by Kegorapetse | Aug 17, 2021 | Media Statements, statements
Media Statement
Date: 21 July 2021
For Immediate Release
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University will host Open Days virtually from 22 to 23 July 2021 due to the unusual challenges of Covid-19. Prospective students are encouraged to follow the Open Days broadcasts by logging in to the university website www.smu.ac.za and also download the SMU prospectus to see all available qualifications offered by the University.
SMU boasts top academics and researchers who are rated by the National Research Foundation and respected in their various fields of expertise. These dedicated men and women go out of their way to help the students through their journey as they develop to be full professionals that are expected to make a meaningful contribution in addressing the health challenges and needs of the country upon completion of their studies.
SMU offers a variety of qualifications in the following five schools:
- School of Medicine
- School of Science and Technology
- School of Health Care Sciences
- School of Oral Health sciences
- School of Pharmacy
The university has already received over 30 000 applications from prospective students and would like to encourage others not to waste time and apply. The applications for 2022 will close on 30 July 2021 after they were extended previously.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone: 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587.
Download Media Statement – 2021 Open Days
by Kegorapetse | Mar 4, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Advisory
Date: 04 March 2021
Obesity is a serious issue worldwide; it has occurred as a serious risk factor for severe diseases in the current epidemic disease of Covid-19.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s participation in this international event marks its contribution towards the realisation of the UN’s Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 3 – which seeks to bring about healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
Members of the media are hereby notified of the planned activities for World Obesity Day at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, which will take place today 4 March 2021.
This year’s activities will be held virtually due to the conditions presented by Covid-19.
World renowned weight loss expert and SMU Head of Department of Surgery Professor Zach Koto will share his expertise on obesity and Covid-19. Other speakers will focus on obesity and diet, obesity and Covid-19 effects on mental health as well as metabolic surgery. There will also be testimonials from those whose lives were changed by the programme.
Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH)/SMU bariatric Surgery Unit is accredited to perform metabolic and bariatric surgeries, making it the first public hospital in Gauteng to do this.
“SMU as a Health Sciences University is on a mission to educate people about health related matters and make a meaningful contribution especially during these difficult times of Covid-19. We are taking a lead in ensuring that we engage with our communities, raise awareness and offer them life-changing health care services and advice through programmes such as this one focusing on Obesity, which is a very serious health hazard”, says Dr Eric Pule, SMU spokesperson.
Details of the virtual proceedings are as follows:
Date 04 March 2021
Time: 16h00 – 18h00
Link : https://tinyurl.com/smuworldbobesityday
Members of the media can make arrangements for post event interviews with the experts for more in-depth perspectives on Obesity and Bariatric surgery and other alternative ways of treating Obesity.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Media Advisory World Obesity Day 2021
by Kegorapetse | Mar 1, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Statement
01 March 2021
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) congratulates Professor Joshua Olowoyo for attaining a C2 Rating from the National Research Foundation. The rating is given to researchers as a recognition for having recently produced a body of quality work recognized by their peers. Prof Olowoyo was able to identify activities that are introducing trace metals in the environment including vehicular emissions and various industries, especially mining industries, which are responsible for introducing numerous hazardous metals into the environment.
“My research has also been able to demonstrate that humans are affected by the levels of trace metals in the environment. For instance, one of my research findings revealed elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as Pb, Cd and As in blood not only in occupationally exposed individuals but also in their immediate family members”, said Prof Olowoyo.
Interestingly, the research has also demonstrated that certain plants such as lichens and other higher plants have applications in biomonitoring the levels of these toxic metals in the environment.
Prof Olowoyo has vowed to continue working on emerging pollutants in the environment and their impact on human health with particular focus on women and children living within the vicinity of polluted or urban environments.
The number of NRF rated researchers and scientists at SMU is growing. Prof Olowoyo is attached to the SMU Biology department.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Media statement Prof Joshua Olowoyo attains a C2 rating from NRF
by Kegorapetse | Feb 28, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
28 February 2021
For Immediate Release
The South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is set to have a new head. Prof Hannelie Meyer takes over the reins from Prof Rose Burnett who is retiring at the end of 2021. However, to ensure a smooth transition, the newly appointed head is expected to take over her role with effect from 01 March 2021.
Since joining SAVIC in 2013, Prof Meyer has dedicated her time to immunisation related activities including serving as part of two ministerial advisory committees while also serving in the division of Public Health Pharmacy at SMU. Currently, she also serves as the Chair of the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC).
She has made a significant contribution since joining SAVIC as Scientific Advisor for pharmacovigilance, cold chain management and logistics and this saw SAVIC grow enormously. Furthermore, Prof Meyer was very instrumental in the development and introduction of the Higher Certificate in Vaccinology offered by the School of Pharmacy at SMU as well as a series of short courses.
Her contribution is felt across the nation as she is also part of the team of experts from the nine schools of Pharmacy in the country working with the South African Pharmacy Council to develop a generic short course on vaccination techniques for pharmacists to build capacity for future vaccination, as well as the administration of vaccines as part of the national Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
Professor Meyer assumes this new role at the time when the country is rolling out a massive vaccination programme to cushion people against the debilitating effects of Covid-19. Her knowledge and expertise in the field of Vaccines and Immunisation will certainly continue to contribute to the national efforts on the fight against Covid-19.
SMU wishes the outgoing head of SAVIC Prof Rose Burnett well and thank her for the immense contribution she made while serving as the head of SAVIC.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download Statement Prof Hannelie Meyer takes over the reins of SAVIC
by Kegorapetse | Feb 21, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Statement 21 February 2021 For Immediate Release As the Coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University together with the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre will tomorrow Monday 22 February 2021 hold a panel discussion and presentation to share scientific information on Vaccines and various aspects of tackling Covid-19. An assortment of distinguished academics and experts from the SMU and SAVIC are lined up to separate science from fiction by sharing their insights on the current debates taking place in South Africa and across the globe. The discussions are an integral part of the University’s community engagement efforts to help address bigger challenges facing Africa and the World. Furthermore, it is expected that the debates and diverse views shared by the experts will help engender awareness and debunk myths around vaccines and Covid-19 in public. The panel will comprise of the following leading experts and academics:
- Professor Rose Burnett, Head of SAVIC and a member of the National Advisory Group on Immunisation
- Professor Hannelie Meyer from the Public Health Pharmacy and Management division at SMU and Chair of NISEC
- Dr Lufuno Razwiedani from Community Health and member of the Provincial and District outbreak response team and member of SAVIC
- DR Temitayo Famoroti, a clinical virologist and member of SAVIC
The session will be presented by Dr Andrew Musyoki from the SMU department of microbiology and Deputy Head of SAVIC and Professor Dini Mawela, the Deputy Dean of SMU School of Medicine will chair the session. To be part of the virtual discussions please use the following details: To join the meeting: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/fb4cae47ef6d4535b0b4d0eec68bab2d For registration: https://forms.gle/rViB3AnZfMyZtSbQ6 Date: 22 February 2021 Time: 12h00 – 14h00 The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is home to leading health experts and boasts NRF rated researchers, scientists and academics. Issued by the Marketing & Communication For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587 Website: www.smu.ac.za Download Media statement 21 February 2021 SMU Health Experts to hold a panel discussion on Covid and Vaccines
by Kegorapetse | Feb 11, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Statement
11 February 2021
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University community radio station – 97.1 in Ga-Rankuwa has announced and launched a Covid-19 Health Talk Show series to educate and inform the surrounding community as well as the University community about issues, preventative tips, solutions and survival guides during this difficult time of Covid-19. The aim of the show is to tackle various topics around covid-19, so that SMUFM listeners are able to get most factual information pertaining the pandemic and to better equip themselves on how to deal with pandemic issues during this trying time.
The show will include positive promotion of health topics to the local audience, with input from SMU students, staff, and health professionals. The current global crisis has left community members vulnerable and disordered about their wellbeing, therefore the health information and discussions on SMU FM, 97.1 will assist in clarifying many questions that people have.
The show is held weekdays on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 18:00 -19:00 and is hosted by Siphelele Lunga as well as Co-hosted by SMU Health Science Specialists including students from the Schools of Pharmacy, Health Care Sciences, Science and Technology, Oral Health Sciences and Medicine. They will lead discussions on various health related topics.
The Covid-19 Health Talk Show can be accessed as followed:
Via
Radio: 97.1 SMU FM
SMU WEBSITE: www.smu.ac.za
Live stream Facebook, Instagram and You-tube
Download App- Radio Garden
ISSUED BY SMU FM 97.1 and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
Download SMU FM (97.1) launches the new Covid-19 Health Talk hosted by University health experts Media Statement – 11 February 2021
