by Lorato | Jan 15, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
In the evolving world of healthcare education, few stories capture both global leadership and local impact as powerfully as that of Khomotso Paulina Motiang, a Lecturer in the Department of Radiography at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). From global forums to SMU lecture halls, Motiang is redefining what it means to lead in radiography, using her platform to inspire change, develop young professionals, and advance MRI education in South Africa and beyond.
With a clinical career spanning public and private sectors, international experience, and more than five years in academia, her greatest influence is now felt in academia, where she nurtures future radiographers to lead with both skill and compassion. “We must remain human while striving for excellence,” she reflects, a principle that shapes every dimension of her work.
In 2024, Motiang’s commitment to transformation was recognised when she was awarded the International Society of Magnetic Resonance Radiographers and Technologists (ISMRT) Future Leaders Fellowship, an initiative developed in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This prestigious global fellowship positions her at the forefront of MRI education advancement in underserved regions. For South Africa’s radiography community, it is a milestone: Motiang is not only representing the country on global platforms but bringing global innovation back home.
Through the Fellowship, she is establishing the ISMRT South African Division, creating a national knowledge-sharing hub for MRI safety and best practice. “This Fellowship is not just personal, it’s a resource for the profession and a tool to empower others,” Motiang says.
At SMU, her teaching philosophy is equally progressive. She champions interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP), believing that modern radiographers must operate beyond their specialisation and work as collaborative healthcare leaders. Her supervision of undergraduate research projects in forensic imaging and AI in diagnostics demonstrates her commitment to producing forward-thinking graduates ready for global healthcare environments.
Her leadership extends to national structures: from 2025 to 2029, she will serve as the Gauteng Provincial Representative for the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA), shaping national policy and professional development. Internationally, she continues to advocate for MRI safety and education through her Fellowship, and as a Fellow of the ISMRT.
Yet, Motiang’s leadership philosophy remains rooted in human connection. Beyond accolades and fellowships, she quietly donates food parcels to students in need and mentors first-generation university entrants. “Support doesn’t always come from policy. Sometimes it comes from people choosing to care.”
Her work embodies SMU’s vision: health sciences education that is both locally relevant and globally competitive. As a reviewer for the African Journal of Health Professions Education, Motiang advocates for African research that reflects the continent’s realities while contributing to global knowledge. From global MRI forums to the students she mentors daily, Motiang is a leader of substance, one who proves that advancing healthcare is not just about technology and systems, but about people, compassion, and vision.
A global voice and a local heart, she is redefining radiography leadership for South Africa and for the world.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jan 15, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a field often dominated by complex statistics and siloed disciplines, Professor Kebogile Mokwena, South Africa’s first National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Chair at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has emerged as a leading force reshaping the nation’s public health response to mental illness and substance abuse. With more than 120 postgraduate students supervised across multiple health disciplines, Mokwena’s work is not only academically rigorous but deeply grounded in the real-world challenges facing South African communities.
Her passion for public health and population mental health research was ignited early in her career. “I was always inspired to serve and work with people,” she says. After obtaining her doctorate in Public Health Education from the University of South Carolina, with specialisations in curriculum development and health promotion, Mokwena found her research calling in tackling the emergence of nyaope—a highly addictive street drug devastating communities across the country.
Since then, she has become one of the country’s foremost researchers on substance abuse and mental health, forming collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cape Town, Walter Sisulu University, the University of Johannesburg, and the South African Medical Research Council. Her studies estimate the burden of depression and anxiety among underserved populations, confirming a high prevalence of undiagnosed conditions often linked to broader societal issues, including crime and substance use.
Her appointment as SMU’s first NRF Research Chair has allowed her to expand her research portfolio while strengthening collaborations within and beyond the university. “I had to jump several hurdles before I was awarded the grant,” she recalls. “But the role has enabled me to plan long-term, mentor others, and broaden the institution’s research footprint.”
Mokwena’s academic influence spans disciplines and schools. She has supervised students in pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, and medicine, covering fields as varied as surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics. She embraces interdisciplinary supervision, often initiating partnerships when public health questions intersect with clinical concerns. “All involved learn something new,” she notes.
Beyond academia, she serves on several boards and advisory committees, including the Vista Psychiatric Hospital Board, the Gauteng Substance Abuse Forum, and the SANCA Advisory Committee. These roles keep her connected to the practical implications of her research, informing policy and service delivery at multiple levels.
Despite facing gender-based assumptions in academia, Mokwena has remained steadfast. “People sometimes don’t expect to see a woman in my position,” she admits. “But I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself.”
Her advice to young women aspiring to make an impact in public health is bold: “Be brave enough to ask difficult questions. Be authentic. Work hard and enjoy what you do.”
Reflecting on her legacy, Mokwena hopes to be remembered not only for pioneering research but for advancing solutions that serve society: “My research lives in communities, churches, schools, and prisons. That is the impact I want to leave behind.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jan 11, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Ramokone Maphoto, Senior Pathologist in Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), stands as a key figure in South Africa’s ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. With a career built on scientific excellence and a commitment to public health, Maphoto is making significant contributions to diagnostics, research, and community empowerment.
Based within SMU’s Department of Virology, Maphoto’s work spans cutting-edge laboratory science and practical healthcare solutions. She currently leads the Clinical Virology Research Unit, a newly established facility dedicated to advancing the understanding of viral infections. The unit’s mandate focuses on diagnostics, treatment, prevention, and innovative research that integrates laboratory findings with clinical application.
“Science is not only about discovery but about making a real impact on people’s lives,” says Maphoto. “At SMU, we’re uniquely positioned to bridge laboratory research and frontline healthcare, especially in addressing HIV/AIDS challenges.”
Her role also extends to academic leadership as an active member of the Departmental Research Committee, where she serves as Deputy Chair on rotation. This involvement allows her to influence the strategic direction of virology research and foster collaboration among researchers and clinicians.
SMU’s Virology Department plays a critical role in South Africa’s health system, providing essential HIV testing and treatment monitoring services to vulnerable communities. Under Maphoto’s guidance, the laboratory operates around the clock, utilising advanced automated HIV testing technologies to increase capacity and deliver timely, accurate results.
“Timely viral load testing is essential for managing treatment effectively,” explains Maphoto. “It helps detect treatment failure early, ensuring patients receive appropriate care to suppress the virus and reduce transmission.”
Beyond the lab, Maphoto is passionate about education and capacity building. She mentors and trains medical registrars, honours, and master’s students, nurturing the next generation of virologists who will continue to strengthen South Africa’s HIV response.
However, Maphoto recognises that the fight against HIV/AIDS is about more than medicine and technology. Stigma remains a significant barrier to care, and she is dedicated to community outreach and education initiatives that challenge misconceptions and encourage people to seek testing and treatment.
“Breaking down stigma is critical,” she asserts. “Education empowers people to make informed decisions and access the healthcare they need without fear or shame.”
Maphoto’s work exemplifies the integration of scientific innovation, public health commitment, and compassionate leadership. Her efforts not only enhance diagnostic services but also shape policy and practice, supporting South Africa’s goal of ending the HIV epidemic.
“At SMU, we believe in health equity as a responsibility,” she says. “I’m proud to contribute to this mission by advancing research and ensuring every patient’s right to quality care is respected.”
In a country grappling with the world’s largest HIV epidemic, access to reliable testing and treatment is more critical than ever. At the heart of this fight is SMU, where science, research, and compassion converge to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis head-on.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jan 11, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Not many people can claim “doctor,” “pastor,” “entrepreneur,” and “philanthropist” on the same curriculum vitae—let alone before the age of 30. But for Dr Andile Molokomme, a Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) alumna, these roles aren’t separate; they’re woven into one mission: to lead with purpose and impact lives.
Now 29, Molokomme is the founder of Dr Andie Family Practice in Pretoria North, a primary care clinic that’s redefining community health. “It’s not just about treatment, it’s about early screening, patient education, and empowering people to take charge of their health,” she explains.
But that’s only part of the story. With a passion for wellness that goes beyond the stethoscope, she launched AndiBeauty—a cosmetics brand rooted in empowerment. That vision has since evolved into the AndiBeauty Spa, which now offers medical aesthetic services led by Molokomme herself. She recently completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Medical Aesthetics at FPD—graduating Cum Laude. “I didn’t want to create another beauty brand,” she says. “I wanted to build something that inspires confidence and blends inner health with outer care.”
Whether behind a clinic desk or in front of a camera, Molokomme commands her platforms with clarity and compassion. As the host of Medical Insights on LoveWorld SAT, and a regular voice on Power FM, Thobela FM, and Ga-Rankuwa FM, she’s bringing health literacy to the mainstream. “If people don’t understand their health, they can’t manage it. That’s why communication matters.”
Still, for all her titles and accolades, her proudest work is what she’s done for the next generation. At just 17, she founded the Phenomenal Young Persons NPO (181-231)—long before earning her medical degree, developing business plans, or making broadcast appearances. “Before I was a doctor or entrepreneur, I was a philanthropist,” she says.
The organisation has since reached over 45,000 young people across 10 institutions, offering mentorship, academic awards, and entrepreneurship training. In May 2025, she took 130 learners from her former school, Lethabong Secondary, to the SMU Open Day. “Exposure breeds aspiration,” she insists. “When you show kids what’s possible, they begin to believe they belong in those spaces.”
The NPO is now preparing to launch an online entrepreneurship course and expand across five African countries. At the same time, Molokomme is building AndiBeauty Spa into a leading wellness brand, combining aesthetics with purpose. “Right now, I’m growing the clinic, scaling the spa, mentoring students, and building a digital education platform,” she says. “Leadership is not about being busy—it’s about being impactful. I wake up every day to live that mission.” As an SMU alumna, Molokomme embodies the university’s mission to produce graduates who lead with purpose and redefine healthcare and wellness on the continent.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jan 11, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the future of security doesn’t rest solely in patrols and gates; it’s being quietly redefined by women like Patience Mabunda, who are transforming campus safety from within its systems. As an Administrative Officer in the Department of Security Services, Mabunda is at the forefront of modernising the operations that keep the university safe, efficient, and inclusive, one upgrade at a time.
Mabunda joined SMU in 2021, bringing with her over a decade of experience in administration from the Department of Justice, South African Weather Services, and the Department of Labour. Now in her fourth year at the university, she supports one of the institution’s most vital components: campus security.
Her duties span the full spectrum of administrative coordination. “I handle procurement, manage access control, and oversee biometric enrolments for students, staff, and contractors,” she explains. “I also ensure that both in-house and outsourced security teams are properly deployed, all through compliant supply chain processes.”
Mabunda’s journey into the university environment began during her experiential learning at varsity. “That exposure helped me realise how dynamic and fulfilling a university setting can be. It pushed me to continue learning and to enrol in an LLB, which I’m currently pursuing in my third year,” she says. She believes her legal studies complement her security role and will further strengthen her professional capabilities.
Among her proudest contributions to SMU is the creation of a weekly activity reporting system. Initially developed in Excel, the tool tracked progress in operations, investigations, and administration. “It was later converted into an online document by the technical team, and it’s now a central part of how we work. It has improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” she notes.
Each day at SMU begins with structure and intention. “I live by the motto: ‘People who plan their days get most of their work done.’ It helps me manage multiple demands without becoming overwhelmed.”
Her efforts are especially vital in a 24-hour operation like campus security. “Working under pressure is normal here, but our management team is responsive and solutions-focused. When issues arise, they’re addressed quickly because we function as a unit,” she says.
Mabunda has witnessed major strides in modernising security on campus. “We’ve moved from outdated access cards to biometric and facial recognition systems. It’s exciting to be part of that transformation.” Passionate about women’s empowerment and mental health, she sees her work as a platform for broader impact.
Her message to the SMU community is simple but powerful: “Success begins when you commit to excellence.” Looking ahead, she hopes to contribute even more to SMU’s progress: “I want to keep modernising our systems, transforming security, one solution at a time.”
At SMU, operational excellence is no longer gendered; women like Mabunda are leading critical support functions, proving that transformation reaches every part of the institution.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jan 11, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Nondumiso Nkosi, a Master’s student in Medical Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), is making waves in biomedical innovation with a pioneering diagnostic assay for Hepatitis B. Developed in collaboration with Nagoya City University Hospital in Japan, her assay addresses a long-standing gap in accessible and efficient Hepatitis B diagnosis—particularly in regions where the disease is most prevalent.
The innovation holds immense promise for transforming public health outcomes in Africa. With millions affected by chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections that often lead to liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma, early diagnosis is critical. Nkosi’s diagnostic tool is designed for low-resource settings, offering a potentially life-saving solution where conventional diagnostic infrastructure is either limited or absent.
Her work has already earned national attention. In 2023, Nkosi presented the innovation at the Bio Africa Convention, where she was awarded runner-up in the innovation showcase. “That moment changed everything for me,” Nkosi reflects. “It made me realise the magnitude and potential impact of my work.”
With the mentorship of Dr Omphile Simani, and support from the SMU Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Nkosi’s innovation is now on the path toward commercialisation. “We are working with Nkosi and Simani to identify industry partners for scaling the assay,” says Mohlatlego Sebola of the TTO. The Office has also played a key role in securing intellectual property protection for her work, positioning her as a rising figure in South Africa’s intellectual property landscape.
SMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, underscores the broader significance: “Our commitment at SMU is clear—we nurture innovation, excellence, and community service. Nkosi’s work is a shining example of this mission in action.”
But Nkosi’s story begins far from the laboratories and conferences. Raised by a single mother in Mpumalanga, she speaks openly about the challenges that shaped her. “My mother taught me strength, resilience and the value of education—no matter the odds,” she shares. “Those lessons carried me from the classroom, where I first discovered biology, to the lab, where I found my passion for medical virology.”
Navigating the complex world of science as a young woman, Nkosi faced the familiar struggle of balancing multiple roles. “Women are often expected to be everything at once—caregivers, professionals, daughters, partners, scholars,” she says. “At times, I felt pulled in every direction, but it was in those moments that my purpose became clear.”
Her determination culminated in a patented innovation, a rare and remarkable achievement for a young scientist. “To have my name on a patent is more than professional validation; it’s a statement that women belong at the forefront of scientific discovery.”
Nkosi’s journey is far from over, but her message is already resonating with many. “Your background doesn’t define your limits,” she says to young women pursuing careers in science. “You belong. Your resilience and your voice matter.”
By Dimakatso Modise
