SMU mourns the passing of a visionary leader and Chancellor Tito Mboweni

by Lorato | Oct 13, 2024 | Media Statements, statements

The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed Chancellor, Tito Titus Mboweni. His visionary leadership, which began on 10 May 2024, has left an indelible mark on our institution and the nation. His passing creates a void that will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to guide and inspire us all.

Mboweni was a respected political figure and a man of great warmth, wit, and dedication. One of his early engagements as Chancellor was a “meet and greet” with SMU’s management, labour, and student representatives on 7 August 2024, an event that many now regard as a historic moment for the university. During this gathering, in his characteristic humorous style, he lightened the mood by joking, “You’ll be glad that I did not prepare lunch today,” a testament to his approachable nature and love for connecting with people.

Throughout his tenure as Chancellor, Mboweni showed a deep commitment to SMU’s growth and sustainability. He engaged with university leadership on critical issues, such as infrastructure development, academic innovation, and financial sustainability. On 4 September 2024, Mboweni had a dinner engagement with the university council in which he urged SMU to focus on the delivery of the academic project and forge partnerships in areas of knowledge production and research with like-minded institutions in Africa and the world. He also emphasised the importance of securing external funding and investing in infrastructure to improve the student experience and the university’s competitive standing in the health sciences sector. He saw SMU as an institution of higher learning and a beacon of health and wellness that could lead South Africa and the African continent towards improved healthcare outcomes.

With a background that includes serving as South Africa’s Minister of Finance and Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Mboweni brought unparalleled expertise and vision to SMU. His signature remains immortalised on banknotes still in circulation—a symbol of his far-reaching influence. As Chancellor, he actively supported the university’s vision of establishing a fit-for-purpose teaching hospital to enhance SMU’s clinical training and research capabilities. He understood that expanding the training platforms for healthcare professionals was not just a priority, but an urgent necessity for both SMU and the country.

His vast network, built through years of leadership in both public and private sectors, opened doors for SMU, helping the university forge international partnerships and attract resources. He emphasised the importance of private-public collaboration, urging the university to leverage private capital for research, infrastructure, and other key projects. His strategic thinking was driven by the belief that SMU could elevate itself through focused initiatives that would ensure its sustainability and global competitiveness.

Educationally, Mboweni held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia. He held numerous prominent roles, including Advisor to Goldman Sachs International, Chairman of Nampak Limited, and Non-Executive Director at Discovery Limited. These positions and his remarkable public service made him one of South Africa’s most respected leaders.

In his time at SMU, Mboweni became more than just a figurehead. He was a guiding force who saw the potential for SMU to be a global leader in health sciences. His pragmatic approach to the complexities of higher education and his ability to balance the pursuit of resources with social change was remarkable. As he once wisely noted, “Contradictions are an inherent mechanism in the advancement of social change.”

SMU extends its deepest condolences to Mboweni’s family, friends, and all who knew him. His passing is a significant loss not only to SMU but also to the entire nation. His unwavering commitment to serving the people of South Africa will continue to inspire generations to come. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
May his soul rest in peace.

Issued by:
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
13 October 2024

Deputy Minister Buti Manamela to headline SMU’s Advanced Future Scientists and Healthcare Leaders’ Summit

by Lorato | Oct 6, 2024 | Media Statements, statements

Media Statement
Approved for public release:
Date: Sunday, 06 October 2024

Deputy Minister Buti Manamela to headline SMU’s Advanced Future Scientists and Healthcare Leaders’ Summit

PRETORIA, 06 OCTOBER 2024: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to set the standard in holistic student development, solidifying its position as a university of choice for aspiring healthcare professionals and scientists in South Africa. With the recent success of the Jobs4Billions Work Readiness Bootcamp, SMU is once again proving its dedication to shaping graduates who are academically strong but also career-ready and future-focused.

The two-day Jobs4Billions Bootcamp was an invaluable experience for students, allowing them to gain critical insights into South Africa’s dynamic job market. Through hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, and real-world advice, participants were equipped with the tools necessary to transition seamlessly into the workforce. The program emphasised job market trends, core skills development, workplace adaptability, and career progression—ensuring that SMU students are steps ahead in their professional journeys.

But SMU isn’t stopping there. Building on the momentum of the bootcamp, the university is now gearing up for the Advanced Future Scientists and Healthcare Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for 9th-11th October 2024 at the SMU Stadium. This three-day event will take student empowerment to the next level, focusing on leadership development, scientific innovation, and fostering collaboration across the healthcare and scientific sectors.

A standout moment of the summit will be the keynote address by Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, on the opening day. His anticipated speech will touch on key issues affecting South Africa’s youth, including education, innovation, and the future of employment in healthcare. Students and attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions designed to inspire a new generation of leaders who will reshape the nation’s healthcare and scientific industries.

“At Jobs4Billions, we’re all about empowering students to go beyond just academic success,” says Mr Munei Tshiovhe, the Chief Executive Officer of Jobs4Billions. “Through initiatives like the Work Readiness Bootcamp, we’re giving young professionals the tools they need to not only succeed but thrive in their industries. Our aim is to develop a mindset of leadership, adaptability, and innovation, ensuring that every graduate is equipped to navigate and make a real impact in the ever-changing job market. It’s about preparing individuals who are not just job-ready, but future-ready,” he adds.
As SMU continues to roll out transformative programs, it strengthens its role as a catalyst for change in South Africa, creating a pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals and scientists ready to contribute and lead in an ever-evolving world.

Ends/

For enquiries, please contact Director: Communications & Marketing, Dr Lusani Netshitomboni.
Email: lusani.netshitomboni@smu.ac.za
Phone: 083 396 5885

About SMU:
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is a leading institution committed to producing qualified professionals in the health and science fields, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and student success. SMU’s holistic approach ensures its graduates are ready to thrive in today’s demanding workforce and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare and scientific landscapes.

ISSUED BY SMU COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

DHET Director General Dr Nkosinathi Sishi impressed by outstanding progress made at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University during his visit.

by Lorato | Oct 5, 2022 | Media Statements, statements

Media Statement
Date: 05 October 2022
For Immediate Release

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 implemented. Accompanying the DG 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 microanalysis, 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.

Issued by Communication and Marketing
For more details, please contact Phaladi Seakgwe, Acting Director: Communication and Marketing at
phaladi.seakgwe@smu.ac.za
Cell: 0790751673