by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
A Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student has placed the university and South Africa on the global surgical map after being selected among only 24 students worldwide for the prestigious Future Surgeons Programme (FSP) at International Surgical Week (ISW) 2026 in Mexico City.
Tebogo Sekgarametso represented South Africa as the National Delegate of the International Association of Student Surgical Societies (IASSS) at the 51st World Congress of Surgery, held recently at the Hotel Camino Real Polanco. Convened by the International Society of Surgery, the congress brought together leading surgeons, researchers, policymakers and emerging professionals to address surgical disparities in low- and middle-income countries and develop the next generation of global health leaders.
Sekgarametso’s selection for the FSP placed him among an elite international cohort of emerging surgical leaders. The programme provided opportunities for mentorship, professional development and direct engagement with senior figures shaping the future of global surgery.
“It was a momentous occasion to stand alongside international peers and represent South Africa on a global platform,” said Sekgarametso. “We received certificates of achievement as members of the IASSS Future Surgeons Programme.”
His contribution extended beyond participation. Sekgarametso chaired the IASSS “Spartan Surgeon” session, facilitating discussions on resourcefulness and resilience in surgical training in resource-constrained environments. The theme has particular relevance to South Africa, where healthcare professionals continue to navigate complex demands while working to expand access to quality surgical care.
The congress also exposed him to emerging technologies and competencies that will shape the future of the profession. The session “The Digital Era of Surgery” examined the growing role of artificial intelligence and automated imaging in surgical planning, while “Looking to the Future: What Every Junior Should Know” focused on the non-technical competencies required by tomorrow’s surgeons.
Academic development was another key component. At the World Journal of Surgery’s Early Career Writers’ Workshop, Sekgarametso gained practical insight into manuscript preparation and peer review, including direct mentorship from Rowan Parks, Past President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
“Having him personally guide our table through the nuances of manuscript preparation and peer review was an invaluable highlight for my academic development,” he said.
The trauma programme aligned closely with SMU’s clinical and academic strengths, covering trauma teamwork, resuscitation and the development of resilient trauma systems. A landmark session on the 20-year collaboration between the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC) and the World Health Organization examined developments in trauma training, systems strengthening and the evolution of the Surgical Safety Checklist.
Sekgarametso also engaged leading international surgical figures, including Thavam Thambi-Pillai, World President of the International College of Surgeons; Joji Kotani, President of the International Association for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition; and Neil Wetzig, President of the G4 Alliance. Discussions covered professional development, perioperative nutrition and strengthening Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia capacity.
Wetzig’s insights, Sekgarametso said, “directly mirror the challenges we face and study within the South African healthcare framework”.
His participation further included engagements with Ari Leppäniemi and Kenneth Boffard, President and Secretary-General of the International Society of Surgery respectively.
Sekgarametso’s achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education, research and professional development. It also strengthens the university’s contribution to international surgical discourse while enabling students to bring global knowledge and expertise back into South African healthcare.
Through opportunities such as the Future Surgeons Programme, SMU continues to equip emerging health professionals to contribute to the transformation of healthcare and advance surgical excellence in South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has recognised four outgoing Council members for their contribution to institutional governance, leadership and student representation, marking the conclusion of their respective terms of office at a Council Dinner held at Emperors Palace Hotels, Casino and Convention Resort.
Held under the theme “Honouring and Thanksgiving”, the event brought together Council members, executive management and invited guests to reflect on the outgoing members’ service and its contribution to strengthening the university’s governance foundations. Council Chairperson Nontlaza Sizani and Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela led the occasion.
Those recognised were Mthokozosi Dlamini, President-General of the Student Representative Council; Thato Mongake, Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council; Dr Nathacia Zukiswa Gonya, an additional Council member; and Japhta Phala, former President of Convocation. Each was acknowledged for a distinct contribution to the university’s governance architecture.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dlamini highlighted the complexities of student representation within a formal governance environment. He noted that working within Council’s procedural framework presented challenges when articulating student concerns but also provided valuable exposure to institutional governance and fiduciary responsibility.
Phala reflected on his tenure as President of Convocation, emphasising the value of mentorship, guidance and professional relationships developed through Council service. He described the experience as extending beyond statutory responsibilities to foster a community of practice and lasting relationships built around a shared institutional purpose.
For Dr Gonya, Council service became an important component of her leadership development. She highlighted the value of engaging with diverse perspectives, strategic deliberations and institutional oversight, saying the experience had strengthened her understanding of leadership and continued to inform her work in other spheres.
Mongake focused on representation and transformative leadership, highlighting the significance of women occupying senior leadership positions at SMU. She described this visibility as an affirmation that leadership is inclusive and attainable, reinforcing the importance of creating pathways for future leaders.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by SMU alumnus Dr Mangaliso Mahlaba, a medical doctor, healthcare executive and entrepreneur whose experience includes healthcare management, medical scheme administration and strategic leadership. A former Council member and recipient of the Alumni Governance and Leadership Award, Dr Mahlaba placed university governance within the broader context of strengthening health systems and serving society.
He stressed that effective governance goes beyond compliance, requiring integrity, ethical stewardship and decisions that strengthen institutions for future generations.
“Effective governance is fundamentally about ethical stewardship and sustainability,” Dr Mahlaba said, underscoring the responsibility of institutions to advance equitable access to quality healthcare and educational opportunity in South Africa.
Sizani and Professor Mawela formally recognised the outgoing members during the appreciation segment, presenting tokens of appreciation and commending their diligence, collegiality and commitment to good governance.
The dinner concluded with fellowship and entertainment, while reaffirming SMU’s commitment to accountable governance, transformative leadership and institutional stewardship. The university expressed its appreciation to the outgoing members and wished them continued success in their future leadership endeavours.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Strengthening clinical training, academic collaboration and student support took centre stage as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) engaged with a delegation from Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital (JST Hospital), reaffirming a strategic partnership that continues to shape the development of future health professionals.
The stakeholder engagement brought together institutional leadership to reflect on the relationship between SMU and JST Hospital, assess existing areas of collaboration, and identify opportunities to strengthen further clinical training, research, community engagement, and infrastructure development.
Professor Douglas Maleka, SMU’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Community Engagement, Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, emphasised the value of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and the public healthcare sector. Such collaborations, he noted, are central to the university’s mandate of producing competent and socially responsive health professionals whose education is grounded in practical experience and the realities of healthcare delivery.
Providing an overview of the relationship, Professor Risenga Chauke, Dean of the School of Medicine, highlighted JST Hospital’s role as an accredited clinical teaching and training platform for SMU. “The relationship between SMU and Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospital is an important component of our clinical training ecosystem,” said Professor Chauke. “It provides our students with opportunities to translate theoretical knowledge into clinical practice while learning from experienced healthcare professionals within a functioning healthcare environment.”
JST Provincial Hospital, a level two regional and tertiary hospital in Rustenburg, North West, provides students from several health professions training programmes with opportunities to gain practical experience in a multidisciplinary clinical environment. These include undergraduate students from Medicine, Nursing Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. Post graduate students include those that are specialising (Master of Medicine) as well as fellowships in sub-specialties.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of JST Provincial Hospital, George Maisela, said the engagement focused on strengthening coordination between the two institutions and ensuring that the partnership remains responsive to the needs of students, clinicians and communities. “The objective of this engagement is to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and identify practical areas in which we can work together more effectively,” Maisela said. “We want to ensure that our partnership contributes meaningfully to teaching and learning, research, community engagement and the delivery of quality healthcare.”
The meeting was also attended by the Director of Student Affairs, Tulani Nkuntse, reflecting the importance that SMU places on student wellbeing and institutional support within the clinical training environment. Supporting students during clinical rotations remains essential to maximising the educational value of their placements while helping them adapt to the demands of professional healthcare settings.
Infrastructure development also emerged as a significant area of discussion, particularly the planned JST Hospital student accommodation project. SMU Project Lead and Deputy Director: Infrastructure Planning and Maintenance, Qhubekile Dlamini, provided an update on the initiative, which is progressing towards advertisement, with design and implementation scheduled to commence from 1 November 2026.
The proposed accommodation is expected to provide a more sustainable solution for students undertaking clinical rotations at JST Hospital while reducing the university’s dependence on privately sourced accommodation.
According to Dlamini, the project represents a strategic investment that could deliver significant long-term benefits by reducing accommodation costs and strengthening the infrastructure supporting clinical training.
The stakeholder engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of SMU and JST Hospital to building a robust and mutually beneficial academic-clinical partnership. As the collaboration develops, it is expected to enhance clinical learning, support healthcare delivery and advance SMU’s broader contribution to the preparation of highly skilled, socially responsive health professionals.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) 4th-year physiotherapy student Vuyelo Baloyi (23) is using student leadership to advance professional development, mentorship, and community-based healthcare. Baloyi has taken his leadership journey to the national level after being appointed National Student Council Chairperson of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) for 2026.
The physiotherapy student, emerging healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate previously served as Student Physiotherapy Consortium (SPC) Chairperson for the 2025/2026 term, during which he focused on student representation, engagement, professional development, and creating opportunities for physiotherapy students.
Baloyi’s leadership journey began in Mukhomi Village in Malamulele, Limpopo, where his experiences of rural healthcare and educational inequalities influenced his commitment to service and community development. “Leadership is not about the position you hold. It is about the opportunities you create, the doors you open, and the institution you leave behind,” he said.
At SMU, Baloyi has developed a diverse leadership portfolio that includes serving as a class representative and head class representative, South African Physiotherapy Association (SAPA) Chairperson, treasurer of SMU Corner Hustlers and chairman of the SMU Volleyball Club. He is also the founder of a drama theatre initiative, Dream Theatre and has participated in sport and community-focused activities.
His involvement with the Catch-ball South Africa Association has further enabled him to connect physiotherapy with sport, rehabilitation and athlete wellbeing. A key focus of Baloyi’s leadership is preparing physiotherapy students for the realities of the profession. He advocates for greater exposure to career opportunities in private practice, public healthcare, sports, academia, research, community rehabilitation, leadership and entrepreneurship. “Students should not graduate with only a qualification. They should graduate with an understanding of the many possibilities available within the profession,” he said.
As National Student Council Chairperson, Baloyi aims to strengthen the national network connecting physiotherapy students across South Africa. His priorities include mentorship and career-development programmes, collaboration between student structures, student participation in professional activities, research-informed advocacy and leadership development.
He is also passionate about strengthening the relationship between physiotherapy and underserved communities. Through his vision for REHAB RISE and his proposed rural rehabilitation initiatives, Baloyi seeks to expand access to rehabilitation services and raise community awareness of physiotherapy and multidisciplinary healthcare.
His entrepreneurial interests, including Nkwetsimo Ventures, complement his healthcare leadership by exploring opportunities in transport, book rental and real estate. This reflects his belief that health professionals can contribute to society not only through clinical practice, but also through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Baloyi’s approach aligns with SMU’s institutional values of effective leadership, excellence, integrity, student-centredness and Ubuntu. His leadership philosophy emphasises continuity, ensuring that student structures create sustainable programmes and leave stronger foundations for future leaders.
Reflecting on his journey from rural Limpopo to national physiotherapy leadership, Baloyi said: “Where you come from may shape your story, but it does not have to limit your destination.”
His journey demonstrates the value of SMU’s health sciences education in developing professionals who can combine academic knowledge with leadership, innovation, community engagement and service.
As Baloyi continues his physiotherapy training and national leadership responsibilities, his work contributes to SMU’s broader mission of transforming health services through excellence and innovation and developing graduates who can make a meaningful contribution to healthcare and the communities they serve.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Fourth-year Occupational Therapy students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) are strengthening community-based support for people living with disabilities through caregiver training at Kungwini Welfare Organisation in Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East.
Four students, namely Neo Mathabe, Jessica Tsie, Otshepeng Letsoalo and Sphelile Mohlala, are currently completing their psychosocial block at the organisation, focusing on promoting independence, meaningful participation, and empowerment among residents with disabilities. The initiative forms part of their practical training, allowing students to apply their professional knowledge in a community setting while contributing to improved quality of life for residents.
The training placed particular emphasis on helping caregivers understand how to provide support without unnecessarily taking over activities that residents can perform themselves. “Our presentation explored what Occupational Therapy is and the important role it plays in supporting individuals to participate in meaningful everyday activities,” said Neo Mathabe, a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at SMU. “We also discussed the shared roles of residents and caregivers, emphasising that while support and assistance are important, residents should be encouraged to do as much as they can do for themselves.”
A central focus of the session was addressing the potential effects of over-assistance. Although caregivers may provide support with the best intentions, doing too much for residents can unintentionally reduce opportunities to practise skills, make choices and participate actively in daily life.
The students encouraged caregivers to assess each resident’s abilities and provide the appropriate level of assistance. This includes allowing residents time to attempt tasks, observing their abilities, providing appropriate prompts, and adapting activities or environments as necessary.
“Occupational Therapy looks beyond simply helping someone complete a task. It is about identifying abilities, removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in their everyday lives,” said Lebogang Lefine, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at SMU.
The students also highlighted the role of Occupational Therapy in promoting independence and participation in self-care, leisure, social, spiritual and other meaningful activities. Occupational therapists can assess functional abilities and recommend appropriate assistive equipment, including wheelchairs, to enhance mobility, comfort, safety and participation.
The training further addressed the importance of maintaining residents’ existing abilities and preventing unnecessary dependence. Caregivers were encouraged to support residents in developing confidence and skills rather than completing tasks on their behalf.
“Small opportunities to participate can make a significant difference in a person’s confidence and sense of ownership,” said Jessica Tsie, a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at SMU. “Our role is to help caregivers recognise what residents can do and support them to achieve as much independence as possible.”
Guided by the principles of inclusion, ownership, lifelong learning, empowerment, and self-help, the session fostered an environment in which residents can make choices, develop skills at their own pace, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
The collaboration also reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. Occupational therapists work alongside caregivers, nurses, social workers and other professionals to provide holistic support that responds to residents’ individual needs.
A representative of Kungwini Welfare Organisation, Corlia Schutte, Occupational Therapist, welcomed the engagement and highlighted the value of strengthening caregivers’ knowledge and practical skills to support residents.
The SMU students will return to Kungwini Welfare Organisation for a second caregiver training session. The follow-up engagement will provide an opportunity to reinforce the principles discussed and further equip caregivers with practical strategies for promoting independence and participation.
The initiative demonstrates SMU’s commitment to experiential learning that connects health sciences education with community needs. Through initiatives such as this, the University equips future healthcare professionals to translate academic knowledge into practical interventions that promote dignity, inclusion, independence and wellbeing.
For SMU, the engagement represents more than a practical training exercise. It demonstrates the University’s broader contribution to developing compassionate, skilled and community-responsive health professionals who can help transform health and wellbeing through excellence and innovation.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 10, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community engagement and developing future health professionals through a Grade 9 Career Expo and Subject Choice Guidance Programme held in collaboration with Royal Bafokeng Health and Social Development Services (HSDS).
The programme brought together Grade 9 learners from Molotlegi Secondary School and Thithi Secondary School, along with 27 SMU delegates from Radiography, Emergency Medical Care (EMC), and the Department of Physiology.
The programme was designed to expose learners to health sciences careers and help them make informed decisions about subject choices and potential academic pathways. Grade 9 is an important stage in learners’ education, as subject choices can influence their future studies and career opportunities.
During the programme, SMU representatives introduced learners to the university and provided insight into the various opportunities available within the health sciences. Learners were divided into smaller groups of approximately ten and rotated between interactive stations, allowing them to engage directly with SMU students and facilitators.
James Sambo, a third-year Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography student, said “Early career guidance is important because it helps learners understand different career options and make informed choices about their futures. It also helps them identify the high school subjects they need to qualify for their chosen careers. Exposure to the healthcare sector gives learners a better understanding of the different health professions, their roles and their contributions to hospitals and communities.”
The Radiography, EMC, and Physiology stations gave learners an opportunity to explore different health professions and understand how school subjects connect with university programmes and potential career pathways. Current SMU students also offered learners relatable perspectives on university life, academic preparation, and pursuing a career in the health sciences.
Career information displays and take-home materials further supported engagement by providing information on programmes, admission considerations, subject requirements, and possible pathways into the health sciences. These resources were intended to provide learners with information they could revisit after the expo as they consider their academic choices.
“Interacting with learners helps us build a connection and show them that we are people who have faced challenges too. Sharing our university experiences makes it easier for them to ask questions, relate to our journeys and consider careers in health sciences they may not have known about,” said Mukovheli Gemeli, third-year B Rad student.
In addition to the career guidance activities, Royal Bafokeng HSDS arranged for an Adolescent Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) nurse from a nearby clinic to engage learners on health-related matters, including a brief information session on Lenacapavir. The nurse also made consultations available at the Youth Centre clinic space.
The initiative strengthened collaboration between SMU, Royal Bafokeng HSDS and participating schools, while creating a foundation for continued engagement. Future initiatives could include annual or periodic career expos, subject-choice guidance, application information sessions, school-based talks, mentorship programmes and health awareness activities.
The programme demonstrates SMU’s broader commitment to using education, community engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support the development of future health professionals. By taking health sciences education beyond the university campus and directly into communities, SMU continues to support informed educational choices while contributing to a stronger pipeline of health professionals for South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
