by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student Thapelo Mthimunye represented the university and South Africa at the prestigious 22nd South American Business Forum (SABF), held recently in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A fourth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student, Mthimunye was selected as one of only 100 delegates from around the world following a competitive selection process that assessed academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular achievements and commitment to social impact.
Hosted annually by students of the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA), SABF brings together young leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and students to engage with contemporary global challenges. This year’s forum, themed “Designed to Desire”, explored how design, innovation, technology, business and leadership can shape human behaviour and society.
For Mthimunye, the forum provided an opportunity to bring a South African and healthcare perspective to an international platform while engaging with delegates from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. “As a medical student, my interest in attending the forum extended beyond healthcare. I recognised that many of today’s global challenges require collaboration across multiple disciplines,” Mthimunye said.
The trip was also a personal milestone, marking his first international journey. Travelling from Johannesburg via Dubai and Rio de Janeiro, he described the experience as both exciting and transformative. His arrival in Buenos Aires exposed him to a different cultural and linguistic environment, where Spanish meant he had to rely on translation apps and other communication methods.
At SABF, Mthimunye participated in keynote sessions, workshops, student presentations, debates and collaborative discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, leadership and the future of society.
The programme challenged delegates to examine how innovation and technology can be applied responsibly to address human needs. Among the discussions was Sintoniza, a prototype that enables deaf people to experience music by converting musical notes into tactile vibrations, demonstrating how human-centred innovation can address barriers experienced by communities.
Mthimunye also participated in a debate on whether patents and copyrights should be prohibited for work primarily produced with AI assistance. He argued for continued intellectual property protection while recognising AI as a tool that can support human creativity, emphasising the need for appropriate legal and ethical frameworks.
The experience reinforced his view that complex challenges, particularly in healthcare, require collaboration across disciplines. “The conference demonstrated that healthcare professionals must work alongside experts from different sectors to develop innovative and sustainable solutions,” he said.
The forum also enabled Mthimunye to establish connections with young leaders from countries including Tanzania, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Russia and the United States of America. “Participating in discussions, asking questions, contributing to debates, and sharing my perspectives with delegates from around the world gave me confidence that students from SMU and South Africa can contribute meaningfully to global conversations,” he said.
Mthimunye plans to share his experience with fellow students through report-back sessions, encourage innovation and critical thinking, promote awareness of international opportunities and explore potential collaborative projects through his international network. “Many students possess the potential to compete internationally but may hesitate due to self-doubt or lack of awareness. I hope that sharing my experience will inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue similar opportunities,” he said.
His participation demonstrates SMU’s commitment to student development and internationalisation. Mthimunye expressed appreciation to the Office of Internationalisation, led by Dr Carlien Jootse, and the Student Affairs Department for their support.
His achievement underscores SMU’s role in preparing future healthcare professionals to engage confidently beyond the clinical environment and contribute South African perspectives to global conversations on innovation, leadership and sustainable solutions.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its international partnerships through academic engagements that translate institutional agreements into practical opportunities for teaching, research, professional development and community engagement.
Recently, SMU’s Internationalisation Directorate welcomed Professor Mary Lou Galantino from Stockton University in the United States for her second visit to the university. The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between SMU and Stockton University earlier this year.
Prof Galantino is a Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy at Stockton University, where she coordinates an interdisciplinary Integrative Health Minor. She is also a Specialist Fulbright Award recipient whose research focuses on mitigating disability associated with HIV and cancer through collaborative research. She is a visiting professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and has contributed extensively to her field, with more than 100 publications and over 250 professional presentations to interdisciplinary audiences.
Her visit to SMU comprised a dual-focus programme involving the Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Unit, its coordinators and student champions, and the Department of Physiotherapy.
The engagement with the IPECP Unit provided an opportunity for robust discussions on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Participants exchanged perspectives and explored opportunities to strengthen interdisciplinary approaches to health sciences education and professional practice.
Prof Galantino also engaged with the Department of Physiotherapy, where she delivered a presentation on physiotherapy, service learning and community engagement. The presentation stimulated discussions on the role of community physiotherapy and the importance of preparing health professionals to respond effectively to healthcare needs beyond traditional clinical environments.
The discussions also addressed the ongoing re-curriculation of the Physiotherapy programme, including opportunities to strengthen postgraduate education. One area explored was the potential development of a coursework Doctor of Physiotherapy programme in South Africa.
Reflecting on the engagements, Prof Galantino said the discussions provided a strong foundation for continued collaboration. “We had robust discussions at every level, and I am happy to assist as we advance further together with our MOU and plans articulated at our engagements,” she said.
The visit also demonstrated the value of the university-wide MOU between SMU and Stockton University. The agreement provides for joint educational, training and research activities; the exchange of scholars for lectures, visits and knowledge sharing; participation in conferences, symposia and seminars; the exchange of information in areas of mutual interest; and the exchange of faculty, research personnel, and undergraduate and postgraduate students for study and research.
Discussions towards the MOU began during Prof Galantino’s first visit to SMU last year. Following the initial engagement, the Internationalisation Directors of both institutions continued discussions, culminating in the signing of the agreement earlier this year.
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director: Internationalisation at SMU, emphasised that university-wide agreements should create opportunities for collaboration across different academic areas. “Activities like this allow for MOUs to become operational and a living document on a campus. As a university-wide MOU, we look forward to assisting other staff in engaging with Stockton University,” said Dr Jooste.
The partnership provides Schools and Departments with opportunities to identify areas of mutual interest and develop collaborative initiatives with Stockton University. This approach ensures that internationalisation is embedded across the university rather than being limited to a single academic discipline.
Prof Galantino’s second visit represents an important step in strengthening the partnership and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration in physiotherapy, interprofessional education, cultural exchange, research and community engagement.
As SMU expands its international footprint, partnerships such as this demonstrate the university’s commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships that support academic excellence, innovation, and the advancement of health sciences education and practice.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) student leader and Diagnostic Radiography junior researcher, Enos Motaka Malatji, is set to represent the university at the Pan African Youth Conference 2026 on Health, Innovation, and Agenda 2063, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Hosted by the African Union, the conference will bring together young leaders, innovators and professionals at the African Union Headquarters to advance youth-led approaches to health equity, technological innovation and sustainable development. Participants are expected to contribute to policy frameworks, digital health initiatives and efforts to accelerate universal health coverage.
Malatji, who serves as a National Student Representative for the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA), said the opportunity was both a personal milestone and a platform for contributing to discussions shaping the continent’s future. “I have always possessed a mentality of appreciation for everything because I’ve seen the Grace carrying me throughout. Even this one, I appreciate. But everyone must know that what comes out is a product of what you have put in,” he said. For me, it is not a matter of luck; it is dedication and hard work that open such great doors.”
At the conference, Malatji intends to present two scientific papers addressing important issues in healthcare. His studies focus on the role of artificial intelligence in improving health outcomes and the evaluation of system determinants of preventable patient deaths.
The opportunity is supported by several structures within SMU, including the SMU Internationalisation Directorate, the School of Medicine and the Radiography Department. Their support reflects the university’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to participate in international academic and professional platforms.
“The SMU Internationalisation Directorate believes that by supporting local students in having an international experience, we assist the university in graduating global citizens, able to work anywhere in the world. Mr Malatji will be presenting at an international conference, which is an achievement to be celebrated. He has shown a commitment to sharing his academic curiosity not only with the world, but also on our campus. This is evident from his 2025 achievement at our SMU Research Days, where he was awarded 1st Prize,” said Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU.
Malatji’s involvement extends beyond research. He co-founded the SMU Radiography Student Organisation and chaired its advisory committee, while his national role with SORSA has positioned him as a student voice within the Radiography profession. He has also been involved in victim empowerment, anti-violence campaigns and campus student ministry.
His upbringing in rural Limpopo has shaped his journey to the international stage. Malatji said his background taught him that circumstances should not determine the limits of a person’s ambitions. “Whatever you do best, you can become a star. That is regardless of who gave birth to you, where and when,” he said. “I also come from a dusty village in rural Limpopo. Like many African children, I had no secondary school in my village, so I had to travel every day to Manoke for education. Despite the economic challenges, I still made it this far, so it is possible.”
Malatji has previously presented an undergraduate case report on the effect of patient autonomy on successful diagnosis and treatment at the SORSA-IAFR Congress in Cape Town and has helped organise professional development and continuing professional development symposia that connect students with medical imaging professionals.
His participation in the Pan African Youth Conference aligns with SMU’s commitment to excellence, innovation, student-centred development and the training of health professionals equipped to contribute to society. The university’s mission emphasises excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research, while its vision centres on transforming health services through excellence and innovation.
As Malatji prepares to bring his research interests and student leadership experience to the African Union platform, his journey demonstrates the potential of young South African health professionals to contribute to continental conversations on healthcare, technology, and sustainable development.
By Tumelo Moila.
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Mathematics is more than formulas, calculations and finding the correct answer. It is a discipline that demands curiosity, logical reasoning, persistence and the confidence to approach unfamiliar problems. These qualities are at the heart of the Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme, implemented through a strategic collaboration between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF).
The programme is designed for high school learners who demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm for mathematics, with a strong emphasis on mathematical problem-solving rather than the routine questions that often dominate the school curriculum. It exposes learners to mathematical concepts and enrichment material beyond the prescribed curriculum while seeking to strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness in mathematics.
According to Patrick Rasehwete, Engagement and Project Manager at SAMF, the programme seeks to address an important gap in mathematics education. “The Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme is an outreach programme for high school students throughout the country who show particular ability and interest in mathematics. The programme concentrates on developing mathematical problem-solving skills, unlike in regular school curricula where the focus is more on solving routine-type questions,” said Rasehwete.
He explained that the programme places considerable emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than memorisation. “The emphasis is on the understanding of mathematical concepts rather than pure memorisation of formulae. It furthermore covers enrichment material which is not in the school curriculum and aims to improve our competitiveness internationally,” he said.
The Siyanqoba Centre at SMU is initially supporting Grade 8 to Grade 10 learners from participating secondary schools, including Kgatoentle Secondary Leap Mathematics and Science School and Modiri High School. The learners were selected after completing a selection assessment, while the schools’ longstanding collaboration with SMU was an important consideration in establishing the programme.
For Nthati Innocentia Xaba, an MSc Mathematics student, the training provides an opportunity to engage with mathematics beyond conventional classroom approaches. Her perspective highlights the importance of creating opportunities for mathematics students and educators to engage with problem-solving approaches that encourage deeper mathematical thinking and build confidence.
The two-day training programme held at SMU primarily focused on preparing educators, coaches and tutors who will work with the selected learners. Rather than concentrating exclusively on mathematical content, the training equips facilitators with strategies to help learners navigate complex and unfamiliar problems. “The two-day training is an essential orientation programme for facilitators, namely coaches, tutors and teachers who will be providing lessons to the identified learners,” Rasehwete said. “The training will provide facilitators with various strategies to use when dealing with learners.”
Participants engaged in problem-solving activities designed to deepen their understanding of mathematical reasoning and the processes involved in tackling challenging questions. Mathematical thinking, mathematical modelling, and the control of the problem-solving process were among the areas explored during the training.
The programme was facilitated by Emeritus Professor Poobhalan Pillay, appointed by SAMF as Academic Coordinator of the Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Programme. Pillay brings extensive experience in mathematics education, having lectured for 40 years at the former University of Durban-Westville and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme also responds to structural challenges affecting mathematics education in South Africa. “Learners do not have enough resources to deal with problem-solving strategies, and teachers are victims of their own previous education and are likely to continue to teach the way they were taught, by focussing on routine problems unless a way is found to interrupt this self-perpetuating cycle,” Rasehwete said.
For SMU, the initiative represents a significant extension of its community engagement mandate. It provides the university with an opportunity to contribute to mathematics education while supporting schools and educators in surrounding communities.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) nursing students have taken breastfeeding awareness into the community, using practical health education to promote informed support for mothers and babies.
The initiative formed part of a Breastfeeding Day Celebration held at Hebron Mall during World Breastfeeding Week. Under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”, the event brought together nursing students, academic staff and community members to promote breastfeeding, provide counselling and address common misconceptions.
World Breastfeeding Week, supported globally by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and endorsed by South Africa’s National Department of Health, highlights the importance of breastfeeding and the need for supportive environments that enable mothers to breastfeed.
The SMU programme opened with a welcome and overview by Mpho Kgoele, a Lecturer in Midwifery, who emphasised the need for accurate information and support. “Creating awareness is important because mothers, partners and families need access to accurate information and appropriate support when it comes to breastfeeding,” Kgoele said.
Information stalls provided community members with opportunities to interact directly with nursing students, seek advice and receive breastfeeding counselling. The engagement allowed students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting while responding to public questions and concerns.
Interactive activities formed an important part of the programme. Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM) third- and fourth-year students presented a partner-support drama skit illustrating the role families can play in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
The students also facilitated a myth-busting quiz designed to help participants distinguish between common misconceptions and accurate breastfeeding information.
Maite Seabi, a BNAM third-year student, said the community engagement provided an opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with practical health education. “Engaging directly with community members showed us the importance of communicating health information in a way that people can understand and relate to,” Seabi said.
The event also highlighted the importance of recognising breastfeeding as a shared responsibility. Partners, grandparents, siblings and other family members can help create an environment that supports mothers and babies.
Rudzingana Andani, a BNAM fourth-year student who participated in the myth-busting quiz, said interactive activities made it easier to communicate important health messages. “The myth-busting quiz allowed us to address common misconceptions while encouraging community members to participate and ask questions,” Andani said.
Dr Mashudu Tulelo, Lecturer in the Department of Nursing, welcomed the students’ active involvement and commended their commitment to community health education. “Our students demonstrated that their knowledge and skills can make a meaningful contribution beyond the classroom,” Tulelo said. “Community engagement gives them an opportunity to serve the public while developing as future healthcare professionals.”
The initiative reflected SMU’s institutional values, including Ubuntu, student-centredness, excellence, respect, integrity and accountability. By taking learning beyond the classroom, the programme demonstrated how community engagement can contribute to public health education while strengthening students’ professional development.
The celebration also reinforced the importance of breast milk as a source of nourishment and protection for babies, while emphasising that mothers should have access to support from their families, communities and healthcare professionals.
Through initiatives such as the Breastfeeding Day Celebration, SMU continues to integrate academic learning with community service and health promotion. The Department of Nursing’s participation in World Breastfeeding Week reinforced a central message: “supporting breastfeeding is everyone’s responsibility”, with families, communities and healthcare professionals all having a role in helping mothers and babies achieve a healthy start in life.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has appointed Busisiwe Mbanjwa as Manager: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Human Capital and Transformation department, strengthening the university’s efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence across its community.
Mbanjwa’s permanent appointment took effect on 1 August 2026, following more than two years in an acting capacity in the university’s GBV Office. She joined SMU in May 2020 as a Human Resources Business Partner and has since played an increasingly prominent role in strengthening the institution’s response to GBV.
Reflecting on her appointment, Mbanjwa said the permanent position would allow her to build on work already undertaken while strengthening systems designed to create a safer university environment.
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility permanently and to continue the work of strengthening SMU’s institutional response to gender-based violence. GBV prevention and response require sustained commitment, collaboration and accountability across the university community. My focus will be on ensuring that this work is embedded within the University’s broader institutional strategy, governance systems and transformation agenda.”
Mbanjwa brings more than 14 years of higher education experience, having worked at Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, the University of Mpumalanga and SMU. Her professional expertise includes strategic leadership, policy development and implementation, governance, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, programme facilitation and institutional reporting.
She holds a Master of Business Administration, awarded cum laude, from the University of Johannesburg; a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management from MANCOSA; and a Bachelor of Technology and a National Diploma in Human Resource Management from Nelson Mandela University.
Since assuming the acting GBV management role in June 2024, Mbanjwa has led initiatives to strengthen the University’s institutional response. These have included implementing the GBV policy framework, strengthening multidisciplinary case management, coordinating prevention and awareness programmes, strengthening institutional reporting, governance and accountability mechanisms, and developing partnerships with students, employees, University leadership and external stakeholders.
Mbanjwa said the University’s approach must focus on strengthening prevention, promoting positive behavioural change and fostering an institutional culture of dignity, respect and accountability, while ensuring effective responses to reported cases.
“Our responsibility is not only to respond appropriately when cases are reported, but also to strengthen prevention, awareness and education. Our interventions must be informed by institutional data, emerging trends and the realities experienced within our University community. We need to ensure that students and employees understand their rights, know where to seek support and have confidence in the systems established to assist them.
In her new role, she will oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of programmes, policies, and interventions addressing GBV, harassment, discrimination, and related misconduct.
Her responsibilities will also include coordinating multidisciplinary case management, providing strategic direction to prevention and advocacy initiatives, strengthening institutional and external partnerships, monitoring the effectiveness and impact of GBV interventions, and ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and national higher education frameworks.
Mbanjwa said collaboration would remain central to the university’s efforts. “Addressing gender-based violence cannot be the responsibility of one office or one individual. It requires meaningful collaboration between students, employees, leadership and external partners. We must continue building a culture in which dignity, respect, safety and accountability are actively upheld.”
Her appointment aligns with SMU’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. The university’s values include accountability, effective leadership, integrity, respect, student-centredness and Ubuntu.
Mbanjwa said these principles provide an important foundation for the university’s GBV prevention and response work. “A safe and inclusive university environment is fundamental to learning, teaching, research and professional development. My priority is therefore to ensure that GBV is addressed not through isolated programmes or one-off interventions, but through a coordinated and sustainable institutional approach. This requires strong governance, accountability, evidence-informed decision-making, effective prevention and response systems, and the active participation of the entire University community. Our work must also ensure that students and employees are treated with dignity and have access to appropriate support and institutional mechanisms when concerns arise.”
Her appointment strengthens the GBV Office’s leadership and supports SMU’s broader commitment to safeguarding the dignity, wellbeing and safety of its students and employees.
As Manager: GBV, Mbanjwa will build on existing initiatives while advancing a coordinated and sustainable institutional approach to GBV, with a continued focus on prevention, effective response, governance, accountability and positive institutional culture.
By Tumelo Moila
