by Lorato | Mar 5, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Postgraduate study demands more than intelligence. It demands discipline, independence and integrity. That was the clear message delivered at a high-impact research workshop hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).
Held at Batter Boys under the theme “Advancing Research and Postgraduate Development,” the workshop brought together postgraduate students, emerging scholars and experienced academics for an intensive exchange of ideas. The programme combined research engagement with candid conversations about academic discipline, workplace expectations and professional credibility.
Programme directors Tumisho Kekana, an nGAP lecturer in the department, and Sanele Mlotshwa, a part-time lecturer and MSc student, designed the event to bridge academic rigour with real-world preparation. “We wanted students to understand that postgraduate study is not simply about completing a thesis,” Kekana explained. “It is about becoming a disciplined thinker who can manage time, produce knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Opening the workshop, Professor Maggie Aphane, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, delivered a direct and uncompromising address that set the tone for the day. “At the postgraduate level, you must learn to work without supervision,” Aphane told participants. “Be your own boss. Do not wait to be pushed before you act.”
Her message focused on personal accountability and professional maturity. She warned students that academic success depends not only on knowledge but also on integrity and work ethic. “Never work only when your supervisor is present,” she said. “Your integrity is tested when no one is watching.” She further emphasised that competence must match ambition. “Develop aptitude and invest in your skills,” she advised. “Confidence without competence will expose you.”
Throughout the workshop, speakers reinforced a set of core principles essential for postgraduate success:
- Own your research journey – Independence is expected at the postgraduate level.
- Manage your time deliberately – Discipline transforms ambition into achievement.
- Build credibility – Your academic reputation becomes your professional brand.
- Pursue consistent progress – Small, daily advances lead to meaningful results.
- Prepare for the workplace – Research discipline translates directly into career success.
Kekana stressed that structure and planning are critical to completing a research degree. “If you do not manage your time, your time will manage you,” he said. “Consistent progress, even in small steps, produces long-term impact.”
Speaking as both a lecturer and postgraduate student, Mlotshwa provided a relatable perspective on the challenges researchers face. “No one will chase you to complete your research,” he said. “You must wake up each day with intention. Research is a marathon, not a sprint.”
He urged students to cultivate resilience and self-motivation, noting that postgraduate success relies heavily on internal drive. “Last-minute effort will not carry you through a research degree,” he added. “Consistency is your greatest advantage.”
The workshop also featured an international research presentation by Dr Jamshaid Ahmad from the University of Jeddah. His presentation, “Fixed Point Theorems in Generalised Metric Spaces with Applications,” explored advanced mathematical frameworks relevant to modern analysis. “In this work, we examine extended b-suprametric spaces and establish fixed point results for generalised contractions,” Ahmad explained. “These findings extend existing results in the literature and contribute to the ongoing development of fixed-point theory.” He encouraged participants to explore further research directions, including complex-valued extensions and additional applications within mathematical analysis.
By the end of the workshop, one message stood above all others: postgraduate education is not merely about producing research outputs. It is about shaping professionals who can think independently, act ethically and lead with confidence.
As Professor Aphane concluded: “Your name is your brand. Protect it. Once credibility is lost, it is very difficult to recover.” For SMU’s postgraduate community, the challenge was clear — lead your research, lead your discipline, and lead yourself.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 5, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
No shortcuts. No silence. No excuses. That was the uncompromising message as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) staged its first-ever multi-disciplinary sports workshop at the SMU Sports Complex — a bold reset for student sport.
Under the theme “Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Clean”, the University convened leading voices in athlete development, safeguarding and anti-doping to confront the realities facing modern student-athletes. The objective was clear: raise standards, protect students and safeguard integrity.
The programme featured former Banyana Banyana captain and national coach Simphiwe Dludlu, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) Chief Operating Officer Patience Shikwambana, and anti-doping specialist Loyiso Maqina.
Dludlu opened with a firm reminder that elite performance is engineered, not improvised. Drawing on the Long-Term Athlete Development model, she stressed that respecting each stage of physical and cognitive growth is non-negotiable. “If you are tired, your body cannot focus,” Dludlu told students, including chess players in attendance. “Chess needs a sound mind. If you are exhausted, you cannot perform.”
She challenged every attendee to commit to exercising at least twice a week, regardless of their sporting code. Physical conditioning, she argued, underpins both physical and mental performance. Third-year footballer Thembisile Nxumalo described the session as a wake-up call. “We always think talent will carry us,” she said. “Coach Dludlu made it clear that discipline carries you further.”
Shikwambana addressed safeguarding with urgency, defining it as the right of every athlete to participate free from harm, harassment or abuse. “Safety starts with you deciding that you will not tolerate being harmed,” she said. “If someone crosses a boundary once, you have a choice to walk away.” She urged students to recognise early warning signs and report concerns without fear. Safeguarding, she added, is both a personal responsibility and an institutional duty.
Third-year karateka Tshiamo Sefolo said the discussion resonated deeply. “We don’t often talk openly about abuse in sport,” she reflected. “Hearing that 93% of reported cases are genuine shocked me. It made me realise speaking up is not overreacting — it is protecting your future.”
Maqina concluded with a stark lesson on strict liability in anti-doping regulations: athletes are fully responsible for any prohibited substance found in their bodies, regardless of intent. “Is a four-year suspension harsh? Yes,” he said. “But the rules are clear.”
He warned against unverified supplements and reminded athletes that certain medications require a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Completion of the Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) e-learning certificate, he noted, is now mandatory for those aspiring to represent South Africa internationally. Final year rugby player Sanele Mhlongo admitted the session changed his perspective. “I didn’t realise how easy it is to fail a test accidentally. From now on, I will check everything.”
The workshop was organised by the SMU Sports Officer Busisiwe Sijora, who described it as a deliberate intervention rather than a ceremonial event. “We are building more than teams — we are building responsible athletes,” Sijora said. “If our students are to compete nationally and internationally, they must understand development, safeguarding and compliance. Excellence demands knowledge.”
SMU has drawn a line in the sand for student sport: train intelligently, protect yourself fiercely and compete with integrity. For those who attended, the message was unmistakable — performance without principle is failure. At SMU, both now move together.
By Rose Moreki
by Lorato | Mar 5, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has intensified its collaboration with Diphetogo Secondary School, transforming what began as outreach into a structured, multi-departmental development strategy. The first visit of the year took place recently, marking the continuation of a partnership designed to strengthen literacy, academic performance and holistic learner growth.
Sixteen second-year Physiotherapy students joined staff from the Departments of Physiotherapy, Academic Literacy, and Library and Information Services — a coordinated team with one objective: deliver measurable, sustainable impact.
The mission is direct and disciplined:
- Early intervention in Grade 8, with structured support through to Grade 10.
- Library development, including cleaning and shelving installation.
- Reading culture promotion through bibliotherapy and literacy programmes.
- Resource mobilisation, supported by the SALI Trust.
- Sustained physical activities.
Geoffrey Nkgadima from the Academic Literacy Department explained: “If we strengthen reading and comprehension early, we change academic trajectories. This is about long-term progress, not short-term optics.”
The school has committed to co-managing the development of its library space, sourcing quotations and ensuring transparency in resource allocation. For Mmakgoshi Reetseng from Library and Information Services, the approach is deliberate. “We are not donating books and walking away. We are building systems that the school can sustain.”
Academic excellence alone is not enough. The Diphetogo Mission integrates physical and cognitive development through structured sport and recreation. Learners are actively participating in soccer, netball, skipping rope, drum majorettes and chess — activities designed to cultivate discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Ntombenkosi Sobantu of the Physiotherapy Department, who chairs the project, emphasised the broader vision: “Physical movement strengthens mental focus. When learners engage in sport, we see confidence grow. That confidence translates into the classroom.”
Second-year Physiotherapy student Xitshembhiso Baloyi described the experience as transformative. “You realise community engagement is not theory. It is a responsibility. When we assist learners with posture, movement or simple exercises, we are investing in their future.”
The partnership also confronts structural realities. Donated materials, including wooden doors and windows, are being assessed as potential fundraising resources for the school. Solutions are evaluated collectively to ensure safety, practicality and alignment with the school’s needs.
SMU and Diphetogo are building a replicable model for sustainable school support. The project team is inviting broader departmental participation — from tutoring and mentorship to health promotion, research collaboration and infrastructure support. Addressing fellow academics and professionals, Reetseng said, “If you are asking how your expertise can make a difference beyond campus, this is your answer. Partner with us. Bring your discipline into the community.”
Scheduled visits throughout 2026 will monitor progress, refine strategy and culminate in a celebration of milestones achieved. This is not an outreach box ticked for compliance. It is a sustained investment in literacy, dignity and opportunity.
As Sobantu concluded, “Community engagement is not an event. It is a commitment. And we intend to honour it.” In 2026, the Diphetogo Mission is no longer an initiative. It is in motion.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 5, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University did not attend GLOBEHEAL 2026 to observe. It arrived to lead. Within two days, its academics delivered plenaries, chaired critical debates and secured top awards, confirming SMU as a serious global force in public health. Hosted in partnership with The International Institute of Knowledge Management, the 9th Global Public Health Conference convened leading scholars and practitioners from across the world. SMU’s presence was decisive, visible and influential.
Professor Martha Chadyiwa, Professor of Public Health, and Professor Olanrewaju Oladimeji, Professor of Public Health and Researcher, were invited as Plenary Speakers, a distinction reserved for recognised thought leaders. Their invitation sent a clear message: SMU scholarship commands international respect. “Being invited to deliver a plenary address at a conference of this calibre reflects the strength of our research and its relevance to global health priorities,” said Professor Chadyiwa. “SMU contributes solutions, not noise.”
Professor Chadyiwa also chaired a high-level session on research innovation and health systems strengthening, steering robust dialogue that challenged assumptions and sharpened policy thinking.
Professor Oladimeji described the engagement as strategic. “Global platforms like GLOBEHEAL are where partnerships are forged, and ideas are stress-tested. We are here to shape the agenda.”
SMU’s delegation advanced research with precision and purpose:
- Dr Samantha Govender, Head of Department: Speech and Audiology, and Public Health Researcher, presented “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems Through Community-Driven Health Innovation in Resource-Constrained Settings.”
- Atholl Kleinhans, Public Health Practitioner and Lecturer in Health Systems Management and Policy, delivered “Minority Stress Among LGBTIQ+ Health Profession Students at Historically Disadvantaged Universities.”
- Mqemane Tshababa, Public Health Researcher and Postgraduate Scholar, contributed virtually with “Health Systems Resilience in the Face of Emerging Infectious Disease Threats in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
- Funanani Managa, Public Health Doctoral Candidate, presented Facility-based intervention to improve ART Adherence and mental health disorders among PLHIV in Africa”.
Each presentation tackled a pressing systems problem: access, data intelligence and resilience. The message was consistent regarding public health reform, which must be evidence-led and community-driven.
Evah Molapisi, a PhD candidate in Public Health at SMU and emerging researcher, secured the Session Best Presenter Award for “Exercise as Medicine: Improving Cardiovascular Endurance and Global Function in Nyaope Recovery”. She received an official award certificate, formal recognition during the closing ceremony, and consideration for publication in the conference proceedings. “This recognition affirms the calibre of mentorship and academic training at SMU,” said Molapisi. “It strengthens our resolve to produce research that improves access for vulnerable communities.”
Tebogo Shivuri, a Master of Public Health graduate, won first prize for poster presentation for his research on perinatal depression among HIV-positive women. His award included a certificate, commemorative trophy and formal recognition before international delegates. “Our research highlights the urgent need to integrate mental health screening into routine maternal HIV care,” said Shivuri. “The evidence is clear. The time to act is now.”
These achievements underscore a research culture built on clarity, rigour and urgency. Stronger, clearer, sharper: SMU has built a research engine that converts evidence into influence. GLOBEHEAL 2026 confirmed what partners and policymakers increasingly recognise SMU’s active participation in global public health conversations. As Professor Chadyiwa concluded: “When SMU steps onto the global stage, we do so with confidence and with solutions.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 5, 2026 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Nutrition plays a critical role in our lives even before we are conceived and continues to influence our health throughout our lifespan. The food we choose every day can either protect us from diseases or increase our risk of getting non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Research and lived experience show that careless food choices made from a young age often surface later as serious health problems. This makes nutrition not just a personal concern, but a public health priority.
Why we eat the way we do
Our food choices are influenced by many factors, including taste preferences, habits formed in childhood, cultural traditions, convenience, affordability, emotions, social interactions and body image. While these influences are natural, understanding them helps us make more conscious and healthier decisions.
Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight, preventing chronic diseases and increasing life expectancy. It supports physical strength, mental clarity and overall well-being.
Nutrition in the Workplace
On average, about 60% of our daily food intake happens during working/school hours. This makes the workplace a powerful setting for improving nutrition and health. Poor eating habits can reduce energy levels, impair decision-making and contribute to illness. In fact, approximately 10% of sick leave in the workplace is linked to nutrition and lifestyle factors.
Encouraging healthier eating at work benefits both employees and organisations through improved productivity, focus and reduced absenteeism.
Key Principles of Healthy Eating
A healthy diet does not require expensive or complicated foods. It is built on balance, variety and moderation.
- Enjoy a variety of foods: Eat more than one type of food per meal, vary meals across the week and prepare foods in healthier ways such as boiling, steaming, grilling or baking.
- Make starchy foods the foundation of meals: Foods like pap (maize meal), rice, bread, potatoes, samp, pasta and oats provide energy and should be eaten in appropriate portions. The brown starches are healthier as they provide us with fibre that is essential for our gut health and helps regulate our blood sugar levels
- Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables daily: These provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. Both raw and cooked vegetables are beneficial, and home food gardens are encouraged. “Eat the rainbow”, meaning eat a variety of colours of fruits and vegetables, as various colours provide various phytonutrients. The more colourful your meals, the healthier they are
- Include legumes regularly: Dry beans, lentils, split peas and soya are rich in fibre and protein. They support digestion, help control blood sugar and cholesterol, and can replace meat in meals 2- 3 times a week. This can be achieved by practising meatless Mondays in our diet, meaning on Mondays we are only consuming plant-based protein sources, which is essential for our gut and cardio health
- Consume animal foods wisely: Skinless chicken, fish (unfried), eggs, milk and meat help build strong bones, muscles and immunity. However, processed meats such as polony, viennas, sausages and bacon should be avoided due to high fat and salt content that is not good for our health. Limit red meat to just twice a week, as it contains saturated fat.
- Eat Fish at least 2-3 times a week: fish oils are great for general health and for joint, heart and skin health, include oily fish like tuna, sardines, trout, pilchards, 3 times a week (90-100g portion at least)
- Choose healthier cooking methods: Cook by steaming, boiling, grilling, roasting, slow cooking, braising, baking or airfrying instead of deep frying
- Do not skip meals: Smaller, frequent meals to keep blood sugar stable, avoid cravings and overeating with constant energy and boost metabolism
- Eat mindfully: Chew well and eat slowly, take your time and eat in a calm environment
- It takes about 15 minutes for us to realise we are full. If you are eating fast, overeating is easy. Avoid eating in front of the TV, computer, cellphone, etc., unsatisfied after a meal = cravings
- Use Fat, Salt and Sugar Sparingly: Too much fat and salt increases the risk of chronic illness. Removing chicken skin, trimming visible fat from meat, using herbs and spices instead of salt, and choosing fruits over fried snacks are simple but powerful steps.
- Sugary drinks should be replaced with water. Drinking at least eight glasses (about two litres) of clean, safe water daily helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion and improves energy levels.
- Alcohol and Physical Activity: Limiting alcohol is important as excessive intake can damage the liver, increase blood pressure, cause dehydration and impair coordination.
- Physical activity is equally essential. Being active for 30 to 60 minutes a day does not require gym activities; walking, gardening, cleaning or household chores all contribute to better health.
Traditional Foods Matter
Local foods such as mopani worms are highly nutritious. They are rich in protein, iron, zinc and calcium, and contain fibre that supports gut health. Mopani worms contain more protein than many animal products, including chicken. Morogo, mabele, and dinawa that our great grandparents grew up having, remain essential for health. Healthy eating is not supposed to be westernised; we do not have to replace pap, bread and rice with quinoa and couscous. Pap (maize meal), a staple in many households, is fortified with vitamins and minerals. While it is low in fibre, pairing it with vegetables, legumes and protein improves its nutritional value. The key is moderation and variety.
Portion Control
Portion control is the foundation of balanced meals. Kalf, your plate must be vegetables, a quarter starch, a quarter protein. This allows you to meet your nutritional requirements without restricting any essential food groups.
Ultimately, health is a personal responsibility. Practising good habits, staying informed, knowing your health numbers and making use of workplace wellness opportunities can make a lasting difference.
Take care of your body, or your body will stop taking care of you. You are never too young or too old to choose a healthier lifestyle.
By Moloko Riah Mehlape, Human Nutrition and Dietetics lecturer
by Lorato | Feb 26, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Specialist Nuclear Medicine Physician at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Dr Phumudzo Nemutaduni, has been awarded the Oncidium Foundation Award at the recently held Theranostics World Congress (TWC), in Cape Town. The accolade recognises her trailblazing work in advancing patient access to radioligand therapy, reinforcing the critical link between innovation and equity in cancer care.
The award was presented for her abstract, “Beyond the cure: Economic barriers threatening advanced radionuclide therapy,” which exposes systemic obstacles preventing many patients from benefiting from cutting-edge radiotheranostics. “Innovation in cancer care is only meaningful if patients can actually access it,” Dr Nemutaduni said. “This research is a call to action to bridge the gap between discovery and patient impact.”
As one of South Africa’s foremost nuclear physicians, Dr Nemutaduni has become a leading authority on prostate cancer imaging and therapy. She is also the founder of Precision Nuclear Oncology & Theragnostic (PNOAT), Nuclear Med Group, and Embrace Health Medical Centre in Rustenburg. These facilities deliver advanced imaging and therapy while serving as training hubs, strengthening the national capacity for nuclear medicine. “We aim not only to treat patients but to train the next generation, ensuring knowledge and innovation are shared,” Dr Nemutaduni explained.
Raised in Mauluma, Nzhelele, in Venda, she credits her upbringing for instilling resilience, discipline, and a profound sense of community service. Dr Nemutaduni holds a Fellowship in Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Imaging from Universitas Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland and contributes to healthcare governance as a member of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Advisory Committee, overseeing the safe deployment of health technologies in South Africa.
Her approach to medicine reflects the principles of top communicators and leaders: clarity, urgency, and relevance. “Whether it’s research, clinical care, or advocacy, every word, every action must deliver impact,” she said. This philosophy is evident in her writing and presentations, which capture attention quickly and inspire action—qualities recognised globally.
Dr Nemutaduni’s recognition is more than a personal accolade—it celebrates vision, determination, and commitment to patient-centred care. By addressing inequities, mentoring emerging clinicians, and creating institutions that bridge research and care, she ensures innovation translates into tangible benefit. “I hope this award inspires others to pursue excellence with impact,” she said.
‘I would like to thank my research team — Girum Tesema, Xolile Msingaphantsi-Khuzwayo, Nkululeko Mlaba, Mamokete Nonyane and Andrew More — for their unwavering dedication to the patients at DGMAH. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my mentors and supervisors, Professor Mike Sathekge and Professor Nozipho Nyakale,’ said Dr Nemutaduni.
Her leadership exemplifies how excellence, when combined with social responsibility, can transform healthcare outcomes and inspire generations to follow.
By Tumelo Moila
