by Lorato | Aug 27, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Growing up in the rural town of Lephalale, Limpopo, Lucas Matabologa’s childhood was filled with football matches that only ended at sunset. He recalls being the “water-boy” whenever a teammate got injured, instinctively offering water as the only “medicine” available. What seemed like a simple childhood routine planted the early seeds of a lifelong passion for sport and rehabilitation.
That passion crystallised years later when, while watching a television soap opera, Matabologa saw a character who had suffered a stroke recover through physiotherapy. “That was my light bulb moment,” he recalls. “I realised the impact physiotherapy could have on people’s lives, and I vowed it would be my career.”
His determination carried him to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), where he graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy in 2020. His hard work was recognised with the Best in Neurology Award in his final year, a milestone he describes as one of his proudest achievements. “It felt like I had taken the first step towards becoming the kind of physiotherapist I dreamt of when I saw that soapie character,” he reflects.
Matabologa’s interest in neurological rehabilitation is deeply personal, shaped by witnessing family members struggle with the aftermath of strokes. At the same time, his love of sport has driven him towards sports physiotherapy. Today, he is fortunate to work in both areas through Stepmed Physiotherapy in Nelspruit, where he continues to refine his skills. Among his most memorable cases is a patient who survived a severe brain injury and, through dedicated rehabilitation, progressed from intensive care to running marathons.
Central to Matabologa’s practice is his belief that “exercise is medicine”. He ensures that every patient under his care engages in evidence-based exercise, not just as a treatment, but also as a preventive strategy against injury and disease. “All my patients know that when they see me, they are about to exercise,” he jokes.
In 2021, during his community service year, he launched the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” exercise programme to help Pretoria West Hospital staff stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative boosted morale, improved physical well-being and reduced absenteeism. It was later recognised as a finalist in the CPSI Innovation Awards (2022), further motivating Matabologa to continue promoting health innovation.
More recently, Matabologa has ventured into the world of adaptive sports, joining Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) in early 2024. He calls it his “new baby”, drawn by the chance to expose patients to the sport and promote opportunities for people living with disabilities. Representing South Africa at international wheelchair basketball tournaments, including the first-ever 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship at Sun City, has been a career highlight. “It was a proud moment,” he says. “Sport has a unique power to unite people across countries and being part of that was unforgettable.”
Looking ahead, Matabologa envisions establishing a wheelchair basketball league in Mpumalanga while pursuing a master’s degree in neurology. He also hopes to influence national policy on exercise and health promotion, advocating for lifestyle-based prevention to ease the burden on South Africa’s healthcare system.
To young aspiring physiotherapists, his advice is simple yet profound: “Work hard, be patient with yourself, and never stop trying until doors open. Small steps can lead to big changes.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 22, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
When Dr Penny Moumakwa assumed the role of Chancellor at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the significance stretched far beyond ceremonial formality. For the second time in its history, the university entrusted its highest ceremonial office to a woman. Yet, for Moumakwa, medical doctor, corporate leader, and trailblazer, the moment was less about personal triumph than it was about possibility. “What an absolute privilege and honour. SMU gave me a foundation to build my life and explore my purpose. My tenure must represent infinite possibilities for students, showing them that they can dream big, be bold, and pursue their most audacious goals.”
It is this fusion of humility and steel, the conviction that courage is the bedrock of all virtues, that has defined Moumakwa’s rise. From the operating theatre to the boardroom, she has consistently carved paths where few women have been allowed to walk. Now, she brings that same disruptive clarity to SMU, at a time when South African higher education is being asked not only to graduate students, but to reimagine society itself.
Although the role of Chancellor is traditionally symbolic, Dr Moumakwa insists hers will not be passive. “This is a labour of love for me. I am a proud beneficiary of this institution, and I want my tenure to have a real impact,” she says. With a vast network spanning healthcare and business, she intends to harness those relationships to open doors for SMU globally. “I hope to help the university establish mutually beneficial partnerships locally and internationally, profile the immense achievements of our alumni, and expose students to phenomenal business leaders who can demonstrate excellence and infinite possibilities.”
Her vision is clear: SMU must be a thought leader, not merely a graduate factory. It must set the agenda for healthcare in South Africa, filling the vacuum of ethical, bold, and action-oriented leadership that the sector so desperately lacks.
On transformation: More than a policy word
Few terms are as overused in South Africa as “transformation,” but for Moumakwa, it is not a catchphrase; it is a lived commitment. “Authentic transformation requires us to unlearn our own biases, blind spots, and limiting beliefs. It must be embedded in every aspect of the university, not just as policy but as practice. It’s about walking the talk.”
She sees SMU as a microcosm of South African society: diverse, complex, and deeply shaped by history. Transformation, she insists, is not about ticking boxes but about nurturing leadership that can rewrite the country’s future.
For Moumakwa, who has often found herself “the first or the only” woman in male-dominated spaces, the symbolism of SMU’s female leadership triumvirate- herself, Council Chair Nontlaza Sizani, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus is powerful. “It is extremely significant and timely. Together, we bring unique experiences and perspectives, and that makes for a very rich partnership,” she says. “I am particularly excited to explore how our collective talents can expand SMU’s academic excellence, social agenda, and student wellbeing.”
But her advocacy goes further. She is unequivocal about the systemic neglect of women’s health in research, funding, and leadership. “There is conclusive evidence that women bring unique creativity, empathy, and collaboration to leadership. Yet healthcare has historically underinvested in women’s issues. I am passionate about changing that.”
Her own career is a testament to what happens when doors are forced open. Now, she insists, it is her responsibility to hold those doors open for others.
A message to students: Enough, worthy, unstoppable
SMU’s students, many of them first-generation scholars, occupy a special place in her heart. Her message is uncompromising: believe in your brilliance. “Firstly, you are enough. You must trust your brilliance, creativity, and resilience. You must know that you are worthy, and you must have the courage to act on your dreams. Failure is part of the journey—Maya Angelou said it best: ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’”
In her eyes, the greatest legacy of apartheid is not structural alone but psychological, the internalised racism that tricks young people into believing they are “less than.” Calling it a “scam,” she urges students, especially young black women, to rewrite their own narratives.
Redefining SMU’s place in South Africa
For SMU, Moumakwa’s appointment marks more than continuity; it signals a recalibration. With its history rooted in producing healthcare workers for underserved communities, the university now stands on the cusp of redefining itself as a continental force. Through her vision, the role of Chancellor evolves from a ceremonial to a catalytic one. By leveraging partnerships, amplifying women’s leadership, and championing authentic transformation, Moumakwa positions SMU as both a custodian of South Africa’s health sciences future and a beacon for global collaboration.
“I reflected deeply before putting my hand up for this role,” she admits. “But when I thought about what SMU has given me and what it can still give South Africa, I knew this was where I was meant to serve.”
SMU is entering a defining chapter. With Moumakwa at its helm, it has not only appointed a chancellor but also adopted a philosophy. One that insists on courage, boldness, community, and excellence as the only antidotes to South Africa’s fractured health sciences system and higher education challenges.
The appointment of SMU’s second female Chancellor is historic. But history, as Moumakwa reminds us, is not an end. It is a challenge: to be bold, to transform, and to dream audaciously.
By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has announced the appointment of Nontlaza Sizani as the new Chairperson of its Council, a move expected to strengthen governance and drive the institution’s mission of academic excellence, transformation, and innovation in health sciences education.
Sizani, a seasoned governance professional, brings to the role a wealth of experience spanning audit, accounting, finance, treasury, and public administration. She holds a B.Compt in Accounting, a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA), and is registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as an Associate General Accountant. She is also a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IoDSA).
Her professional journey has included auditing government entities, managing structured finance for large capital projects at Transnet, and serving on audit committees across various institutions. This, she notes, has given her “a deep understanding of governance frameworks, risk management, and the dynamics of effective boards.”
Sizani’s path into higher education governance was driven by a desire to leverage her expertise in the service of academic institutions. “I saw an opportunity to contribute my governance expertise to an environment where academic excellence, institutional integrity, and long-term sustainability intersect to shape the leaders of tomorrow,” she explained.
Having served on the SMU Council since 2019, Sizani has played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s governance trajectory. She chaired sub-committees, engaged deeply with strategic oversight, and in 2024, was appointed Deputy Chairperson of Council. These experiences, she says, deepened her passion for both student success and the advancement of SMU’s academic project.
Looking ahead, Sizani’s vision is to position SMU as a leading health sciences university, centred on student success and academic excellence. She is committed to strengthening clinical platforms, enhancing teaching and research infrastructure, and fostering stronger partnerships with health facilities. “Our students are our greatest asset, and we will place them at the centre of everything we do,” she affirmed.
The Council under her leadership will focus on providing strategic oversight, ensuring sound governance, and supporting innovation in teaching and research. Transparency, ethical governance, and accountability will remain key priorities. “I will ensure our processes are open, well-documented, and aligned with good governance principles. Integrity must always be central to our deliberations,” she said.
Sizani also acknowledges the challenges facing SMU, particularly around infrastructure development and transformation. She emphasised that Council will work closely with management to address delays in infrastructure projects while ensuring transformation is a lived reality reflected in leadership, curriculum, and institutional culture.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, fairness, accountability, and respect. She stresses the importance of collective leadership and constructive engagement between Council, management, and broader stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the community.
“As I begin my term as Chairperson, I hope to leave a legacy of good governance where Council is seen as a trusted partner in advancing SMU’s mission,” she said. “Unity is the virtue we embrace, and I encourage the entire University community to hold hands together in shaping the SMU we hope for.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Adverts
When you meet Thendo Mudau, a fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), you quickly realise that his story is one of determination, leadership, and service.
Raised in Johannesburg South by parents who both serve in the public sector — his mother a nurse and his father a policeman — Mudau grew up in an environment shaped by compassion, duty, and community. It was here that he first absorbed the value of service, a principle that continues to guide his journey.
His academic path took flight when he attended St Martin’s High School on a scholarship. He remains grateful to the late headmaster who believed in his potential and offered him an opportunity that became the springboard for his dreams.
Mudau’s aspiration to become a neurosurgeon can be traced back to when he was just seven years old. Initially fascinated by the cosmos, he stumbled upon Brain Games on National Geographic, a programme that drew striking parallels between the vastness of the universe and the intricate complexity of the human brain. “That was my Eureka moment,” he recalls. “I realised that I could channel my fascination with the brain into helping people — just as my mother has done through nursing.”
Beyond the lecture halls, Mudau has been making a significant impact through student leadership. He currently serves as President of the SMU Student Surgical Society (SMUSSS), having been part of its executive committee since 2022. His journey within the society has included roles as Head of Anatomy in 2023 and Secretary-General in 2024.
During this time, society has achieved remarkable milestones. It was named Society of the Year at SMU and also honoured internationally as Society of the Month by the International Association of Student Surgical Societies (IASSS). Under Mudau’s leadership, the SMUSSS has spearheaded initiatives such as the annual Easter Egg Drive, surgical skills workshops, awareness campaigns, and academic collaborations that expose students to various surgical disciplines.
Among peers, Mudau has earned the affectionate nickname “The Godfather” — a nod to his long-standing involvement and commitment to mentoring younger members. On 25 April 2025, his contributions were recognised at the Dean’s Excellence Awards, where he received a certificate for his service to the School of Medicine.
Recently, Mudau received a bursary that he describes as “an incredible blessing.” Beyond easing financial pressures, the award has served as encouragement to continue striving towards his lifelong dream. “For me, leadership is about service, building others up, and leaving behind a legacy that inspires the next generation to aim even higher,” he says.
With a clear vision for the future, Mudau is determined to pursue neurosurgery and contribute to advancing healthcare in South Africa. His journey — shaped by humble beginnings, strong family values, and relentless drive — is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose.
As he continues to balance his studies, leadership responsibilities, and community engagement, one thing is clear: Mudau is not only shaping his own future but also paving the way for others to dream bigger.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating the achievement of Kalaba Nkonde—Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Academic Instructor for the Dispensing Short Course for Healthcare Professionals, and PhD candidate—who has been selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the United States’ Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is one of the most competitive leadership programmes on the continent. Chosen from more than 58,000 applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa, Nkonde joins an elite cohort of approximately 620 Fellows recognised as some of the best and brightest young leaders in agriculture, business, civil society, education, energy, healthcare, technology, trade, and security.
Recalling the moment she learnt of her selection, Nkonde says, “I initially ignored the notification, but when I finally opened the email, I screamed. It felt like time stopped—a surreal moment of disbelief, immense gratitude, and excitement. It reminded me that purpose, preparation, and passion can align in powerful ways.”
Her application reflected her extensive work at the intersection of pharmacy, public policy, and public health advocacy, with a particular focus on equitable access to medicines and health literacy. “I positioned my application around systemic thinking—linking pharmacy education to patient-centred care and policy reform. What set it apart was its multidimensional nature: academic achievements, leadership roles, volunteerism, and community initiatives,” she explains.
Nkonde attended a six-week Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, in the U.S. under the Public Management track. Across 26 U.S. institutions in 21 states, Fellows engage in leadership training, academic study, networking, and weekly community service. For Nkonde, the most transformative experiences came from connecting with other African changemakers and U.S. leaders. Influential figures included her project coach, Dr Olihe Okoro, and leadership scholar Dr Artika Tyner, whose session on inclusive leadership reshaped her understanding of leadership as service.
The academic director and staff were instrumental in ensuring the fellows made the most of the experience incorporating networking sessions and providing spaces for collaboration. “Dr Ashley Watson and team always mentioned my name in rooms I never would have imagined myself in. They ushered me in the best possible directions and set me up for leadership success.” Nkonde recalls.
A core focus of Nkonde’s work is literacy-centred health education. “In South Africa’s diverse linguistic and socioeconomic context, health literacy can mean the difference between access and exclusion,” she says. Currently, she is piloting a literacy initiative in SMU’s School of Pharmacy, inspired by her Fellowship experiences, with plans to expand it to improve patient outcomes and student success.
Looking ahead, Nkonde intends to integrate global best practices into SMU’s pharmacy curriculum, foster policy literacy, and create more opportunities for student leadership and international collaboration. “Equity in healthcare is not just a technical issue—it is a leadership challenge,” she emphasises.
Her advice to aspiring changemakers is clear: “Start where you are, with what you have, and lead with integrity. Don’t wait for permission to be bold—be the bridge where none exists.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government and administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
For decades, global higher education has been dominated by Northern voices. Today, however, the Global South (GLOSOUTH) is claiming its place, innovating, collaborating, and reshaping the academic landscape. At the forefront of this movement is the GLOSOUTH project, a bold initiative that has united universities from South Africa and Colombia in a historic partnership aimed at fostering South-South collaboration.
Launched in September 2024, GLOSOUTH is the product of a collaboration between the Colombian Network for Internationalisation (RCI) of ASCUN and the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA). Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to strengthen academic exchanges that transcend borders, politics, and language barriers.
For Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), this project marked a significant step. As a specialised health sciences institution, SMU had previously engaged little with South American universities. GLOSOUTH opened doors to meaningful connections and collaborations.
“Due to the perceived language barrier and unknown territory, SMU has rarely engaged with higher education institutions in South America,” explained Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU. “However, the GLOSOUTH project provided an excellent platform for SMU, as a niche institution, to find and connect with similar institutions.”
Jooste played a central role across all three phases of GLOSOUTH:
- Phase 1: A series of webinars where SMU’s internationalisation journey was showcased.
- Phase 2: Targeted networking sessions, paving the way for formal discussions with Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas and Corporación Universitaria Remington (Uniremington).
- Phase 3: A landmark visit to Colombia, where the South African delegation explored collaborative projects and engaged directly with Colombian counterparts.
The mission spanned Bogotá, Pereira, and Manizales, where workshops, presentations, and dialogues highlighted a higher education sector marked by resilience, creativity, and innovation.
During the visit, the delegation also met with Buti Manamela, who at the time was Deputy Minister and is now Minister of Higher Education and Training, while he was on an official state visit. Together with his Colombian counterpart, he stressed the urgency of strengthening collaboration among Global South institutions.
“Collaboration between the Global South is not optional, but compulsory,” Manamela stated.
Dr Matias Marin Castaño, Director of International Relations at the Catholic University of Manizales and national coordinator of the Colombian Network for Internationalisation (RCI) of ASCUN, reflected on the experience:
“International cooperation is not only built in treaties or diplomatic offices; it is also born in universities that believe in social transformation through knowledge. GLOSOUTH allowed us to recognise ourselves from the Global South, weave meaningful alliances, and draw a roadmap for an education committed to peace, sustainability, and justice.”
For SMU, the visit represented more than a formal mission—it marked its entry into a wider global conversation. The university now anticipates strengthening partnerships with Colombian counterparts, pursuing joint projects, and amplifying its voice in the Global South, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge.
The GLOSOUTH initiative demonstrates that South-South collaboration is no longer optional; it is a vital force driving innovation and social transformation. Through partnerships like this, SMU is positioning itself as a leader in internationalisation, committed to knowledge exchange, sustainability, and the creation of meaningful global impact. The journey has just begun, but the foundation for a collaborative, globally connected future has been firmly laid.
By Dimakatso Modise
