalities of artificial reproductive technology through an African lens.
This is part of a series of lectures hosted by SMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbati with the understanding that a university has a critical role to play in the creation of a platform for dialogue and should get involved in public discourse, particularly, as it relates to pertinent issues in society.
In his welcoming address, SMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mbati underlined the significance of the lecture in the context of accelerated technological developments on the continent, further stating that this lecture is, indeed, timely. Mbati described Prof Mpedi as a distinguished NRF rated scholar with a B rating who enjoys immense international recognition by his peers and further explained that he has published widely on social security and labour law.
Speaking during the lecture, Prof Mpedi mentioned that the issue of Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART), is something he has been writing and researching about for a number of years and that he is excited by the legalities and ethical considerations behind the technology.
“In recent years, there has been remarkable progress in the field of reproductive technologies. These technologies include medical procedures used to address infertility”, Mpedi explained. He added that in the African context, research suggested that the constantly and rapidly changing lifestyle is fundamentally impacting fertility.
“The African continent has a higher prevalence of STIs and postpartum and post-abortion infections which contributes to both male and female infertility”, Mpedi said.
Mpedi used the opportunity to speak about three key areas impacted by technology in the artificial reproductive space such as artificial wombs, genes editing and embryo donation/adoption adding that the use of these technologies will require laws to be reformed. “Medical technologies advance at a rapid pace while the laws take forever to catch up”, he emphasized. Mpedi also called for sound ethical frameworks that will serve as a basis for regulation and challenged the legal fraternity to keep up with developments in the space and respond accordingly.
What became apparent from the lecture is the fact that technological developments are critical to the overall development of society. Mpedi, however, cautioned that whilst it is important to embrace technology, we should, equally, be mindful that it also ushers us into the world of the unknown, leaving us with many questions than answers, particularly with regard to the adoption of artificial reproductive technology (ATR).
The lecture provided a platform for participants to engage on ATR, weaving together, amongst others, religious, economic, ethical and cultural considerations. What clearly emerged from the deliberations is the need for collaborative efforts among institutions to consider the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Reproductive Technology.
From the VCs Desk - University of Johannesburg VC and Principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi delivered a captivating lecture at SMU
From the VCs Desk – University of Johannesburg VC and Principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi delivered a captivating lecture at SMU.pdf (1.15 MB)
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) to host a public lecture by the University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi
Media Alert
Date: 10/10/2023
For Immediate use
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) to host a public lecture by the University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi.
The university has a critical role to play in the creation of a platform for dialogue and to get involved in public discourse, particularly, as it relates to pertinent issues in society. As a result, on the 12 October 2023, SMU will host a public lecture to be delivered by the University of Johannesburg Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, with the following topic:
Exploring the ethics and legalities of artificial reproductive technology through an African lens This event will provide a platform for participants to engage on issues relating to Artificial Reproductive Technology.
Date : 12 October 2023 Venue:
Online: https://tinyurl.com/2mvyr35c
Time : 18h00 – 19h00
For media enquiries, please contact Dr Lusani Netshitomboni, Director: Communications and Marketing at lusani.netshitomboni@smu.ac.za
Cell: 083-3965-885.
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