The quick response to Covid-19 by the government gave the country an opportunity to learn about testing procedures, quarantine, self-isolation, and self-care from other countries, writes Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbati.
Source: https://indd.adobe.com/view/887e03dd-7d0b-4e17-a2e3-be33078c8acd
The SMU Physiotherapy department was privileged to host its alumnus, Prof Nomusa Mngoma who is currently attached to Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The purpose of her visit was to explore physiotherapy collaborative relationship between SMU and Queens University. Her speciality is in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as well as global health.
Prof Mngoma graduated from SMU (previously known as MEDUNSA) in 1985. After qualifying as a physiotherapist, she had a dream of furthering her studies abroad. Her dream was propelled by the harsh conditions under the apartheid system. Her move was beneficial as her career blossomed, she was exposed to many opportunities that would had never happened if she remained in South Africa at that time. “Although I was torn leaving my home country and going to explore my skills abroad, I knew the main purpose of me being there. I always aimed at bringing back the skills right here back at home”, said Prof Mngoma.
“The training I got from SMU was excellent, it gave me the chance to evaluate my knowledge and be able to bring additional skills in physiotherapy”, she said.
The impression she got from SMU staff and students was incredible. “SMU students and staff are bright with good background and dedication, the types of questions the students asked during their meet and greet showed her that they can engage thoroughly.”
She is passionate about research, and is available for mentoring students who are eager to explore and gain experience. “My desire and principal key to SMU students is to give back by stimulating and inspiring different levels of thinking on current developments and research in physiotherapy, to aspire individuals as I had the privilege to learn all that defines everything around my skills”, she said.
By Phemelo Komane
Gauteng Provincial Legislature will host the state of Province address which will be delivered by Gauteng Premier David Makhura. The opening of the legislature marks the first sitting of the year 2020 in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature which is an annual event. The event will provide a platform for the Gauteng Premier, Honorable David Makhura, to deliver the State of Province Address (SOPA) to the legislature, which highlights the Gauteng Executive Plans for the year.
I am pleased to announce that Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) will host the Official Opening of the Sixth Legislature on Tuesday, 25th February 2020 at Sport Complex.
The event will be attended by important political and governmental figures of the province, including members of the provincial legislature and other highly-regarded guests. The SOPA ranks high in the legislature’s annual program and requires maximum security and
preparations, which warrant that the planning and the coordinating team be allowed access to the campus (SMU) the entire week leading to the event. It is in this light that we inform you that the sport complex area will be blocked out from regular use from Tuesday, 18th February 2020 till 25th February, which is the day of the event. This area would be declared a legislative precinct during this period.
Considering that this is not our function and due to the large number of guests attending the State of Province Address, unfortunately staff and students won’t be accommodated at the venue. However, you are encouraged to listen to the Premier’s speech live on various broadcast (TV & Radio) and social media platforms.
I am delighted that Gauteng Provincial Legislature chose SMU as the host of the 2020 State of Province Address. Let us join hands and support the Gauteng Provincial Government to host a successful event.
Download: SMU-SOPA-Announcement-2020
The simulator was donated as part of an exchange project in Trauma and Emergency Medicine between SMU/DGMAH and Haukeland University Hospital (Norway) and will be used to enhance the skills of Registrars in laparoscopic surgery. “There is a high incidence of penetrating trauma patients at DGMAH/SMU. Stable patients are operated with laparoscopic access, either for laparoscopic exploration, laparoscopy assisted surgery, or definitive surgery”, said Carina Marais, Project Coordinator of NOREC.
She further said, “The Registrars operating on penetrating trauma patients at DGMAH do not have access to such high level of training instruments. The level of treatment of trauma patients will be greatly enhanced, if registrars use the same training instruments as those of Haukeland University hospital for skill training. This will contribute greatly to capacity building and knowledge of the Registrars working at DGMAH to improve patient outcomes”.
Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, SMU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Ms. Lene Eriksen, Norwegian nurse, Ms. Hanne Fosse, Norwegian nurse, and Prof John Ndimande, Acting CEO of DGMAH were in attendance during the handover ceremony.
In early January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO), China Country office flagged the discovery of a virus, known as the Novel Coronavirus. It has been identified to be zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. The virus is very contagious and spreads from one infected person to another, through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, etc. The infected person presents cold like symptoms and respiratory tract illnesses. The virus has since spread at a high pace outside China, with reported cases in the following countries: Japan, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Republic of Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, United States of America, France, and one suspected case in Africa, reported in the Ivory Coast.
For more details, please follow the link: HEALTH-ALERT-from-HIGHER-HEALTH-Jan-2020
It is with regret to announce the departure of Prof L Green-Thompson as the Dean of the School of Medicine. He would be taking up responsibility as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town. He is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in Health Sciences Education. He would surely be missed. I wish to take this opportunity to thank him for his contributions to the School and to the University at large.
He would continue to lead the school until his final departure on the 15th March 2020. We would begin the search for a new Dean for the School in earnest. We would also in the near future be announcing interim arrangements for the leadership of the school.
Join me in thanking Prof Lionel Green-Thompson for his contributions and in wishing him well in his future endeavours.