by Lorato | Oct 15, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media
In a departure from the routine Council workshops, the SMU Council spent considerable time and energy in a strategy reflection workshop from 14 – 15 September 2022 re-imagining a new operating model that
would catapult SMU into the league of World Class Universities, becoming globally competitive and simultaneously remaining locally relevant. The Chairperson of Council Ms. Maria Rambauli emphasized urgency in a shift towards SMU becoming a sustainable self-funded institution, with the academic enterprise at the centre of its operations.
In this context, the university needs to ensure that it attracts excellent academics, professionals, administrative staff and students. It is envisaged that this will ensure that SMU is academically and administratively competitive and becomes the “go to” institution in the HE sector, locally and abroad. The need for collaboration with industry and other institutions of higher learning, and the utilization of alumni for resource mobilization, coupled with an emphasis on impact of SMU initiatives was emphasized. Ms. Thaaniya Isaacs of PwC made a compelling case for the adoption of technology to increase teaching and learning efficiencies in a Health Sciences University. Her presentation was premised on the 2022 PwC survey conducted amongst Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors of the 26 South African public universities.
On transforming SMU into a World Class University, the Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati stated that there has to be a deliberate intent and purpose from within an institution to grow into a world class university while change management towards achieving this goal is key to successful transformation. According to Mbati, the establishment of a World Class university requires, above all, strong leadership, a bold vision of the institution, and clarity of its mission and goals. In this regard, SMU must craft a clearly articulated strategic plan to translate this vision into concrete targets and programmes. Prof. Patrick Demana (former Acting DVC Academic and Research) made a compelling case in his presentation on “Reimagining a World Class Academy at SMU”. This possibility is real, with the need for SMU to expand its PQM, consideration for a hybrid programme delivery model, the need for state-of-the-art infrastructure, striving for teaching excellence, improved rankings and the strengthening of community engagement. On the backdrop of the presentation by the Acting Dean of the School of Oral Health Sciences Prof. Dini Mawela, Council was convinced of the need for strong, principled, cohesive and caring leadership.
In his presentation, the CFO Mr. Eminos Manyawi focused on the new business model as central in achieving financial sustainability. Among others, the model seeks to be increase programme offerings and double student numbers over time, increase infrastructure capacity on campus, improve its third-stream income by amongst others commercialization of SMU land. SMU will consider changes with regard to, amongst others, enrolment targets and its pricing model. The Registrar Dr. Jeffrey Mabelebele led a discussion on the current SMU SWOT analysis while the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mfanfikile Sibanyoni presented the status of infrastructure development on campus, and future possibilities.
VCs Desk - SMU Council crafts levers to grow a world class Health Sciences University
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Created: 15-10-2022
Updated: 15-10-2022
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by Lorato | Oct 11, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Director General of the Department of Higher Education and Training Dr Nkosinathi Sishi paid a courtesy visit to the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University on 04 October 2022 at the invitation of the Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati. The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to provide a general update on SMU and this gave the DG a sense of the current status of the University, existing challenges and its future plans as espoused in the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan which is being imple-mented. Accompanying the D was the DDG University Education Dr. Marcia Socikwa.
The Vice-Chancellor took the DG on a tour of the Campus visiting the SMU MECRU unit, the proposed African Bioimaging Centre, the premium 2,000 beds student accommodation facility and the upgraded Pharmacy Building.
SMU through the MECRU unit is currently conducting a Vaccination trial study sponsored by Sinovac/Numolux Group. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of two doses of CoronaVac® against confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 cases in children and adolescents aged 6 months to 17 years. The pilot study was launched in September 2021 and has successfully enrolled a total number of 370 participants as per the given target to the site. Other studies currently underway at MECRU include the following:
- CoVPN 3008 COVID 19 Vaccine (Mordena)
- VPM 1002 (Tuberculosis vaccine)
- SHERPA – SISONKE (J&J Vaccine), for booster shot of HCW with Mordena vaccine
Moreover, the proposed African Centre for Bioimaging will house the state-of-the-art High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) that has been purchased through joint funding from the Department of Science & Innovation, National Research Foundation, Department of Higher Education and Training and SMU. The HRTEM has capabilities for elemental micro-analysis, tomography and cryo-imaging which will allow the university to obtain high resolution images to amongst others, support research in the health sciences such as in nanomedicine and nanotoxicology.
Dr. Sishi expressed his appreciation on the work done so far by SMU and said the path the University has taken will lead to the realization of the vision driven by Prof Mbati. He was particularly impressed with efforts to improve research and development as well as progress made around the academic project in general. “We now have a broader picture of where you want to go as a University. My advice is that if you wish to move faster, find the right partners to work with, including international partners. I also want to give you our sincere affirmation that the department will support you”, said the DG.
Prof Mbati explained that SMU is on a new trajectory in line with its 2021-2025 strategic plan and that the academic project and the financial sustainability of the University are key priorities. He further elucidated that plans are underway to implement the approved new Business Model which will among other things allow for the commercialization of the SMU land which will in turn enable SMU to bring the much needed third stream income. The VC assured the DG that the University will account fully for every cent received.
Newsflash - DHET Director General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi impressed by outstanding progress made at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University during his visit
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Created: 11-10-2022
Updated: 11-10-2022
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by Lorato | Sep 26, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
A society’s heritage, amongst others, provides clues to the past and how our society has evolved. It helps us to examine our history and traditions and enables us develop an awareness about ourselves and to understand and explain who we are.
It is critical to note that heritage should be the subject of active public reflection, debate, and discussion. What is worth saving? What can we, or should we, forget? What memories can we learn from? Indeed, active public discussion about our heritage is a valuable facet of public life in a multicultural and multiracial country such as ours.
It is against this background that on the 23 September 2022, SMU joined the rest of South Africa Heritage Day celebrations. This was indeed a colorful day characterized by the sharing of food from different cultures, songs, dance and an array of colorful clothing from across the African continent and beyond. The SMU students, representing the different residences were in their element, showing off their skills on the dance floor.
The celebrations were underscored by the speech presented by the guest speaker, Dr Lwazi Lushaba; an academic from the University of Cape Town, who spoke on the topic, Heritage, culture and health.
Amongst other things, he indicated that “we might be physically healthy and culturally sick” because cultural health is as important as bodily health. Lushaba further specified that “culture is the be all of heritage because heritage expresses itself in culture”. He concluded by saying that “A living culture, to be able to reproduce itself, it needs a language”.
This was indeed a speech relevant to what SMU is all about!
SMU Celebrates Heritage Day in song, dance, clothing and food
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Created: 26-09-2022
Updated: 26-09-2022
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by Lorato | Sep 21, 2022 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
The symbolic in-person Graduations Ceremonies commenced in earnest at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University yesterday 20 September 2022 for the cohorts of students who graduated virtually in 2020 and 2021 respectively as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions enforced by government at the time. Professor Peter Mbati in his capacity as Acting Chancellor presided over the ceremony and also awarded Degrees to a group of students who could not attend the May 2022 physical graduations ceremonies due to reasons beyond their control.
Speaking at the start of the two-day ceremonies, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus in her capacity as Acting Vice- Chancellor congratulated all graduates and commended them for defying the odds to eventually complete their studies in the midst of Covid-19 and other geopolitical factors and challenges. Matsha – Erasmus further urged the graduates to remain humble and kind especially to those who assisted them to attain their qualifications. She commended Prof Mbati for his leadership of the University adding that the work he has done remains visible. The Acting Vice-Chancellor challenged the graduates to fight corruption and any form of maladministration wherever and reminded them that they are joining multitudes of SMU Alumni whom the University is proud of.
Families and friends came to support graduates as they walked the stage and got an opportunity to take photographs as part of creating memories. When the ceremonies are concluded today, it is expected that over 1000 graduates would have been awarded their qualifications in different fields of study from the Five Schools of the University namely; Schools of Medicine, Health Care Sciences, Oral Health Sciences, Pharmacy as well as Science and Technology.
Newsflash - Hundreds show up for the first day of SMU symbolic in-person Graduations Ceremonies
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Created: 21-09-2022
Updated: 21-09-2022
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by Lorato | Sep 19, 2022 | SMU Media, statements
Media Advisory
Date: 19 September 2022
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University will hold symbolic and in-person graduation ceremonies for the cohorts of students who graduated virtually in 2020 and 2021 respectively as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions enforced by government at the time. Degrees will also be awarded to another group of students who could not attend the May 2022 physical graduations ceremonies due to reasons beyond their control.
The University took a decision to give the students an opportunity to walk the stage and allow their families and friends to witness the momentous events. Over 1000 graduates have confirmed attendance for the ceremonies which will take place over a period of two days.
Details are as follows:
Dates: 20 and 21 September 2022
Time: 10 am
Venue: SMU Sports Complex
Issued by Communication and Marketing
For more details, please contact Dr Lusani Netshitomboni: Director Communication and Marketing at Lusani.netshitomboni@smu.ac.za
Cell: 0833965885
Media Advisory SMU symbolic graduations 2022
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Created: 19-09-2022
Updated: 19-09-2022
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by Lorato | Sep 8, 2022 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
SMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Peter Mbati together with his Executive and Senior Management Team welcomed on board new members o morning 08 September 2022. The new team members are Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Research), Ms Noxolo Tshutsha (Director Supply Chain Management) and Mr Tulani Nkuntse (Director Student Affairs).
Speaking during the occasion, Prof Mbati congratulated the new team members on the appointment to critical management positions and wished them well in their tenure. The Vice-Chancellor thanked all colleagues who acted in the three portfolios before they could be filled. He pointed out that Professor Patrick Demana held the fort of DVC with dedication and efficiency. The VC further thanked Mr. Themba Khumalo who acted as Director Student Affairs for ensuring stability in this portfolio. Ms Tshutsha had previously acted as Director SCM and was applauded for having stabilized the directorate. The VC further emphasized that the Academic and Research portfolio is critical for the University and that everyone at SMU is here to support the academic project and the academics should be made to feel appreciated and supported.
Prof Matsha-Erasmus expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome she received upon arrival at SMU. She described herself as a nice and orderly person who is straightforward, honest and tells the truth as she sees it. She also thanked Prof Demana for his assurance that he will support her until she gets on her feet.
Mr Tulani Nkuntse also mentioned that the SMU family was welcoming when he commenced with his duties and echoed the VC’s sentiments that SMU is a supportive environment. He was excited to be part of the team and optimistic that together will achieve great things for the university.
Ms Tshutsha expressed her gratitude for the opportunity the University gave her to serve in the senior management team.
Newsflash - SMU welcomes new members of management in critical portfolios
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Created: 08-09-2022
Updated: 08-09-2022
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