by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a proud moment as its alumna and Speech Therapist, Audiologist and Clinical Supervisor, Amogelang Emerlda Bunu, advances to the Top 12 of the Miss South Africa 2026 competition. Representing more than her professional achievements, Bunu brings a powerful story of resilience, service and purpose, taking her journey from Mabopane in Gauteng to one of the country’s most prominent national platforms.
Bunu is a clinician in SMU’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, where she contributes to professional training and develops future healthcare practitioners through clinical supervision. Beyond her university responsibilities, she is a mother, runs her own practice and remains committed to community development. She also pursues her passion for karate, teaching and coaching learners at Ngaka Maseko High School. She credits the discipline, perseverance and resilience developed through martial arts with shaping how she approaches the different responsibilities in her life.
Her participation in Miss South Africa 2026 is also an opportunity to advance an advocacy campaign closely connected to her professional expertise. Through Empower Youth Africa, Bunu champions Play with Purpose: Communication, Access and Safety Through Playgrounds, an initiative that promotes safe recreational spaces, inclusive sports participation and early communication and hearing screenings for children.
“Through my private practice, we are providing free hearing and communication screenings at early learning centres in Mabopane. I have also built an online presence through TikTok @bunu.sta, where I educate parents on communication developmental milestones and how to use play at home to boost communication and learning outcomes,” said Bunu.
The campaign recognises that access to safe playgrounds and sporting activities extends beyond recreation. These spaces give children opportunities to develop social skills, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and discover their talents. It also advocates for early identification of hearing and communication difficulties through school-based screenings, enabling children who may experience developmental challenges to receive appropriate support.
Drawing on her experience as a speech therapist and audiologist, an athlete and a mother, Bunu believes that play is essential to children’s overall development. Her campaign encourages schools and communities to create environments where every child can participate, communicate, and feel included. As captured in her advocacy message, “Working bodies grow working brains.”
Her journey to the Top 12 reflects the professional commitment, personal discipline, and community engagement she brings to the national competition. From the Top 24 to the Top 12, her progress has generated excitement within the SMU community, which is rallying behind her as she prepares for the Miss South Africa 2026 finale.
Bunu’s achievement reflects SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. As a dedicated health sciences university, SMU promotes professional education, teaching, learning and innovative research while encouraging its staff and students to contribute meaningfully to society. Through Bunu’s professional work and advocacy, the university’s commitment to health, inclusion, human dignity and community well-being is also reflected beyond the classroom and clinical environment.
As she continues her journey toward the crown, Bunu carries the pride of her university and community, showing how professional expertise can translate into advocacy that creates opportunities for others. From Mabopane to SMU and now the national stage, her story exemplifies purpose-driven leadership and SMU professionals’ contribution to building healthier, more inclusive communities.
The SMU community is encouraged to support Bunu by attending the Miss South Africa 2026 finale and showing its support as she competes for the national title.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening South Africa’s cardiovascular research landscape after the National Research Foundation (NRF) awarded a Y2 rating to Associate Professor Lebogang Palesa Mokotedi, an emerging researcher focused on cardiometabolic diseases.
The rating recognises Prof Mokotedi’s research productivity and potential to establish herself as a leading researcher. Her achievement, along with her appointment as an Associate Professor before age 35, highlights her growing contribution to physiological sciences and the development of research capacity in South Africa.
Based in SMU’s Department of Physiology, Prof Mokotedi also holds an honorary research appointment at the Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative (IMPRI) Laboratory within the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). She obtained her PhD in Physiology from WITS and has since developed an independent research programme addressing cardiovascular dysfunction and its implications for human health.
Her research investigates the mechanisms and risk factors underlying cardiometabolic diseases, with a particular interest in how chronic inflammation and metabolic disturbances contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure and vascular stiffness. She also contributes to research examining maternal cardiovascular health, particularly complications associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
“Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to cardiometabolic diseases is essential to improving disease prevention, early detection and treatment,” said Prof Mokotedi’s research profile, outlining the central focus of her work.
Through collaborations with clinicians, researchers and healthcare institutions, her work combines experimental and clinical approaches to advance the understanding of cardiovascular disease. These collaborative efforts have contributed to a growing body of research published in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
Prof Mokotedi has also secured competitive research funding, including two consecutive cycles of NRF Thuthuka grants, supporting investigations into the roles of inflammation and dietary factors in cardiometabolic changes associated with chronic inflammatory diseases using animal models of rheumatoid arthritis.
Prof Mokotedi’s contribution to research extends beyond knowledge generation to the training and mentorship of future scientists. She has supervised or co-supervised ten master’s and doctoral students to completion and continues to support the development of emerging researchers. Her academic responsibilities further include undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, and promoting innovative teaching methods that encourage critical thinking and practical application of scientific knowledge.
Prof Mokotedi contributes to scientific leadership through her involvement in both national and international professional bodies. She serves as Deputy Treasurer of the African Association of Physiological Sciences (AAPS) and as an Executive Committee member of the South African Society for Cardiovascular Research (SASCAR). She previously served on the Council of the Physiological Society of Southern Africa (PSSA), supporting initiatives that advance scientific collaboration and research development across South Africa and the African continent.
The NRF Y2 rating marks an important milestone in her academic career and reinforces the value of sustained investment in emerging researchers. It also highlights the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary research in addressing South Africa’s growing cardiovascular health challenges.
Through academics such as Prof Mokotedi, SMU continues to advance its mission of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. Her achievement demonstrates the university’s contribution to developing research expertise, strengthening postgraduate education and generating scientific knowledge that can inform better healthcare outcomes.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Phumudzo Brigett Nemutaduni, a specialist nuclear medicine physician at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), has received a Health Leadership Award at the Business Side of Medicine (BSOM) Gala Luncheon and Awards 2026.
The award recognises her professional contribution and highlights the importance of leadership, innovation and excellence in healthcare. It also reflects SMU’s commitment to transforming health services through excellence and innovation.
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Dr Nemutaduni said: “Receiving this award is a meaningful milestone in my professional journey. It reinforces the importance of remaining committed to excellence, embracing innovation and contributing to a healthcare system that responds effectively to the needs of our communities.”
The recognition comes amid growing calls for healthcare professionals to combine clinical expertise with leadership, strategic thinking and an understanding of the business environment in which healthcare operates.
The BSOM initiative seeks to equip medical practitioners with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their practices effectively. It provides educational resources, networking opportunities and platforms for discussions on ethical, legal and business considerations affecting medical professionals.
For Dr Nemutaduni, effective healthcare leadership extends beyond clinical responsibilities to include collaboration, continuous learning and the ability to adapt to an evolving healthcare environment. “Healthcare leadership requires us to look beyond our immediate professional responsibilities and consider how we can improve the systems in which we work. Collaboration, sound decision-making and a willingness to learn are essential to delivering sustainable and effective healthcare services,” she said.
BSOM was established in response to growing interest among doctors in learning how to establish, manage and expand their practices. Discussions at its meetings during 2022 and 2023 highlighted the demand for practical guidance on business strategy, collaboration across medical specialities and the challenges facing newly established practices.
The initiative addresses these needs through quarterly meetings, workshops and educational resources designed to support medical practitioners at different stages of their professional journeys. Its objectives include developing medical entrepreneurs, strengthening practitioners’ business knowledge and creating platforms for networking and professional development.
Dr Nemutaduni said recognition of healthcare professionals was also an opportunity to encourage others to pursue excellence in their respective fields. “Every opportunity to grow professionally should translate into a greater contribution to healthcare and society. I believe that innovation, knowledge-sharing and a commitment to serving others are important in building a stronger healthcare system,” she said.
For SMU, the achievement provides an opportunity to highlight the contributions of its medical professionals to the healthcare sector. As a dedicated health sciences university, the institution focuses on professional education, teaching, learning and innovative research, with the broader goal of improving the health and well-being of communities locally and nationally.
Dr Nemutaduni’s recognition underscores the value of healthcare professionals who combine specialised medical knowledge with leadership and innovation. It also reinforces the importance of supporting professionals who can contribute to more effective healthcare services and the continued development of the medical sector.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its presence in South Africa’s scientific community following the selection of Dr Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, as a member of the 2026 cohort of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).
Dr Naidoo was formally inaugurated at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Awards and SAYAS Inauguration Ceremony, held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng. The ceremony formed part of ASSAf’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, bringing together scientists, academics, research leaders and policymakers to recognise scientific excellence and contributions to society.
A notable moment for SMU was Dr Naidoo’s inauguration by Dr Gold Matlou, an SMU academic and Co-Chair of SAYAS, alongside Professor Maurine Musie, SAYAS Co-Chair from the University of Pretoria. Their participation reflected SMU’s contribution to leadership and representation within the country’s scientific community.
Established in 2011, SAYAS brings together emerging scientists who demonstrate academic excellence, research achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing science for societal benefit. Dr Naidoo’s selection into the 2026 cohort, comprising 20 new members, marks an important milestone in her academic career.
Her professional journey at SMU reflects significant academic progression, from Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2022 to Lecturer and subsequently Senior Lecturer in December 2025. She holds a PhD in Biology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has developed a multidisciplinary research portfolio spanning medicinal plant sciences, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, metabolomics, nanotechnology and applied biological sciences.
Her research investigates the chemical composition and biological properties of medicinal plants, including the potential applications of their active compounds in healthcare, antimicrobial discovery and sustainable biotechnology. Through interdisciplinary approaches, she combines advanced microscopy, phytochemical analysis, metabolomics and biological assays with green nanotechnology to explore South Africa’s botanical diversity and indigenous medicinal plant resources.
Dr Naidoo’s scholarly contributions include more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications and eight book chapters. Her research has appeared in internationally recognised journals, including Plants, Molecules, Pharmaceuticals, PLOS ONE and the South African Journal of Botany. She has also secured research support through a South African Medical Research Council Researcher Development Award, Technology Innovation Agency support and National Research Foundation funding.
Beyond research, she contributes to postgraduate supervision, academic mentorship and scientific capacity development. She has supervised and co-supervised Honours, Master’s, and doctoral students, while also contributing to undergraduate curriculum development, including establishing SMU’s BSc Botany programme. Her commitment to science extends to school outreach, environmental awareness, career guidance and initiatives promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among young learners.
Reflecting on her selection, Dr Naidoo described the recognition as both a personal milestone and an acknowledgement of the support she has received throughout her academic journey.
“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as a member of the South African Young Academy of Science. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the mentorship, collaboration and support I have received throughout my academic journey,” she said.
She acknowledged her mentor, Professor Nqobile Mkolo, as well as her colleagues, collaborators, students and family, expressing her eagerness to contribute to SAYAS’s mission of advancing scientific excellence, empowering emerging researchers and ensuring that science creates meaningful societal impact.
Dr Naidoo’s inauguration reinforces SMU’s commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of emerging scientific leaders. Her achievement also highlights the university’s contribution to advancing scientific knowledge and nurturing researchers whose work can help address healthcare and broader societal challenges.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) researcher and lecturer Dr Sithembiso Lethukuthula Ndwandwe has completed a PhD in Biochemistry, advancing research into the potential of selected medicinal plants traditionally used to treat respiratory viral infections.
His doctoral research, titled Efficacy of Formulated Herbal Concoction Comprising Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Respiratory Viral Infections, investigated the antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts and formulated concoction, as well as their potential toxicity on selected cell lines.
The study focused on formulating an evidence-based concoction from four medicinal plants: Artemisia afra, Lippia javanica, Tetradenia riparia and Tulbaghia violacea. Researchers selected these plants because of their traditional use in treating respiratory illnesses and related inflammatory conditions.
Ndwandwe’s research assessed the plants’ phytochemical composition and their activity against viral neuraminidase; an enzyme associated with influenza virus replication. It also examined the effects of individual extracts on inflammatory responses against those of the formulated concoction.
The findings revealed that the plant extracts contained several classes of phytochemicals, with different plant parts showing varying secondary metabolites levels, antioxidant and neuraminidase-inhibitory activity.
Among the findings, the ethanolic stem extract of Artemisia afra showed the strongest activity in two antioxidant assays, while the aqueous root extract of Lippia javanica recorded the strongest inhibition of viral neuraminidase among the tested extracts. Higher anti-neuraminidase activity was seen with aqueous plant extracts, which suggest that the active components against neuraminidase activity could be of extremely high polar in nature.
The study also found that extracts from Tetradenia riparia leaves demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory tests, including inhibition of nitrite production. This study further demonstrated a positive correlative association between phytochemical content and nitrite inhibition in medicinal plants tested.
Stability studies on the formulated concoction were done looking at different parameters. Over the 28-day study, the concoction stayed physically stable, with no changes in colour, thickness, smell, or UV-Vis results. However, the concoction’s pH decreased before becoming stable, and microbial growth was found on m-Endo and MacConkey agars, while no Enterococcus growth was detected throughout the study. The results provide scientific evidence supporting further investigation into these plants’ medicinal properties and the formulated concoction.
Ndwandwe’s work contributes to a growing body of research examining how traditional medicinal knowledge can be investigated using scientific methods, potentially informing future pharmaceutical and health-related applications.
His academic journey at SMU includes a BSc in Physical and Mineral Sciences (2016), a BSc Honours in Biochemistry (2017), and an MSc in Biochemistry, completed cum laude in 2020, before earning his doctorate in 2026.
Alongside his research, Ndwandwe has contributed to undergraduate teaching in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at SMU since 2021. His responsibilities include preparing and presenting lectures and developing and marking assessments.
He has also supervised nine postgraduate students to completion and is currently supervising five Honours and master’s students. In addition, he serves as deputy chair of the Departmental Research and Postgraduate Committee and participates in the university’s community engagement, marketing, and outreach committees.
He presented his PhD research at nine conferences, including the ISE-APSS International Conference, the Tshwane District Health Research Conference, and the South African Association of Botanists conference. He also published five papers in peer reviewed journals from his PhD work.
Through his combined research, teaching and postgraduate supervision, Ndwandwe continues to contribute to scientific inquiry and the development of emerging researchers at SMU.
“The most difficult step is often the first one. Our forefathers have already laid the foundation and provided generations of empirical evidence showing that these traditional systems work. Our task is comparatively simpler: to use modern technology to explain the molecular mechanisms behind what has long been observed in practice. We are, because they were. They were, so that we can become.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Nov 3, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Final-year Physiotherapy students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) are turning academic curiosity into meaningful healthcare contributions through research that promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and evidence-based practice.
The Department of Physiotherapy recently hosted its Undergraduate Research Day under the theme “Curiosity Today… Impact Tomorrow”, allowing students to present their research findings and show how undergraduate research can help address healthcare challenges.
The event celebrated the students’ research journey, from developing research questions and protocols to obtaining ethical clearance, collecting and analysing data, and presenting their findings. It also reinforced the department’s commitment to cultivating graduates who are not only clinically competent but also equipped to contribute to scientific knowledge and healthcare innovation.
Coordinated by Dr Evah Molapisi, Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Physiotherapy, the initiative provides an important foundation for developing a sustainable undergraduate research culture.
“Undergraduate Research Day provides an important platform for our students to appreciate the value of scientific inquiry and recognise that research is an essential component of their development as future healthcare professionals. We want to nurture curious graduates, critical thinkers and capable of contributing to evidence-based practice,” said Dr Molapisi.
Delivering the keynote address, SMU Research Associate Dr Kgosana Koketso Rakhudu challenged students and academics to consider the broader social responsibility of research, emphasising that its value should extend beyond academic institutions.
“Research must never become an exercise that begins and ends within the walls of an academic institution. Its real value lies in its ability to respond to societal needs, address challenges and generate solutions that improve the lives of the communities we serve,” he said.
Dr Rakhudu further highlighted researchers’ ethical responsibility to recognise communities as partners in knowledge generation and ensure that research findings benefit the people involved.
“Researchers have an ethical responsibility to return to these communities, share their findings and demonstrate the value of the research undertaken,” he added.
The event also attracted academic and professional representatives, including Dr Mashudu Nemakanga, Undergraduate Research Chairperson in the School of Health Care Sciences, and Dr Mmapedi Mathibe, Senior Lecturer and Field Epidemiologist at SMU. Their participation strengthened academic engagement and created opportunities for collaboration.
Representing the final-year class, Lebogang Mahlangu shared reflections on behalf of fellow students, highlighting the experiences, challenges and learning opportunities that shaped their research journey. Mr Veeru Bahau, from the Department of Physiotherapy at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and a representative of the Gauteng Rehabilitation Research Forum, also attended, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between universities, clinical practitioners and research networks.
A key highlight was the presentation of research findings by final-year students. Their work demonstrated encouraging scientific inquiry, analytical reasoning and academic maturity. The external examiner commended the quality of the presentations, noting that some demonstrated a standard comparable to postgraduate-level research.
“The quality of the research presented was impressive. These findings deserve to be developed further and considered for publication so that the knowledge generated can reach a wider academic and professional audience,” the external examiner remarked.
This recognition allows the department to advance promising undergraduate research outputs toward publication and wider academic dissemination.
The event reaffirmed SMU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research. By nurturing research-minded graduates and strengthening connections between academic scholarship and community needs, the university continues to help develop responsive healthcare professionals and improve health outcomes.
By Dimakatso Modise
