by Lorato | Sep 21, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) celebrated a significant academic milestone on Friday, 18 September 2026, when 167 students graduated during the university’s Spring Graduation Ceremony at the SMU Sports Complex.
The ceremony brought together graduates from across SMU’s schools to mark the successful completion of their qualifications and formally welcome them into the university’s alumni community. It also highlighted SMU’s continued commitment to academic excellence, postgraduate education and research.
Of the 167 graduates, 30 (18%) were undergraduates, while 137 (82%) were postgraduates. Among the postgraduate graduates, eighteen (13%) received honours degrees; 101 (74%) were awarded master’s degrees; and eighteen (13%) received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The 18 PhD graduates represented a notable milestone for SMU. Their achievement reflects the university’s growing contribution to postgraduate education and research, with doctoral graduates undertaking research to address challenges and contribute to their respective fields.
Among those celebrating the milestone was Dr Ntwanano Sipho Mapfumari, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology, who witnessed the graduation of his first PhD student, Dr Themba Daniel Sambo, who received a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry. “I am super excited that today I had my first PhD student graduate. That is Dr Themba Daniel Sambo (Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry), whose citation I had the pleasure of reading. It is an exciting milestone for some of us,” Dr Mapfumari said.
Reflecting on the demands of doctoral research, he added: “As you know, dealing with PhD projects is like creating your own problems and then struggling to solve them.”
For graduates, postgraduate study represents more than attaining a qualification. It provides an opportunity to identify gaps in society and conduct research that can contribute to the broader community. Newly conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Walter Bonke Mahlangu, said his achievement represented a contribution to scientific knowledge. “I am proud of the contribution I have made to the scientific community, particularly in the field of chemistry,” Dr Mahlangu said.
The graduation ceremony also recognised the collective effort behind the event’s successful delivery. SMU’s local organising committee (LOC) played an important role in ensuring that the ceremony ran smoothly, allowing graduates, their families and members of the university community to share in the occasion. Alumni Coordinator Benedict Masenamela described the ceremony as inspirational, highlighting the support provided by families, colleagues and the university’s alumni community.
The Spring Graduation Ceremony reaffirmed SMU’s role in advancing education, research and professional development in the health sciences. With eighteen PhD graduates contributing to the university’s postgraduate research profile, the milestone
demonstrates SMU’s ongoing contribution to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and developing professionals who can contribute to society.
By Gabisile Sibeko
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | All News, Alumni, Research, SMU Media, Student Media
The School of Science and Technology (SST) at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its research agenda with the inaugural SST Research Days 2026, held from 10 to 11 September 2026.
The two-day programme brought together academic staff, researchers, postgraduate students and research collaborators to showcase research, exchange knowledge and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. It also provided emerging researchers with a platform to receive constructive feedback and strengthen the quality and relevance of their work.
Opening the programme, Professor Larry Obi, Dean of SST, said the Research Days represented an important step in building a stronger research culture within the School. “This inaugural Research Days programme marks an important moment in the development of research within the School of Science and Technology. It provides our researchers and postgraduate students with an opportunity to share their findings, engage critically with colleagues and contribute to a stronger culture of scholarly excellence,” said Prof Obi.
The programme featured oral and poster presentations spanning Biology and Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Information Technology, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Physics and Statistical Sciences.
The breadth of research demonstrated the School’s multidisciplinary approach to addressing scientific, technological and societal challenges. Presentations explored topics including blockchain applications in electoral systems, the insecticidal properties of Euphorbia tirucalli, pomegranate juice fermentation, electronic healthcare records for campus clinics and the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G.
Other research examined trace metal composition in Eichhornia crassipes, machine-learning approaches to cybersecurity and anomaly detection, biomedical shape-memory alloys, nanoferrites, healthcare simulation analytics, workload optimisation in rural clinics and the chemical profiling of water pollutants.
The programme also highlighted the Electron Microscopy Unit, giving participants insight into its facilities and its contribution to experimental research and postgraduate training. The presentation underscored the role of advanced scientific infrastructure in supporting research, innovation and skills development at SMU.
The Research Days extended beyond the university through contributions from researchers and industry professionals. Dr Ndivhuwo Shumbula, a research scientist at Mintek, shared insights into nanotechnology and advanced materials, including applications in disease diagnostics, tissue engineering, water monitoring, catalysis and renewable energy.
Dr Shumbula also discussed NanoBand™, an advanced wound-dressing technology undergoing preclinical trials, illustrating how scientific research can progress from laboratory investigation towards solutions with potential societal and healthcare applications.
“Research becomes truly meaningful when scientific knowledge is translated into solutions that improve lives. Platforms such as the SST Research Days are essential because they encourage researchers to think beyond publication and consider the wider impact of their discoveries,” she said.
Neo Moloi, a biotechnology and fermentation professional, entrepreneur and business leader, also shared industry perspectives. His contribution explored the relationship between scientific research, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, including opportunities within biotechnology and medicinal mushroom mycelium fermentation.
“Emerging researchers must be encouraged to see science not only as an academic discipline, but also as a foundation for innovation, enterprise development and economic participation. Strong partnerships between universities and industry can help turn research outcomes into practical opportunities,” said Moloi.
The programme concluded with a panel discussion and awards for Best Oral Research Presentation and Best Poster Presentation.
The inaugural Research Days reinforce SMU’s commitment to advancing innovative research, strengthening postgraduate development and creating pathways between scientific knowledge and practical application. Through platforms like these, the university continues to build research capacity that contributes to education, healthcare innovation, and broader societal development.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
The School of Medicine at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marked 30 years of continuing medical education through its 2026 Healthcare Workers Refresher Course, held from 11 to 13 September at The Maslow Time Square Hotel in Menlyn, Pretoria.
The three-day programme brought together healthcare professionals, specialists and academics under the theme, “From Traditional Health Care Worker to the Next Generational Health Care Worker”. It focused on strengthening clinical knowledge and preparing practitioners to respond to emerging medical, technological and ethical challenges.
Professor Mojakgomo Hendrick Motswaledi, Head of the Department of Dermatology at SMU, delivered the opening remarks and served as programme director during the opening sessions. The first day featured presentations on women’s health, obstetric care, primary healthcare, chronic conditions and acute medical management.
Professor Lineo Matsela, an obstetrician and gynaecologist recently inaugurated as President of the South African Menopause Society, presented “Building a Supportive Culture Around Menopause”. Her contribution emphasised the importance of improving practitioners’ understanding of menopause and strengthening patient-centred care.
Further sessions addressed basic obstetric ultrasound, antenatal care from a South African perspective, prevention and population health, and digital transformation in primary healthcare. Participants also explored practical approaches to chronic diarrhoea and chronic kidney disease, alongside updates on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, paediatric surgical emergencies, breast cancer screening and viral hepatitis.
Saturday’s programme placed particular emphasis on ethics and multidisciplinary practice. Discussions covered multidisciplinary team management, atopic eczema, asthma, pulmonary pathologies, anaphylactic shock, acute burns and diabetic foot sepsis. Delegates also examined the assessment and management of polytrauma patients and acute coronary syndromes in primary healthcare.
The ethical use of artificial intelligence by current and next-generation healthcare workers featured prominently, reflecting technology’s growing influence in clinical practice and the need for responsible professional judgement.
A major highlight was the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which celebrated three decades of excellence in continuing medical education. The evening included reflections on the refresher course’s history, an address on promotion and funding, recognition of contributors and sponsors, and an anniversary toast.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dini Mawela delivered the Welcome Address, while Professor Risenga Frank Chauke, Dean of the School of Medicine, led the recognition of contributors and sponsors. Past and present organisers, long-standing supporters and healthcare professionals were acknowledged for their role in sustaining the initiative.
The final day addressed bleeding patients, re-emerging viral diseases in South Africa, early diagnosis of multiple myeloma, erectile dysfunction and the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Ethical discussions focused on intimate partner violence, compassion fatigue and moral injury in professional decision-making.
The 2026 course reaffirmed that preparing the next generation of healthcare workers requires more than clinical expertise. It also demands ethical judgement, technological awareness, resilience, collaboration and a sustained commitment to patient-centred care. Through continuing medical education, SMU continues to strengthen professional practice and help develop South Africa’s healthcare workforce.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its research profile by recognising emerging academics whose work shows the potential to make a sustained contribution to knowledge and healthcare. Among them is Prof Tshiamo Ramalepa, an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science, who has recently obtained a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y2 rating.
The Y2 rating recognises young researchers who have demonstrated the potential to establish themselves as researchers, based on the quality and productivity of their recent research outputs. The recognition places Prof Ramalepa among emerging researchers whose scholarly trajectory shows promise for continued research contribution.
Prof Ramalepa’s rating follows a growing body of research spanning adolescent sexual and reproductive health, role modelling, learner pregnancy, nursing education, youth-friendly healthcare services, HIV and AIDS, work-life balance among nurse educators, and healthcare-related psychosocial challenges. His research reflects a sustained focus on addressing challenges affecting healthcare systems, professionals, young people and communities.
His publication record has continued to expand across peer-reviewed research, scholarly books, and chapters. In 2025, he published a book titled ASPIRE strategies for strengthening adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health role modelling, while his recent research has examined adolescent primigravidae’s first antenatal care experiences, contraceptive awareness and decision-making, sexual and reproductive health role modelling, and work-life balance among nurse educators.
“Research must remain connected to the realities experienced by communities and healthcare professionals,” Prof Ramalepa said. “For me, academic work is about generating evidence that can contribute to better health outcomes while developing the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.”
His contribution to research development also extends to postgraduate supervision. At SMU, he has supervised students through doctoral and master’s qualifications, with completed research contributing to areas including nurse educators’ work-life balance, adolescent antenatal care, youth-friendly services and maternity care. He currently supervises four master’s and three doctoral students, supporting the development of the next generation of health sciences researchers.
Prof Ramalepa’s research trajectory is further reflected in his success in attracting competitive research funding. He is a co-investigator on the U’GOOD Climate Change and Mental Health project, supported by the NRF, Foundation Botnar and the Human Sciences Research Council. He has also served as principal investigator and co-researcher on reproductive health projects supported by the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan.
His growing research profile complements his academic leadership responsibilities. Appointed Associate Professor in June 2026 and a member of the Senate Committee, he also serves as the Postgraduate Diploma Programmes Coordinator, overseeing programmes in Health Service Management, Occupational Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery and Nursing Education. He previously served as a lecturer and Senior Lecturer at SMU and a postdoctoral fellow at Tshwane University of Technology.
“SMU provides an environment where research, teaching and community engagement can intersect meaningfully,” he said. “My goal is to continue contributing to a culture of excellence while ensuring that research has relevance beyond the university.”
The NRF recognition adds to a series of achievements that have marked Prof Ramalepa’s academic journey. In 2026, Inside Education named him among the 100 South African Shining Stars. In 2025, he received an SMU Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Community Engagement Project in the School of Healthcare Sciences, while in 2024 he was recognised as an Inspirational Teacher in the School of Healthcare Sciences.
Through the achievements of emerging researchers such as Prof Ramalepa, SMU continues to advance its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research. His NRF Y2 rating underscores the university’s role in nurturing research talent, generating knowledge that responds to healthcare challenges and developing scholars who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s health system.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its contribution to pharmaceutical research and innovation through the work of Dr Pedzisai Makoni, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of Pharmacy, whose research, postgraduate supervision and external scientific engagements are advancing the development of innovative drug-delivery systems.
A pharmacist and PhD-qualified pharmaceutical scientist, Dr Makoni is an NRF Y2-rated researcher, a recognition that signals his potential to establish himself as a leading researcher through the quality and trajectory of his recent research outputs. With more than 15 years of combined industrial, teaching and research experience, his work reflects SMU’s commitment to developing research capacity that responds to complex healthcare challenges.
His research focuses on formulating and developing novel dosage forms for targeted delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, with particular expertise in lipidic nanocarriers, pharmaceutical analysis, and characterisation. This includes using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve the delivery of poorly soluble medicines.
“Pharmaceutical sciences provide an important bridge between scientific discovery and improved healthcare. My research is focused on developing drug-delivery systems that can address practical challenges in medicine formulation while contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes,” said Dr Makoni.
His research portfolio includes investigations into lipid-based delivery systems for medicines with significant therapeutic applications. During his postgraduate research at Rhodes University, he investigated efavirenz-loaded lipid nanocarriers, which could improve medicine delivery while addressing challenges associated with antiretroviral therapy. His doctoral research examined clarithromycin-loaded lipid nanocarriers for potential use in treating non-tuberculous bacterial keratitis.
Since joining SMU in March 2024, Dr Makoni has also helped expand the University’s research infrastructure and collaborative research capacity. His research activities have attracted funding from several competitive programmes, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Post-PhD Track and the SA/France PROTEA programme.
A significant achievement is his involvement as a co-user on an NRF National Equipment Programme grant valued at R10 million. The investment represents an important contribution to research infrastructure and could strengthen researchers’ capacity to undertake advanced scientific investigation and generate high-quality research outputs.
“Access to appropriate research infrastructure is critical to producing rigorous, competitive research. The R10 million equipment investment creates opportunities to strengthen analytical and research capabilities while supporting collaboration and the development of postgraduate researchers,” he said.
Beyond his research outputs, Dr Makoni is actively involved in postgraduate supervision, teaching and academic examination. He has supervised MSc, MPharm and PhD students, while also examining postgraduate theses across several South African and international-linked institutions. His academic responsibilities include teaching Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Pathophysiology to BPharm students.
His expertise also extends beyond the university. Since 2020, he has served as an external expert evaluator for the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Pharmaceutical and Analytical Committee, contributing specialist knowledge to the evaluation of pharmaceutical products and regulatory matters. He has further participated in research collaborations and product reformulation projects with industry.
Dr Makoni’s growing research profile, competitive funding, postgraduate supervision and professional engagement collectively contribute to SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation. His work shows how research at the University can strengthen scientific capacity, develop future researchers, and contribute to solutions relevant to pharmaceutical development and healthcare delivery.
Through academics such as Dr Makoni, SMU continues to build a research-intensive health sciences environment where innovation, advanced training, and scientific collaboration contribute to the University’s broader impact on healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Sep 16, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Physiotherapy students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) gained insight into the diverse opportunities in their profession at the SMU Physiotherapy Career Expo 2026, held on 28 August 2026 at the Department of Physiotherapy.
Organised by the Student Physiotherapy Consortium (SPC) under the theme “Connect. Learn. Grow.”, the Expo aimed to strengthen the relationship between students and the wider physiotherapy profession. It offered students an opportunity to engage directly with experienced practitioners and explore career pathways beyond conventional clinical practice.
Rather than following a traditional conference format, the organisers established interactive career stations in the Physiotherapy Gym Hall and Electrotherapy Hall. Students rotated between stations and joined discussions on professional development, postgraduate studies, research, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the practical realities of different areas of physiotherapy.
The event addressed an important question for students: what can they become with a physiotherapy degree? “Students need exposure to the profession beyond what they encounter in the classroom. By bringing experienced professionals into direct conversation with students, the Expo allowed them to understand the different directions their careers can take,” said Vuyelo Baloyi, Chairperson of the Student Physiotherapy Consortium.
The Expo highlighted a broad range of professional possibilities, including sports physiotherapy. Students interacted with Sekwati Thabo, Sports Physiotherapist at Thabamoopo Hospital and the Limpopo Academy of Sports, whose experience includes working with Bafana Bafana and national youth teams. Thabang Temo, a physiotherapist at Mamelodi Sundowns FC, also shared insights into elite sport and national sporting structures.
Entrepreneurship and healthcare leadership were also explored. Danny Matlou, Founding Director of the Midrand Back and Neck Centre, demonstrated how physiotherapy can intersect with business development, leadership and corporate governance.
“Physiotherapy provides an exceptionally strong professional foundation, but practitioners can expand their impact through entrepreneurship, leadership and strategic involvement in healthcare. Students should understand that their first clinical position does not predetermine their career trajectory,” said Matlou.
Academic and research opportunities were featured prominently through the participation of Dr Prudence Moatshe, a physiotherapist, part-time lecturer at the University of Pretoria and PhD candidate.
“Students should recognise that their qualification can become the foundation for a career in research, education, leadership and specialised practice. Exposure to professionals who have taken different paths can help them make more informed decisions about their own futures,” said Moatshe.
The Expo also introduced students to rehabilitation, disability advocacy, community development and adapted sport. The participation of the Health Professions Council of South Africa added a regulatory dimension, with discussions on professional registration, Continuing Professional Development and professional responsibilities.
Through mentorship, networking and direct engagement, the initiative created opportunities for future collaboration and professional guidance. Its success may lay the groundwork for an annual career-development platform that includes mentorship programmes, internships, postgraduate information sessions, and entrepreneurship workshops.
The SMU Physiotherapy Career Expo demonstrated the value of connecting students with the profession they are preparing to enter. By promoting informed career choices and broadening professional horizons, SMU continues to support education, innovation and the development of healthcare professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
By Dimakatso Modise
