Pioneering health education: Sexual reproductive awareness campaign drives impact

by Lorato | Feb 19, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Adverts

Demonstrating its commitment to student well-being and healthcare excellence Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted a high-impact Sexual Reproductive Awareness Campaign. Over three days, students engaged in vital conversations on sexual health, mental well-being, and disease prevention—reinforcing SMU’s position as a leader in health sciences education and holistic student support.

Led by Campus Health and Counselling, the campaign was a bold initiative designed to equip students with essential knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, ensuring they make informed decisions about their well-being. More than just an educational exercise, the event provided free, on-site healthcare services, offering students tangible support beyond the classroom.

SMU’s impact was amplified through strategic collaborations with internal and external health organisations, including Ga-Rankuwa Young Adults Against HIV/AIDS, Syked, MIET Africa, Phedisong 4 Clinic, Phedisong 6 Clinic, and COSUP. These partnerships not only strengthened service delivery but also ensured that students received professional guidance from healthcare specialists.

• HIV testing and PrEP access – Students were encouraged to know their status and take preventive measures, an essential step in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
• Contraceptive services – Long-term options such as Implanon, injectable contraceptives, and oral contraceptives were made available, ensuring that students had control over their reproductive health.
• Pap smear screenings – Early detection of cervical cancer was prioritised, highlighting SMU’s proactive approach to women’s health.
• Comprehensive health checks – Blood pressure, glucose levels, height, and weight assessments provided a broader view of student wellness, reinforcing the link between reproductive and overall health.
• Substance abuse awareness – Educational sessions on alcohol and drug misuse tackled the impact of substance abuse on both mental and physical well-being.

The campaign’s interactive format ensured maximum student participation, with many embracing the opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals in a safe and stigma-free environment.

Breaking stigmas and empowering students

Beyond medical screenings, the initiative fostered open and candid conversations on topics often considered taboo, breaking long-standing stigmas surrounding sexual and reproductive health. Students not only accessed healthcare but also received evidence-based guidance on safe sexual practices, STI prevention, and family planning.

Student testimonials reflected the campaign’s profound impact. One student remarked, “I attended to learn more about sexual health and safe practices. The information was easy to understand, and I even got tested for HIV because I wanted to know my status.” Another student called for broader awareness, stating: “I feel more informed about sexual and reproductive health after attending. There were no challenges in accessing services, but more promotion a week in advance would help reach even more students.”

Recognising the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, Syked, an online wellness company, participated in the campaign to bridge the gap between mental wellness and reproductive health. Their counselling services reinforced the message that mental health is just as important as physical well-being. Bongiwe Gambu, a Therapist at Syked, emphasised the critical role of mental stability in academic success: “Mental wellness and being able to achieve your goals means you are able to accomplish better things, like improving your academic performance.”

By integrating mental health support into the broader health campaign, SMU is setting a national standard for holistic student healthcare—a reflection of its commitment to nurturing well-rounded health professionals and leaders.

The Sexual Reproductive Awareness Campaign was more than just a three-day event—it was a resounding statement of SMU’s proactive role in shaping student health and well-being. Looking ahead, SMU is committed to expanding its health education efforts, with plans for more frequent discussions, peer education programmes, and increased collaborations with healthcare organisations.

Health Promoter Kelebogile Nonkwelo encouraged students to utilise the university’s resources: “Students are urged to take advantage of the ongoing health services available at the Campus Health and Counselling Centre to ensure they make informed decisions about their health and well-being.”

SMU continues to lead the way in student-focused healthcare initiatives, ensuring that its graduates not only excel academically but also understand the critical importance of health advocacy, public awareness, and personal responsibility. By embedding health education, accessibility, and innovation into student life, SMU is not just educating future medical professionals—it is empowering them to be catalysts for change in their communities.

By Musa Msibi

Photography by Khanyi Nkosi

Six Awards, One Exceptional Student: Maishibe Langa Highlights SMU’s High-Calibre Graduates

by Lorato | Jan 27, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Adverts

Maishibe Langa, a final-year Occupational Therapy student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has set a remarkable benchmark of academic excellence and professional dedication, exemplifying the calibre of students nurtured at SMU. At the prestigious SMU 2024 Oath-Taking Prize Giving Ceremony, Langa swept six major awards, including Outstanding Performance in the Physical, Psychiatric, and Community Fields of Practice, Best Occupational Therapy Student in Final Year, Best Occupational Therapy Student from 2021 to 2024, and Outstanding Professional Qualities. These accolades underscore her exceptional academic journey and the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in health sciences.

Langa’s journey to success is rooted in humble beginnings. “I am 22 years old and come from a small village in Mapela called Ga-Rauwele, in Limpopo,” she shares. “I attended both my primary and secondary schools there.” Despite initially having no particular inspiration to pursue Occupational Therapy, she discovered her passion during her second year at SMU. “I applied for the course after a quick Google search and got in. It was only in my second year that I realised I had chosen the right field of study,” she admits with a smile.

Her academic journey was marked by defining moments of self-discovery and resilience. “I learned that what works for others might not work for me, and I needed to find my methods of studying and coping with academic pressure,” Langa explains. This realisation played a crucial role in her achieving top honours.

Langa credits her parents as her biggest source of support. “They have always believed in me and pushed me to strive for excellence. Being prayerful has also helped me tremendously because I believe God gave me the strength to complete my studies.” However, the journey was not without its challenges. Transitioning from theory to clinical practice posed significant hurdles. “What you see in books is very different from real-life practice. I had to navigate my way and ensure I understood clinical work,” she recalls. Asking supervisors for clarity and surrounding herself with supportive peers helped her overcome these challenges.

When asked about her strategies for academic excellence, Langa reveals an unorthodox approach. “To be honest, I cross-nighted a lot and studied under pressure. I had no specific strategy other than prioritising what needed to be done at the right time.” Balancing academics with other aspects of life requires discipline and prioritisation. “If I had school-related tasks to complete, the entire weekend was dedicated to that.”

Receiving the prestigious awards was an emotional moment for Langa. “I was shocked, but mostly, I felt grateful and proud. It reassured me of my capabilities and proved that I should never doubt myself,” she says. Professionally, the awards have boosted her confidence and opened new opportunities, reinforcing her growth from the first year to her final year.

Looking ahead, Langa has set both short-term and long-term career goals. “In the short term, I want to gain as much clinical experience as possible. My long-term goal is to become an independent therapist capable of making critical clinical decisions in the best interest of my patients.” She remains committed to using her knowledge to positively impact the field, continuously learning and educating others about the importance of Occupational Therapy.

Langa acknowledges the unwavering support of her parents, siblings, lecturers, clinical supervisors, and best friend. “Their belief in me has been instrumental in my success,” she expresses with gratitude.

Langa’s heartfelt advice to aspiring students reflects her wisdom and humility: “Be yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, and find what works for you. Avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on your journey.” Her pride in SMU shines through as she encourages the university community: “SMU is well-represented everywhere, and studying here is a great opportunity. Keep representing it well.”

As she steps into her professional career, Langa’s unwavering connection to SMU underscores the institution’s lasting impact. “If an opportunity arises, I would love to be part of the SMU family in the future,” she shares. Her journey is a testament to SMU’s commitment to producing exceptional graduates who are not only leaders in their fields but also passionate ambassadors of the university’s legacy of excellence.

*By Tumelo Moila

SMU Celebrates Africa Day

by Lorato | Jun 5, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Adverts

The month of May is traditionally called Africa Month across most African countries. This month, higher education institutions and other civic entities commemorate Africa Day in one way or another. Most of the time, Africa Day is celebrated through song and dance and honouring and sharing of language, culture, and traditions.

However, the celebrations are always commemorative at heart as we remember the visionary leaders who, 61 years ago, came together with a dream of a united Africa, an Africa free from the chains of colonialism and full of hope for a brighter future. The formation of the Organization of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on May 25, 1963, marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s history when Africa’s nations stood together to forge a path towards independence, prosperity, and reconciliation.

Africa Day is thus not only a cultural celebration but also a celebration of the continent’s progress in education, economic development, and healthcare. The Africa Day theme for 2024, published by the African Union was “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.” As an educational institution, this theme spoke to the heart of our beloved SMU, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

SMU thus celebrated Africa Day on the 31st of May 2024 with a joyous cultural celebration. Hosted by the Internationalisation Directorate and Advocacy and Diversity Unit of the Student Affairs Directorate, students and staff came together to commemorate and celebrate as proud Africans and an SMU family. The day commenced at the newly refurbished Amphitheatre with a rousing performance by the SMU Choir and words of support from the SMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbati, as well as representatives from the Interim Student Governance Structure and the President of the SMU International Student Organisation. SMU also welcomed representatives from various High Commissions and Embassies, including the Japanese Embassy, the Kenyan High Commission and the Cameroon High Commission.

After the formal part of the programme, the SMU Residence hosted cultural stalls and entertained the crowd with cultural performances.

The residences competed for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and this year the following residences walked away with the titles:

• 1st Place: Residence 1 A who represented the culture of Botswana.
• 2nd Place: Residence 5 B who represented the culture of Tanzania.
• 3rd Place: Maderia Isles who represented the culture of Nigeria.

Thank you to each staff member and student who participated and assisted in making Africa Day a true celebration on campus.