by Lorato | Nov 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
A cohort of sixteen female Mathematics and Applied Mathematics lecturers and postgraduate students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently participated in the WAFIRA-SA3 2025 Workshop, hosted by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg, Cape Town, from 30 October to 1 November 2025. The three-day programme, themed “Advancing Women in Mathematical Sciences,” brought together women from across Africa to strengthen leadership, research, and mentorship capacity within STEM disciplines.
WAFIRA—short for Women’s Advancement Forum: International Exchanges, Research & Academia—is a continental initiative launched in 2014 by AIMS in partnership with African Gong. The programme equips women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with leadership tools and professional networks to help them thrive in academia and industry. Since its inception, WAFIRA has empowered more than 1,500 women across Africa through workshops and mentorship programmes. The name “Wafira”, derived from Arabic, signifies abundance—a fitting reflection of the initiative’s goal to cultivate an abundance of women leaders in STEM.
The SMU lecturers and postgraduate students joined other African academics for an intensive programme combining leadership training, personal development, and collaborative reflection. The opening day focused on empowering women for growth, exploring both intrinsic enablers—such as confidence, resilience, and lifelong learning—and extrinsic ones, including institutional support and inclusive environments. “Empowerment starts from within, but it flourishes in spaces that value women’s voices,” said Dr Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe, one of the workshop facilitators.
The afternoon sessions centred on mentorship and work-life integration, underscoring the importance of balance and intentional engagement between mentors and mentees. Participants reflected on strategies for effective communication, professional boundaries, and mutual accountability. SMU participant and Junior Lecturer Kelebogile Medupe noted, “The session helped me see mentorship not just as guidance, but as a partnership built on trust and shared growth.”
Day Two placed emphasis on leadership and international collaboration, highlighting the transformative power of global partnerships in advancing research and visibility. Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, Founder of WAFIRA, urged participants to lead boldly and intentionally: “Leadership is not bestowed—it’s cultivated through competence, confidence, and courage. Women must position themselves to access global opportunities that match their ambitions.”
A lively panel discussion followed, featuring voices from academia, research, and industry. Panellist Dr Juliet Nagawa, a WAFIRA alumna, shared, “Mentorship changed the trajectory of my career. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed.” The discussion underscored that institutions must formalise mentorship frameworks to ensure sustainability and equitable access to leadership pathways.
The final day of the workshop encouraged participants to design career progression roadmaps and reflect on their leadership journeys. Guided by facilitators, they crafted personal strategies for self-management and long-term success. “I leave this workshop with clarity, confidence, and a community of women who inspire me to dream bigger,” said Sindiswa Mnguni, participant and Junior Lecturer at SMU.
The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony, celebrating each woman’s growth and commitment to leadership. In her closing remarks, Dr Rasekoala reminded participants that “the WAFIRA network is more than a programme—it’s a movement. We are building a legacy of abundance, where women in STEM lead, innovate, and transform Africa.”
The sixteen SMU lecturers and postgraduate students returned home inspired to champion mentorship, gender equity, and innovation within their departments—embodying WAFIRA’s vision of empowering African women to lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At just 23, Vuyo Delight Dlakude has become a name to watch in South Africa’s nursing and research community. A Community Service Professional Nurse at Edenvale Regional Hospital, Dlakude represents a new generation of healthcare professionals — bold, disciplined, and deeply committed to advancing patient care through evidence-based practice.
“I’ve always believed that good nursing goes beyond procedures,” he says with conviction. “It’s about empathy, precision, and a hunger to learn — because every patient teaches you something new.”
Born in Kamhlushwa, Mpumalanga, Dlakude grew up in a family that valued education above all else. “Both my parents were teachers,” he reflects. “Even after they passed away, their influence never left me. My family taught me resilience, respect, and the power of learning.”
He completed his schooling at Driekoppies Combined School, achieving excellent matric results that earned him a place at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) — South Africa’s only dedicated health sciences institution. There, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery (Honours), graduating in 2025.
SMU, he says, became more than a university — it was the environment where his purpose crystallised. “Studying at SMU taught me that nursing isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. Every lecture, every clinical rotation shaped the nurse I am today.”
Now based in the theatre unit at Edenvale Hospital, Dlakude’s days are spent assisting surgeons and ensuring safe, compassionate care before, during, and after operations. “Theatre nursing requires focus and teamwork,” he explains. “You anticipate needs, monitor patients, and support recovery. There’s no room for error — just precision and humanity.”
But Vuyo’s curiosity extends beyond the operating room. During his final year at SMU, he discovered a passion for research, co-authoring a peer-reviewed article titled “Factors Influencing Late Antenatal Booking in Tshwane District: Pregnant Women’s Perceptions” (Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med, 2025). The paper explored barriers to early maternal healthcare and proposed solutions rooted in better communication and community trust.
His research journey continued when he presented his poster “Improving Midwife-Pregnant Women Communication During Health Education to Enhance Antenatal Care Uptake” at the Sedibeng District Health Research Conference 2025, earning second place out of ten submissions.
“Research is my tool for change,” he asserts. “It’s how I turn questions into solutions — and how I can give voice to the people behind the data.”
Dlakude’s leadership and excellence have not gone unnoticed. Among his accolades are the Exceptional Student Nurse Award (2023 TEN Campaign) and Extraordinary Leader of the SMU Nursing Department (2023). He also served as a DENOSA Student Movement Sports Officer and CUTL Mentor, nurturing future student nurses.
Colleagues describe him as “disciplined with humour” — a balance he believes keeps him grounded. “Discipline drives performance, but compassion keeps it human,” he says. “That’s the heart of nursing.”
Looking ahead, Dlakude aims to specialise in nursing ethics and qualitative research. His ultimate goal? “To improve how nurses are trained, supported, and valued,” he says. “When we elevate nurses, we strengthen the entire healthcare system.”
In his own words, “My journey is only beginning. I’m not just working in healthcare — I’m helping to reimagine it.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Class of 2005 reunited in Umhlanga, Durban, for an elegant gala dinner that blended celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to their alma mater. For many, the evening served as a reminder of the bonds forged during their formative years at the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), now SMU, and of the shared purpose that has guided their professional lives over the past two decades. Alumni travelled from across South Africa to reconnect, share stories, and reaffirm their commitment to the institution that helped shape their careers.
A highlight of the evening was a stirring address by Mr Japhta Phala, President of the SMU Convocation and Alumni, who urged his classmates to consider the long-term future of the university. He emphasised that SMU’s growth and excellence depend on more than its curriculum and academic staff—it also requires modern, functional infrastructure. “Our university needs new infrastructure. If SMU is to compete globally and offer a world-class learning environment, we as alumni must play an active role in investing in that progress,” he said. His words resonated deeply, not merely as a call for financial contribution, but as a rallying cry for a more engaged and sustained commitment to SMU’s mission.
Mr Phala framed alumni not only as former students, but as active custodians of the university’s legacy. “Alumni are not just former students—we are custodians of SMU’s legacy. Each contribution, big or small, helps build a stronger foundation for future generations of health professionals.” By linking the university’s future to alumni engagement, he underscored that the reunion was more than a nostalgic gathering; it was a strategic step in ensuring SMU’s continued capacity to train healthcare leaders equipped to meet South Africa’s evolving needs.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof Lebogang Phahladira, Specialist Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, spoke from the heart about the shared journey of the Class of 2005. Born and raised in Limpopo, Prof Phahladira graduated from MEDUNSA with his MBChB in 2005 and has since built a distinguished career in academia and clinical practice. “We are not only marking 20 years since we graduated; we are honouring the resilience, sacrifice, and dedication that carried us from our days at MEDUNSA to where we stand today,” he reflected. His words captured both the individual challenges faced by members of the class and the collective strength gained through mutual support.
Prof Phahladira also emphasised the unity that underpins the cohort’s achievements. “Our unity remains our greatest strength. This reunion reminds us that we have grown not only as professionals but as a community committed to service,” he said. His address reinforced the importance of maintaining ongoing alumni connections—not simply for nostalgia, but for mentorship, collaboration, and the shared advancement of SMU’s mission.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Luvuyo Bayeni, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Chief Director for Human Resources at the National Department of Health. Dr Bayeni’s remarks highlighted the moral responsibilities that accompany a career in health.
“Our work goes beyond clinical skill … it requires a commitment to ethical leadership and the well-being of the people we serve,” he observed. Dr Bayeni praised the Class of 2005 for exemplifying the university’s values throughout their careers.
“You are a class that continues to lead with purpose. Your presence in hospitals, academic institutions, government, and private practice speaks to the excellence that MEDUNSA and SMU instilled in you,” he said, urging alumni to collaborate in addressing national health challenges: “A stronger health system depends on our willingness to work together.”
As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted to one of camaraderie, celebration, and reflection. Alumni honoured colleagues who had passed on, shared personal and professional milestones, and strengthened long-standing friendships. The night ended with an unmistakable sense of purpose—a collective belief in SMU’s enduring importance and a renewed determination to invest in its future.
Mr Phala’s closing message captured the spirit of the reunion: “SMU’s future is in our hands. When we invest in the institution, we invest in the future of healthcare in South Africa.”
For the Class of 2005, the gathering was not just a celebration of past achievements but a powerful recommitment to what lies ahead, ensuring their legacy continues through new infrastructure, shared purpose, and the unwavering power of alumni to shape the future.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 15, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has officially entered a defining new era as it inaugurated Dr Penny Moumakwa as Chancellor and Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, marking the first time in the institution’s history that the apex leadership trio, including the Chairperson of Council, is led entirely by women.
This historic moment positions SMU not only as a university on the rise, but as an institution rewriting the narrative of leadership in South Africa’s higher education landscape.
A transformational milestone for higher education
In a ceremony that blended academic tradition with powerful symbolism, the installation of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor affirmed SMU’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and a renewed identity rooted in leadership, integrity, and societal purpose.
Chairperson of Council, Nontlaza Sizani, celebrated the milestone, noting that: “Today, we are witnessing an extraordinary moment for our country, one where women lead with intellect, courage, and clarity. This leadership collective will shape SMU’s future and strengthen its contribution to the nation.”
Upon taking the oath of office, Moumakwa delivered an acceptance address grounded in humility, purpose, and a commitment to service.
She noted: “I accept this honour with deep appreciation and a profound sense of duty. A Chancellor must represent the soul of the institution, its integrity, its aspirations, and its promise to society. I accept that responsibility with reverence, with clarity, and with unwavering commitment.” She also pledged her full support to the Vice-Chancellor, saying: “Professor Matsha-Erasmus, your leadership is already shaping a powerful new chapter for SMU. I look forward to walking alongside you as we strengthen this institution and expand its impact.”
Delivering her inaugural address, themed “The Ascent of SMU: A University Reimagined for Global Impact,” Matsha-Erasmus set out a bold, future-oriented vision for SMU’s next chapter. She emphasised: “There are moments in the life of a nation when an institution steps fully into its purpose. Today is such a moment for SMU. We will not ask for respect, we will earn it. Not by rhetoric, but by results.”
Referencing SMU’s recent rise in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, she highlighted that the institution is becoming a continental hub for health sciences excellence, research leadership, and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor continued: “We stand at an inflexion point, a moment to honour the history that shaped us and boldly define the future we will create. Our mission is not only to generate knowledge, but to heal, innovate, and impact global health.”
A university on the rise
In their respective addresses, both the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor underscored SMU’s accelerating trajectory as a university on the rise — one positioning itself as a continental force in health sciences education, research, and innovation.
They highlighted how SMU is deepening its footprint in world-class research, evidenced by the groundbreaking patents emerging from its scholars and the increasing visibility of its scientific outputs. This momentum is matched by the university’s bold expansion of its One Health leadership, advancing interdisciplinary solutions in a world where human, animal, and environmental health are inseparably linked.
The leaders further emphasised SMU’s drive to strengthen innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that research does not remain in academic journals but moves into clinics, communities, markets, and manufacturing ecosystems. They articulated a clear vision of SMU as a continental reference point for health sciences training, producing graduates who are globally competent and locally responsive.
Central to this rise is a renewed commitment to student-centred excellence, ensuring that student experience, wellbeing, and opportunity are embedded at the heart of institutional decision-making.
Both leaders also reaffirmed SMU’s responsibility to the country: contributing meaningfully to national health priorities, including the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), universal health coverage, and the future architecture of South Africa’s healthcare delivery.
Together, these ambitions signal a university not only transforming itself but also reshaping the health landscape of South Africa, Africa, and the world.
A new epoch of leadership
This all-women leadership collective—Council Chair, Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor- signals SMU’s entry into a new epoch of institutional renewal, ethical purpose, and academic ambition.
It is a milestone that not only embodies transformation but positions SMU as a university charting a bold path for South Africa and Africa.
*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye, a proud alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Founder of the Kids Dental Home Foundation (KDHF), has made history as the first African dentist to win first place in the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Award, sponsored by Colgate. The award was presented at the 2025 International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) Congress in Cape Town (22–25 October), honouring trailblazers advancing innovative, preventive oral health programmes for children.
Her winning initiative, Saving Smiles in Africa: A Multi-Faceted Initiative to Transform Paediatric Oral Health in Underserved Communities, stood out for its measurable impact, innovation, and compassion. Founded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, KDHF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming children’s oral health through prevention, education, and access to care. What began as a response to children waiting months for essential dental services has evolved into a continent-wide movement of hope and prevention.
Transforming Oral Health, One Smile at a Time
Since its inception, KDHF has:
- Performed 41 free dental surgeries for children suffering from Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
- Conducted more than 3,000 dental screenings in communities across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Zimbabwe.
- Trained and empowered over 4,000 caregivers, teachers, and children through Preventive Oral Health Education Workshops.
- Introduced hundreds of children to their first-ever dental visit through the affiliated Kids Dental Home practice in Montana Park, Pretoria.
The foundation’s Mobile Dental Truck is its crown jewel — a fully equipped, travelling dental clinic and classroom that takes oral health directly to schools, hospitals, churches, and rural communities. It offers free treatment and delivers hands-on education about hygiene and nutrition, making oral health accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
“Our mission is simple,” says Dr Sibisi-Maboye. “We meet families where they are — at home, in schools, or in community halls — and we teach that prevention isn’t just a dental concept; it’s a community lifestyle.”
Sibisi-Maboye credits her alma mater, SMU, for laying the ethical and professional foundation that guides her work. “SMU taught me that healthcare is both a science and a service,” she says. “That understanding drives everything we do at KDHF.”
Her recognition on the international stage reflects not only her personal dedication but also underscores SMU’s enduring legacy of producing socially conscious, globally competitive healthcare professionals.
Now based at both SMU and the University of Pretoria, Sibisi-Maboye serves as a part-time lecturer at both institutions — in the Department of Operative Dentistry at SMU and the Department of Odontology at the University of Pretoria — where she mentors dental students. She is shaping a new generation of practitioners who see dentistry not merely as a career, but as a vehicle for change. “This award belongs to the children we serve — the heartbeat of our mission. Every smile we save is a future transformed,” she affirms.
Sibisi-Maboye’s journey — from student to international award-winning innovator — exemplifies how passion, purpose, and perseverance can redefine public health. Through KDHF’s partnerships with hospitals, universities, and corporate sponsors, she continues to unite communities under one shared goal: ensuring that every child has access to a healthy, confident smile.
Her story is a powerful reminder that the greatest change often begins with one act of care — and that every SMU graduate carries the potential to make a global impact.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 6, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), partners of the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC), recently hosted Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services, Dr Jan Christian Vestre, in a visit aimed at deepening international collaboration in healthcare. The event took place on 5 November 2025 and was hosted by Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, with SMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, representatives from the SMU Internationalisation Department, and DGMAH’s CEO, Dr Godfrey Mbara, in attendance.
The programme is part of NOREC’s longstanding exchange initiative, which facilitates collaboration between DGMAH, SMU, and Haukeland University Hospital (HUH) in Norway. Established in 2017, the initiative focuses on education, training, and knowledge exchange for doctors and nurses specialising in trauma and emergency care. In South Africa, the DGMAH–SMU partnership is one of only seven NOREC agreements, making it a strategically important programme for advancing healthcare capacity and global learning.
DGMAH manages over 4,000 trauma cases monthly, compared to HUH, which sees just over 5,000 annually. The programme enables Norwegian participants to gain experience in managing high patient volumes and working in resource-constrained environments, while South African participants benefit from insights into hospital system improvements, advanced trauma management techniques, and exposure to rare medical cases in Norway.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Vestre emphasised the importance of partnerships like NOREC in building resilient healthcare systems. “Initiatives such as this demonstrate the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange,” he said. “By learning from one another, we can strengthen healthcare delivery, improve training, and enhance the capacity of our workforce. It is through partnerships that we can achieve health goals that no single country can accomplish alone.”
He further highlighted the benefits of exposure to diverse healthcare systems, noting that South African hospitals provide invaluable experience in managing large patient volumes under resource constraints. “For our colleagues from Haukeland University Hospital, participating in this programme allows them to develop skills in trauma management that are difficult to gain in low-volume settings,” Minister Vestre said. “At the same time, South African participants gain insight into technological innovations, hospital management systems, and approaches to patient care that will enhance outcomes in their own facilities.”
Dephney Colisiwe, a South African NOREC participant, reflected on her experience: “Working alongside colleagues in Norway has broadened my perspective on hospital systems and patient care. I have learned new trauma management strategies that I can apply at DGMAH to improve outcomes for our patients.”
Prof Matsha-Erasmus highlighted the value of the programme for SMU and DGMAH, stating, “The exchange programme strengthens our workforce, enhances our clinical capabilities, and opens avenues for research collaboration. It equips our staff with skills and knowledge that directly benefit patient care and contribute to the advancement of healthcare in South Africa.”
During the visit, Minister Vestre and MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko toured DGMAH’s trauma unit and the Alternative Building Technologies structure, recently repurposed to expand hospital capacity. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko remarked, “Partnerships like NOREC build capacity, foster technological cooperation, and create opportunities for mutual support in health financing and workforce development. These collaborations are essential for developing a healthcare system that is resilient, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of our communities.”
The programme underscores SMU and DGMAH’s commitment, supported by the Internationalisation Department, to foster international partnerships that improve healthcare training, enhance clinical practice, and strengthen professional growth. By sharing knowledge, exchanging expertise, and building capacity, the DGMAH–SMU–HUH NOREC programme continues to demonstrate the value of global collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes for both South African and Norwegian patients.
By Dimakatso Modise
