by Lorato | May 10, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
As part of its oversight responsibility, on 04 May 2022, SMU Council members visited research facilities on campus and also acquainted themselves with progress made on various major infrastructure projects. Leading the Council delegation was the Deputy Chair of Council Ms. Mmanare Mamabolo. She emphasized the importance of working collaboratively in the journey of taking SMU to its intended status of a leading health sciences university with a focus on its academic and research core business. Ms. Mamabolo reflected that in the midst of various challenges, SMU had made significant progress in improving the learning and living environment of its students and staff. Whilst she acknowledged that SMU had ambitious infrastructure development and maintenance projects, “we will have to eat this elephant one piece at a time”. Members of Council expressed their support for the work done by the Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati and his team.
Among the facilities visited by Council members included the Mecru Clinical Research Unit where a range of human clinical trials are conducted; the new state of the art high resolution Electron Microscopy Unit; Student Residences; the construction site for the 2,000 bed student residences; the upgraded and tarred university ring road; the boundary wall with both clear view fence and concrete walls; the refurbished swimming pool; the New Entrepreneurial Incubation Centre; the Pharmacy Labs; ICT’s data centre which is part of the multi million rand ICT forklift project; student pavilion and, finally the refurbished staff cafeteria.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged and expressed appreciation to members of the University Council for the support that they have continued to give management which has been the main driver on the stability currently experienced on campus and the ability of management to focus on the execution of its core responsibilities.
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SMU Council enthused with progress on infrastructure development around Campus
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Created: 10-05-2022
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by Lorato | May 4, 2022 | All News, SMU Media
This year’s flu season is expected to be more severe compared to the last two years. The South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC) at SMU answers your questions and calls on everybody to protect themselves from severe influenza by getting a flu shot.
Why are we likely to experience a more severe flu season compared to the previous two years?
Very little influenza was circulating during the previous two years, compared to pre-COVID-19 seasons. This is because the measures for limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2, such as wearing of face masks, regular hand sanitising and social distancing, also limited the spread of other respiratory viruses, including influenza. Also, overseas travel was limited during the first two years of the pandemic, hence there was much less intercontinental influenza virus transmission compared to previous years.
What is the best way to protect myself from contracting flu?
The best defence against flu is to get vaccinated. Flu spreads easily from person-to-person through respiratory droplets and aerosols, especially when people are coughing and sneezing. In addition to getting vaccinated, to prevent transmitting flu one must avoid close contact with sick people, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wear your mask, clean hands regularly and avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Why is it beneficial to get your flu shot?
Although flu is mostly mild, it can result in serious illness, hospitalisation and death. An average of 11,000 South Africans died annually from flu-related illness in pre-COVID-19 years.
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Newsflash Take your flu vaccine today at the SMU/DGMAH Vaccination site
Take your flu vaccine today at the SMU/DGMAH Vaccination site
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Created: 04-05-2022
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by Lorato | May 3, 2022 | All News, SMU Media
Since we are all aware of the M17 gate closure due to the proposed road construction, we are pleased to inform you that the newly constructed ring road is now complete and ready for use.
The project was completed on the 18th of March 2022, which is three weeks earlier than the scheduled period of 7 April 2022. The newly constructed road is approximetely 2km, entailing a new pavement structure (road layerworks) of modified in situ material, imported G1 material, 40mm continuous graded asphalt layer (commonly know as tar), 4 km concrete kerbs, kerbs inlets and road signs.
The project was successfully completed without any disruptions from the stakeholders. Four local sub-contractors were appointed for numerous trades of the project, and they have positively contributed to the success of the project.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University would like to thank all staff and students for being patient with the renovation process, and not using the road while it was still in construction.
Newsflash SMU Ring Road Rehabilitation 03 May 2022-
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by Lorato | Apr 21, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The University has a stated objective, of ensuring student life that contributes towards a conducive living and studying environment. A critical aspect in this regard is adequate student accommodation. It is in this context that the 2000 bed student accommodation complex is being constructed on the foot of the mountain overlooking the SMU campus.
During a recent site visit by a delegation led by the Vice – Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbati, the team was informed that Phase 1 of the 2000 bed accommodation project has reached approximately 30% completion. Interestingly, it is envisaged that this phase will be completed by December 2022.
According to Ms. Nangamso Makgoka, Acting Director Built Environment, the interesting part of the project is that the 2000 bed residence’s foundation was built on a bed rock, thus giving assurance on the longevity and durability of the buildings.
To access full article, please follow this link: The 2000 bed student accommodation project is progressing well
by Lorato | Apr 11, 2022 | All News, SMU Media
Influenza vaccine will be available at the SMU/DGMAH Vaccination site soon
The winter season is upon us and unfortunately this season is accompanied by influenza, a contagious disease manifesting in cough, fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and runny or blocked nose. Influenza may be a mild disease in most people but can be serious enough to cause complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. Flu in people with comorbidities like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes can have serious outcomes.
Flu can be prevented. To avoid getting flu this winter, you are advised to get vaccinated. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. Influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Flu vaccine will be available at SMU/DGMAH Vaccination site to protect you against flu! Watch out for the next announcement to inform you of the dates.
by Lorato | Apr 5, 2022 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
At the conclusion of the recent launch of the business and stakeholder gala dinner, the Vice-Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Professor Peter Mbati has reached out to stakeholders in government, public and private sector to partner with the University in various projects to ensure that SMU continues to play a meaningful role as the only dedicated health sciences university in the region.
In welcoming all the guests, the Chairperson of the University Council Ms Maria Rambauli said, the purpose of the occasion was for the Vice- Chancellor to share with business and stakeholders the journey of where SMU is going and to make the right contacts. The Council Chairperson called upon all executives, students and staff to be proud of what the university is doing. “I am passionate about this university as its product”, she said. She reminded everyone that at the end of it all, it is about the children from different backgrounds who come to SMU in search of that gold that is their Degree which will enrich their lives forever.
To access full article, please follow this link: SMU Vice-Chancellor appeals to business and stakeholders to partner with the University
