by Kegorapetse | Feb 8, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
08 February 2021
For Immediate Release
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is the only dedicated health sciences university in the country. The University recognizes and respects the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and the role of traditional medicine in our health care system. Furthermore, the University values coordinated efforts in response to pandemics, including the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. SMU is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and in promoting excellence in all research collaborations and partnerships, remain paramount.
During 2020, the University was approached by M5 MediGroup – a group of traditional health practitioners, to test the safety and efficacy of an herbal product prepared by M5 MediGroup and presented as a potential “alternative remedy” for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection. During January 2021, a formal collaboration was established with the M5 MediGroup and the group handed over samples of their herbal product to SMU, with the understanding that the University will follow all its ethical clearance processes to scientifically evaluate the herbal mixture for safety and efficacy.
However, it was recently reported in the press that the M5 MediGroup (Traditional Practitioners) had administered their herbal product to more than 500 COVID-19 patients from Rustenburg, Soweto, Boksburg and Limpopo and received positive feedback from their patients thereof. In the light of the above, the University and the M5 MediGroup (Traditional Practitioners) saw it fit to clarify that the process to administer the herbal product had occurred prior to the establishment of the relationship between the University and the M5 MediGroup and was done within the scope of the practice of the group of traditional health practitioners.
Within the existing partnership to test the group’s observational findings, the understanding between the two parties is that the University would develop research protocols to be approved by the SMU Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) for testing the herbal product. Furthermore, that the University will only administer the herbal remedies or products to patients once safety has been proven and efficacy subsequently established. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) would also have to approve the tested product before further distribution.
The University will continue to work with M5 MediGroup in promoting indigenous knowledge systems using best practices. History was indeed made when the Traditional practitioners joined hands with the scientists at SMU through the aforementioned relationship committing to contributing to solving the biggest health challenge we have faced in our time. We hereby give assurance to the public that once the University has completed these tests, a comprehensive scientific report will be provided.
***End of Joint Statement***
Issued by following by: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and M5 MediGroup
Enquiries: Prof M Seheri – Director Research and Postgraduate Studies – SMU
Cell: 082 748 8389
Enquiries: Mogale Mogale Spokesperson – M5-MediGroup
Cell: 082 620 5123
Download Statement SMU and M5 MediGroup on matters relating to herbal mixture for COVID-19
by Kegorapetse | Feb 2, 2021 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, statements
Media Statement
02 February 2021
For Immediate Release
One of the primary business of the University is research and development, through the support by National Research Foundation to contribute in knowledge creation, innovation and improving quality of life of all South Africans.
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University congratulates Professor Sphiwe Madiba for attaining a C3 Rating from the National Research Foundation. This NRF C rating category means that she is recognised as an established researcher with a sustained recent record of productivity in her field. The rating further signifies recognition from her peers as having produced a body of quality work and validates her research niche in the university as well as locally and internationally.
Prof Madiba through her research explored 1) HIV status disclosure across population groups, 2) adolescent health and mental health status, and 3) social aspects of HIV with major focus on HIV prevention.
“My research on disclosure is an expansion of my PhD, where I developed a substantive theory that explains the decision by caregivers of children on paediatric ART to disclose or not disclose their HIV diagnosis to children. The interest in disclosure has extended to work in various other areas of disclosure. I have published extensively in the area of disclosure, and my work culminated in a book chapter that focused on the contextual factors shaping disclosure across population groups”, said Prof Madiba.
The NRF rating will also enhance the status of the university to produce more quality research and rated scientists. Prof Sphiwe Madiba joins other NRF rated Professors within SMU.
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 Madiba attains NRF C rating 02 February 2021
by Kegorapetse | Jan 4, 2021 | All News, statements
Media Statement
03 January 2021
For Immediate Release
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University hereby warns members of the public about a scam doing the rounds on a certain Facebook platform purported to be that of the University.
The message contained in the scam says that the University is offering free paramedic training with a stipend of R5900. This is completely untrue and meant to dupe unsuspecting people.
Members of the public are advised to be careful of such misinformation and not to respond to the scam.
The university advertises opportunities through its official platforms such as the website, genuine social media accounts and at times through mainstream newspapers.
For more information on what is offered by the university, visit www.smu.ac.za
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
by Kegorapetse | Nov 26, 2020 | All News, statements
Members of the media are hereby invited to join the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in partnership with the Dr. Molefi Sefularo Foundation for a memorial lecture to be delivered by Former President Kgalema Motlanthe in remembrance of Dr. Molefi Sefularo. The current Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize will be amongst the guests that will be honouring and celebrating the life of the late icon Dr Sefularo.
Dr Sefularo obtained his MBChB degree from the then Medunsa – now SMU. He was a distinguished scholar and medical practitioner who believed in the provision of quality health care services to all and was well respected in the medical and political fraternities.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Health.
This year’s event is themed “Regional Health Systems Integration in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Renowned author and analyst Professor Ibbo Mandaza from Zimbabwe is also expected to be part of the memorial lecture.
The event details are as follows:
Date: Sunday 29 November 2020
Time: 14h00
Venue: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa: New Auditorium
You can also join the proceedings online by following the below link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/c574c1bde9e8494d8886e39d5d90a38c
Ends
Issued by the Marketing and Communication Department.
For more details and enquiries please contact Dr Eric Pule: Director, Marketing and Communication email: eric.pule@smu.ac.za Cell 0635035587 phone 012 521 4563
Website: www.smu.ac.za
by Kegorapetse | Nov 11, 2020 | All News, statements
Media Advisory
11 November 2020
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University School of Oral Health Sciences and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) hereby invites members of the media to the 50th conference which will be held from Thursday 12 to Friday 13 November 2020, at the Fire and Ice Protea Hotel, near Menlyn, in Pretoria.
IADR is a professional body of oral health practitioners with over 10 000 members worldwide. The IADR’ mission is to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being worldwide. Its vision is to provide access to oral health services for the world through discovery and dissemination.
IADR provides many opportunities to members to further their careers and contribute to its mission of driving dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide.
This conference is hosted annually by different dental schools, on a rotational basis. A proud host, SMU last hosted the conference five years ago. This edition will be a hybrid conference that will be broadcasted live from Protea Hotel Fire and Ice in Menlyn.
A number of prominent people in the health and education sectors are expected to speak at the conference.
Date: 12 -13 November 2020
Venue: Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, Menlyn (Pretoria)
Time: 08 am
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
Ends
Download Media advisory 11 November SMU hosts IADR conference
by Kegorapetse | May 11, 2019 | SMU Media, statements
Media Alert
10 May 2019
For Immediate Release
The members of the media are hereby invited to grace the SMU’s graduation ceremonies which will be held from 13 to 15 May 2019, 10h00, at the Sports Complex, SMU, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Molotlegi Street, Pretoria, GPS Coordinates 25.6212° S 28 0169° E.
The highlights of these premier events of the university will be the recognition and celebration of 29 students who will be awarded their degrees cum laude (outstanding results). They will receive exciting prizes for their achievements.
Mr. Ananias Kgopa, a Lecturer and a Ph.D Student, in the Department of Biochemistry, established a tissue-culture and molecular biology laboratory for Honours, Masters and PhD students, at SMU. Kgopa had to build the laboratory afresh as the university did not have one. The Laboratory focuses on Cancer and Diabetes research, using tissue culture to explore the impact of traditional medicine to manage Diabetes and Cancer.
The audience will also listen to these influential speakers delivering key note address as follows:
| Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Deputy Vice- Chancellor (DVC) , Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
13 May 2019 |
School of Science and Technology |
| Mr Vincent Tlala, Chief Operation Officer (COO), South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) |
14 May 2019 |
School of Health Care Science and School of Pharmacy |
| Prof Ncoza Dlova, Dean and Head of the School of Clinical Medicine, University of KZN. |
15 May 2019 |
School of Medicine and School of Oral Health Sciences |
The copies of the speeches of the speakers will be made available after they have been presented. Should you wish to interview any of the cum laude students, please indicate to enable us to arrange it.
Ends
Released by the SMU Marketing & Communication
Contact Dr Eric Pule, the Director, Marketing & Communication
Email: eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563
