SMU enters a new epoch under unprecedented all-women leadership

by Lorato | Nov 15, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has officially entered a defining new era as it inaugurated Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor and Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, marking the first time in the institution’s history that the apex leadership trio, including the Chairperson of Council, is led entirely by women.

This historic moment positions SMU not only as a university on the rise, but as an institution rewriting the narrative of leadership in South Africa’s higher education landscape.

A transformational milestone for higher education

In a ceremony that blended academic tradition with powerful symbolism, the installation of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor affirmed SMU’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and a renewed identity rooted in leadership, integrity, and societal purpose.

Chairperson of Council, Nontlaza Sizani, celebrated the milestone, noting that: “Today, we are witnessing an extraordinary moment for our country, one where women lead with intellect, courage, and clarity. This leadership collective will shape SMU’s future and strengthen its contribution to the nation.”

Upon taking the oath of office, Moumakwa delivered an acceptance address grounded in humility, purpose, and a commitment to service.

She noted: “I accept this honour with deep appreciation and a profound sense of duty. A Chancellor must represent the soul of the institution, its integrity, its aspirations, and its promise to society. I accept that responsibility with reverence, with clarity, and with unwavering commitment.” She also pledged her full support to the Vice-Chancellor, saying: “Professor Matsha-Erasmus, your leadership is already shaping a powerful new chapter for SMU. I look forward to walking alongside you as we strengthen this institution and expand its impact.”

Delivering her inaugural address, themed “The Ascent of SMU: A University Reimagined for Global Impact,”  Matsha-Erasmus set out a bold, future-oriented vision for SMU’s next chapter. She emphasised: “There are moments in the life of a nation when an institution steps fully into its purpose. Today is such a moment for SMU. We will not ask for respect, we will earn it. Not by rhetoric, but by results.”

Referencing SMU’s recent rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, she highlighted that the institution is becoming a continental hub for health sciences excellence, research leadership, and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor continued: “We stand at an inflexion point, a moment to honour the history that shaped us and boldly define the future we will create. Our mission is not only to generate knowledge, but to heal, innovate, and impact global health.”

A university on the rise

In their respective addresses, both the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor underscored SMU’s accelerating trajectory as a university on the rise — one positioning itself as a continental force in health sciences education, research, and innovation.

They highlighted how SMU is deepening its footprint in world-class research, evidenced by the groundbreaking patents emerging from its scholars and the increasing visibility of its scientific outputs. This momentum is matched by the university’s bold expansion of its One Health leadership, advancing interdisciplinary solutions in a world where human, animal, and environmental health are inseparably linked.

The leaders further emphasised SMU’s drive to strengthen innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that research does not remain in academic journals but moves into clinics, communities, markets, and manufacturing ecosystems. They articulated a clear vision of SMU as a continental reference point for health sciences training, producing graduates who are globally competent and locally responsive.

Central to this rise is a renewed commitment to student-centred excellence, ensuring that student experience, wellbeing, and opportunity are embedded at the heart of institutional decision-making.

Both leaders also reaffirmed SMU’s responsibility to the country: contributing meaningfully to national health priorities, including the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), universal health coverage, and the future architecture of South Africa’s healthcare delivery.

Together, these ambitions signal a university not only transforming itself but also reshaping the health landscape of South Africa, Africa, and the world.

A new epoch of leadership

This all-women leadership collective—Council Chair, Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor- signals SMU’s entry into a new epoch of institutional renewal, ethical purpose, and academic ambition.

It is a milestone that not only embodies transformation but positions SMU as a university charting a bold path for South Africa and Africa.

*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli

SMU graduates leading the way in healthcare advocacy and innovation

by Lorato | Oct 23, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

In the dynamic field of healthcare, young professionals are stepping up to shape the future of their respective fields, and graduates from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) are leading the charge. The recent formation of the South African Young Pharmacists’ Association (SAYPA) is a powerful example of this, with many of its executive members being SMU alumni. This trailblazing initiative reflects the outstanding quality of education at SMU and the university’s commitment to nurturing leadership and advocacy beyond the classroom.

SAYPA was born out of a vision to create a unified platform for young pharmacists, allowing them to advocate for their professional development while addressing critical challenges within South Africa’s healthcare system. SAYPA’s focus is on empowering pharmacists to lead with purpose and professionalism, ensuring that the role of pharmacists in medicine dispensing and healthcare delivery is not only recognised but also strengthened.

A key driver behind this vision is the training and leadership experience that SAYPA’s founding members gained during their time at SMU. “SMU equipped us with both a strong academic foundation and essential leadership skills,” says Luyanda  Khumalo. He explains that the university’s focus on community health and public engagement instilled in them a deep sense of responsibility to effect meaningful change in the healthcare sector.

For SMU, this achievement is a testament to its legacy of developing healthcare professionals who are equipped with knowledge and prepared to lead and innovate. The university’s holistic approach to education has consistently produced graduates who are making significant strides in various healthcare fields, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and a commitment to public service.

SAYPA’s goals include providing young pharmacists with professional development opportunities, mentorship, and networking platforms. By tackling pressing issues such as unemployment and limited career advancement opportunities, SAYPA aims to empower the next generation of pharmacists to take charge of their careers while improving healthcare outcomes for all South Africans. The association is already engaging with healthcare employers, government agencies, and professional bodies to push for fair recruitment practices and advocate for better employment prospects for young pharmacists.

As SMU continues to shine on the global stage—recently breaking into the Top 10 of the World University Rankings 2025—its alumni are playing a pivotal role in advancing healthcare innovation and policy. SAYPA’s founding members see their involvement in this initiative as an extension of the legacy that SMU has built, one that fosters leadership, advocacy, and social responsibility.

“SMU’s focus on collaboration across healthcare professions gave us a holistic view of how we can contribute to the broader healthcare system,” says Khumalo. “This understanding has helped shape our vision for SAYPA to ensure that pharmacists are at the forefront of healthcare solutions, improving access to medicine and patient care.”

The formation of SAYPA is also an inspiring call to current SMU students, encouraging them to seize leadership opportunities within their fields. The founders believe that young professionals, including students still in training, can profoundly impact the healthcare landscape by being proactive, collaborative, and innovative. SAYPA’s work serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders, showing them that they, too, can be catalysts for change.

The influence of SMU’s alumni-led initiatives like SAYPA cannot be overstated. By offering support for such initiatives, SMU continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry head-on.

“SMU has been instrumental in shaping me as both a pharmacist and a leader,” says Khumalo, reflecting on the association’s journey. “The university provided a world-class education and the mentorship and critical thinking skills necessary to lead in the healthcare sector. I’m proud to be an SMU graduate, and I hope our work at SAYPA inspires current students to dream big and take on leadership roles that drive positive change.”

As SAYPA works to address broader healthcare challenges, including improving access to medication and integrating pharmacists more fully into primary healthcare services, it is clear that SMU’s influence extends far beyond its campus walls. Its graduates are not only shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa, but they are also reinforcing SMU’s reputation as an institution that nurtures leaders—leaders who are committed to making a lasting impact on the world.