by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
On 21 November 2024, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted an impactful public lecture delivered by Aluwani Manenzhe, the esteemed President of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA). The lecture, titled “Practical Solutions to Improve Health and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Rural Communities”, was both insightful and timely, showcasing SMU’s commitment to addressing pressing healthcare challenges in South Africa.
Aluwani Manenzhe, President of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
The event streamed online and drew a diverse audience of health professionals, students, researchers, and advocates dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Manenzhe’s address resonated deeply, underscoring SMU’s role as a hub for transformative dialogue and innovation in health sciences.
Spotlighting rural challenges and proactive solutions
In her presentation, Manenzhe eloquently highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural communities, framing them as opportunities for meaningful intervention. She began by emphasising the critical role of public health campaigns in disease prevention and management. “Public health campaigns focused on prevention are crucial for addressing evolving disease profiles and complications,” she asserted, calling for proactive strategies tailored to the specific needs of rural populations.
A significant focus of her lecture was on the capacity building of healthcare workers. Manenzhe noted that empowering healthcare professionals with advanced skills and knowledge is essential to improving service delivery. “Investment in the development of healthcare workers is necessary to ensure they can meet the needs of underserved populations,” she emphasised, aligning with SMU’s dedication to cultivating highly skilled graduates equipped to tackle South Africa’s healthcare challenges.
Manenzhe also called for stronger partnerships with NGOs, international organisations, and local communities to bridge gaps in healthcare access. She argued that these collaborations are crucial in enhancing the quality of care, particularly in under-resourced rural settings.
SMU at the forefront of healthcare equity
Throughout the lecture, themes of resource allocation and ethical considerations in healthcare were prominent. Responding to a question from an audience member, Manenzhe stressed that equitable resource distribution is vital to improving healthcare accessibility. “Resource distribution is a critical factor in determining healthcare accessibility and directly affects the effectiveness of service delivery,” she explained.
Manenzhe’s insights dovetailed with SMU’s vision of addressing healthcare inequities in South Africa. Questions from prominent attendees, including Theresa Lorenzo, further enriched the discussion. Addressing the need for tailored training programmes for occupational therapists, Manenzhe advocated for curricula designed to equip professionals with the skills to meet the unique demands of rural healthcare.
Lorenzo also raised the issue of supporting healthcare workers in rural settings. In response, Manenzhe underscored the importance of ongoing professional development, mentorship, and sufficient resource provision to ensure healthcare workers are effective and supported in challenging environments.
A call to action for systemic change
Manenzhe’s lecture culminated in a powerful call for practical, inclusive solutions grounded in local contexts. She stressed the importance of sharing high-quality information with patients to foster trust and enable informed decision-making. Addressing language barriers and their emotional impact, she shared a moving example of a mother navigating the healthcare system with difficulty, highlighting the urgent need for effective communication.
“By considering the local context and promoting inclusiveness, we can ensure that healthcare systems are responsive to the needs of all, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” she stated, echoing SMU’s mission to serve as a leader in healthcare education and advocacy.
SMU leading the charge towards equitable healthcare
This enlightening lecture not only illuminated the pressing issues in rural healthcare but also reaffirmed SMU’s position as a leading institution dedicated to addressing these challenges. Through fostering critical discussions, pioneering research, and producing skilled health professionals, SMU continues to make significant strides in ensuring equitable healthcare for all South Africans. As the dialogue around improving health and rehabilitation outcomes evolves, SMU remains at the forefront, championing systemic change and driving impactful solutions.
* By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in health sciences education and research in South Africa and beyond. With its unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SMU has reached another significant milestone: its acceptance into the prestigious United Nations Academic Impact Network (UNAI).
SMU joins an elite network of over 1,600 institutions in 150 countries, alongside just five other South African public universities
This achievement positions SMU among an elite group of over 1,600 institutions across 150 countries, with only five other South African public universities sharing this distinction. As a university deeply rooted in addressing the critical healthcare challenges of the nation and the continent, this membership amplifies SMU’s voice on a global stage, reinforcing its role in driving meaningful change through research, education, and community service.
Advancing global health agendas
The UNAI serves as a vital platform for higher education institutions to collaborate in supporting the United Nations’ core values and goals, particularly the realisation of the SDGs and the ten UNAI Principles. SMU’s alignment with this global network enhances its ability to contribute to international health and educational priorities while fostering partnerships that extend its impact far beyond South Africa’s borders.
Joining the UNAI is not just a feather in SMU’s cap but a validation of the university’s commitment to addressing the pressing health challenges of our time. “Through this network, we gain access to valuable collaborators, scholarship opportunities, and platforms to showcase the innovative SDG-aligned initiatives spearheaded by our institution,” says Dr Carlien Jooste, SMU’s Director of Internationalisation.
Jooste also highlights the instrumental role played by SMU’s new institutional partner, Meharry Medical College, in facilitating the university’s engagement with the UNAI. The collaboration exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in advancing common goals and achieving global recognition.
For SMU, membership in the UNAI signifies more than prestige—it offers opportunities to expand its reach and deepen its impact. By participating in the UNAI Members Forum, SMU will collaborate with like-minded institutions on transformative projects, enhancing its capacity to address healthcare inequities and improve outcomes for underserved communities.
This achievement underscores SMU’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. As a university dedicated to advancing health sciences, its research and educational programmes are shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and contributing solutions to some of the most pressing health issues facing the African continent.
SMU’s inclusion in the UNAI opens doors for its staff and students to engage in global academic and research opportunities. The access to scholarships and collaborative platforms further underscores the university’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in health sciences. Through this membership, SMU continues to demonstrate its capability to operate at the intersection of local relevance and global excellence.
Building on a legacy of impact
This milestone adds to SMU’s growing legacy as a prestigious health sciences institution committed to addressing South Africa’s healthcare challenges. From training skilled healthcare professionals to conducting groundbreaking research, SMU remains at the forefront of transforming health sciences education for the betterment of society.
Admission to the UNAI is a testament to SMU’s hard work. It reinforces the university’s unique position to bridge the gap between global academic priorities and local community needs. Jooste says, “Admission to the UNAI allows us to have access to other collaborators through the Members Forum, scholarship opportunities, and a platform where we can share the SDG-aligned activities that we are engaging in.”
As SMU charts a path forward as a proud member of the UNAI, it is clear that the university’s contributions to health sciences and sustainable development will continue to resonate locally and internationally. This achievement underscores its role as a pivotal institution not only in South Africa but on the global stage, where its impact in shaping the future of healthcare is both profound and far-reaching.
For more information on SMU’s membership in the UNAI and opportunities for engagement, staff and students are encouraged to visit the UNAI website or contact Dr Carlien Jooste at carlien.jooste@smu.ac.za
*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again proven its commitment to nurturing world-class talent in scientific innovation. Mbali Aurriccah Moreki, a Master of Science (MSc) student in Chemistry, has made headlines by winning first prize for Best Oral Presentation in the M.Sc. Advancing Science and Technology for Human Development category at the prestigious Annual Young Scientists Conference. The event celebrated the brightest minds in South Africa, with Moreki’s research on water remediation standing out as a beacon of hope for environmental sustainability.
Mbali Aurriccah Moreki
Moreki’s award-winning research, titled: “Synthesis, Characterisation, and Photo-Catalytic Degradation of Rhodamine 6G using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles,” offers innovative solutions to one of the country’s most pressing issues—water pollution. The research focuses on the application of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as a photocatalyst to degrade Rhodamine 6G, a harmful dye commonly found in industrial wastewater. With South Africa’s growing concerns around water scarcity, this breakthrough offers promising potential for large-scale water purification systems.
Under the expert guidance of Dr Nomasonto Rapulenyane, Dr Charmaine Tshangana, and Dr Gauta Gold Matlou, Moreki has meticulously developed a process that successfully degrades the dye by up to 88% under visible light at neutral pH, a significant improvement on traditional methods. “This has promising implications for water purification techniques, especially in a water-scarce country like South Africa,” says Moreki, highlighting the relevance of her work to local and global environmental challenges.
Her success at the conference is a culmination of years of dedication, overcoming both academic and personal obstacles. Born and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Moreki’s academic path was not always clear-cut. Initially aspiring to become a medical doctor or astronaut, she found her true calling in chemistry and environmental research after joining SMU in 2019. “Science is fair; hard work always pays off,” she reflects, underscoring the discipline and determination that have led her to this moment.
The win is a personal achievement for Moreki and a testament to SMU’s ability to foster top-tier research talent. “Presenting at the conference was both terrifying and exhilarating,” Moreki recalls. “I was especially nervous about disappointing my supervisors and family, but once I began speaking, the words just flowed. The most challenging part was the Q&A session, but the audience was kind and patient, which helped me push through.” This resilience and ability to thrive under pressure mirrors the broader ethos of SMU, which consistently supports its students to excel on global platforms.
Outside of her scientific achievements, Moreki is a writer of historical fiction, having penned over 90 short stories over the past decade, with plans to publish soon. Her diverse interests, however, do not overshadow her dedication to scientific advancement. “My long-term goal is to perfect my photocatalyst system and develop membranes that can purify water on a larger scale,” she states. Moreki also envisions herself as a professor and owner of a science school, dedicated to nurturing future scientists who will tackle the world’s environmental challenges.
Moreki’s victory at the Annual Young Scientists Conference highlights the growing reputation of SMU as a leading institution for cutting-edge research and innovation in chemistry and environmental science. Her award-winning research demonstrates the university’s commitment to addressing urgent societal issues and sets a new benchmark for the transformative power of young, passionate researchers. As she continues to make strides in the field of water purification, SMU’s legacy as a hub for scientific excellence is stronger than ever.
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to cement its reputation as a premier institution for healthcare education and research, producing trailblazers like Dr Violet Matshake Rapoo, who recently earned her PhD in Physiotherapy. Her ground-breaking research, focusing on enhancing treatment protocols for patients with femur fractures and lower-limb injuries, not only addresses gaps in healthcare delivery but also underscores the university’s commitment to advancing medical science.
Dr Violet Matshake Rapoo
“This study identified challenges and gaps in the healthcare interventions that we provide for our patients. It makes it worthwhile to ensure patients receive high-quality care that is consistent and collaborative, where healthcare professionals work together,” says Rapoo. Her passion for improving patient outcomes reflects the ethos of SMU, where the fusion of academic excellence and practical application propels its graduates to make transformative impacts in the health sector.
Born and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Rapoo’s journey to academic excellence is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Overcoming the loss of her father at a tender age, her mother’s resilience became the bedrock of her ambition. “Before I came to Medunsa (now known as SMU), I wanted to work with people and make an impact in their lives. I knew from high school that I wanted to be in the health sector,” she recalls.
Driven by a desire to help others, she pursued physiotherapy, a field that would allow her to play an active role in restoring patients’ mobility and dignity. Her years of practice, particularly in orthopaedics, gave her the insights to delve deeper into improving healthcare protocols.
Her PhD journey, though challenging, was a testament to her unrelenting determination. Balancing a demanding career, single parenthood and her academic aspirations required extraordinary perseverance. “At times, I would spend sleepless nights working on my research and have to report for duty in the morning. It was not easy, but by God’s grace, it was doable,” she reveals.
Through her research, Rapoo has brought to light the critical need for interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Her findings could potentially influence policy development, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and cohesive care from hospital admission to rehabilitation. “This study may impact policy development for effective physiotherapy services for patients who sustained femur fractures. It highlights the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, especially in discharge planning and treatment follow-up,” she notes.
Rapoo’s illustrious career includes serving as a Sports Physiotherapist for Team South Africa and travelling to international events like the Paris Olympic Games with top athletes. Her work with athletes, alongside her clinical and academic achievements, paints a portrait of a professional who embodies excellence in all facets of her career.
Reflecting on her journey, she expresses her deep gratitude to SMU, where she completed her undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies. “SMU is unique because it focuses only on health sciences. I did my junior degree, my master’s, and now my PhD here, all under the same institution,” she proudly states.
As Chief Physiotherapist at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, she leads a team dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care. Beyond her clinical role, she is committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, nurturing the same values of leadership and advocacy instilled in her by SMU.
Her success inspires the healthcare community and highlights SMU’s pivotal role in shaping leaders who make a global impact. Through individuals like Rapoo, SMU continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, producing healthcare professionals who are catalysts for positive change.
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), excellence is not just a goal but a standard embodied by its exceptional academics. One of SMU’s brightest stars is Lethabo Muila, a Psychology Lecturer and researcher whose work advances understanding of mental health and infertility while placing SMU on the global map as a leader in culturally sensitive health sciences education. Her journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim highlights SMU’s pivotal role in nurturing leaders who make a difference.
Lethabo Muila
Raised in Seshego Township, Limpopo, Muila developed her love for learning under the guidance of her family of educators. Her stellar academic achievements paved the way for her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Limpopo’s Medunsa Campus, now part of SMU. This foundation ignited her passion for mental health and human behaviour, leading her to pursue Honours and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology at SMU, where her master’s research received distinction. Her story reflects the quality of mentorship and resources provided by SMU that empower students to excel.
As a psychology lecturer at SMU’s renowned School of Medicine, Muila is at the forefront of academic excellence. She is deeply invested in developing the next generation of psychologists by teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mentoring students, and innovating curriculum development. Her dedication to her students embodies SMU’s commitment to fostering academic and personal growth.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing students’ growth,” she shares. “Helping them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams brings immense fulfilment, especially during graduation season, a true celebration of SMU’s transformative impact on its students.”
Muila’s groundbreaking research is a testament to SMU’s emphasis on addressing real-world issues through culturally relevant scholarship. Her studies explore infertility from an African cultural perspective, highlighting the integration of traditional practices and modern medical interventions. Rooted in her Bapedi heritage, her work explores how communities view infertility not only as a medical condition but as a cultural and ancestral challenge, with remedies involving rituals and herbal treatments.
Her PhD research, also undertaken at SMU, focuses on the lived experiences of black married men diagnosed with infertility, a field often neglected in academic discourse. By shedding light on their struggles, she is championing SMU’s mission to advance socially responsive health sciences research that benefits society as a whole.
Muila’s academic journey extends beyond SMU, with her research presented at prestigious international forums such as the International Congress of Psychology in the Czech Republic and the International Academic Forum in Japan. These platforms amplify SMU’s reputation as a hub of innovation and thought leadership, demonstrating how its scholars contribute to global health sciences dialogues.
Balancing her roles as an academic, wife to SMU alumnus Dr Seshoka Muila, and mother of three, she exemplifies the SMU ethos of excellence, resilience, and community impact. Her dedication to advancing culturally sensitive approaches to health sciences is a reflection of SMU’s core values.
Muila’s story is not just her own—it is a testament to the transformative power of SMU in shaping lives, advancing knowledge, and addressing societal challenges. Through her work, SMU continues positioning itself as a premier health sciences university, inspiring future generations of students and researchers.
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to affirm its standing as an institution of excellence by cultivating exceptional student leaders like Fhulufhelo Ntsieni. At just 24, Ntsieni, the newly elected Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council (SRC) for the 2024/2025 academic year, embodies the calibre of students SMU consistently nurtures—visionaries equipped with academic brilliance, leadership skills, and a commitment to community upliftment.
Fhulufhelo Ntsieni has made her mark in literature, achieving national acclaim for her poetry, including the prestigious South African Literary Award and top honours at the AVBOB Poetry Competition and the Funda Mzantsi National Championships.
Hailing from the small village of Tshirenzheni in Venda, her inspiring journey speaks to the transformative opportunities provided by SMU. Raised by hardworking parents and deeply rooted in her Christian faith, she was driven by a determination to rise above challenges. Today, she is pursuing her Honours in Biochemistry while conducting groundbreaking research on potential synergies between herbal plants and conventional drugs in combating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome—a highlight of SMU’s fostering of cutting-edge scientific inquiry.
“SMU has given me the tools and environment to push boundaries, not only in science but in leadership and social impact,” says Ntsieni. Her research, guided by esteemed academics like Dr Vuyisile Thibane and Professor Stanley Gololo, exemplifies the university’s commitment to nurturing intellectual excellence and innovation.
A literary trailblazer and community champion
Beyond the lab, Ntsieni has made her mark in literature, achieving national acclaim for her poetry. Her anthology, Rudzani, earned her the prestigious South African Literary Award, adding to an impressive résumé that includes top honours at the AVBOB Poetry Competition and the Funda Mzantsi National Championships. These achievements, supported by SMU’s enabling environment for holistic development, have positioned her as a rising star in South African arts and culture.
Ntsieni’s leadership extends beyond personal accolades. As the founder of Hope to the Hopeless, a community organisation, she has worked tirelessly to uplift vulnerable populations, a value she brings to her SRC role. Her four-year tenure as a class representative has prepared her to serve as a bridge between the university administration and the student body, ensuring every student’s voice is heard.
Her role as SRC Secretary-General places her in influential university forums like the Institutional Forum and the Senate Academic Planning Committee. Her vision is clear: to create an inclusive campus where students thrive academically, socially, and personally. “Leadership is about listening and acting on behalf of the people you serve. At SMU, we are building a community where every student can flourish,” she states.
Her multi-faceted talents as a scientist, poet, and leader exemplify the high calibre of students SMU produces. Her success is evident in the university’s dedication to student empowerment through robust academic programmes and leadership opportunities.
Ntsieni’s election as SRC Secretary-General highlights her extraordinary abilities and reflects SMU’s role as an enabling institution committed to developing leaders who will shape the future. As SMU continues to rise as a premier health sciences university, students like Ntsieni are living proof of the institution’s impact.
