by Lorato | Aug 6, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) proudly congratulates Professor Matlou Phineas Mokgotho on his promotion to the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology. The promotion recognises his sustained excellence in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and his significant contribution to advancing biomedical sciences.
Professor Mokgotho brings more than two decades of academic and research experience to his role at SMU. His distinguished career has included appointments at the University of the North (UNIN), the University of Limpopo (UL) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where he made significant contributions to teaching, research and academic leadership. Having previously attained the rank of Full Professor and served as Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology at UL, his promotion at SMU reflects his continued commitment to academic excellence and his growing impact on higher education in South Africa.
His research focuses on translational biomedical sciences, with particular emphasis on discovering therapeutic agents from African medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. By combining natural product research with molecular biology, metabolomics, mammalian cell culture, and computational drug discovery, his work seeks to identify bioactive compounds that could help combat diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases.
Commenting on his promotion, Professor Mokgotho said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from SMU. This promotion reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective efforts of my colleagues, collaborators and postgraduate students who have contributed to our shared research success. I remain committed to advancing biomedical research that addresses Africa’s health challenges while mentoring the next generation of scientists.”
Throughout his academic career, Professor Mokgotho has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s and doctoral candidates, secured competitive research funding and established national and international research collaborations. His scholarly contributions include a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications and active participation in scientific conferences, reflecting his commitment to expanding scientific knowledge and strengthening research capacity within South Africa.
His promotion also acknowledges his dedication to developing future researchers through postgraduate mentorship and his leadership in fostering an innovative research environment. By integrating cutting-edge scientific techniques with indigenous knowledge systems, his work continues to contribute towards addressing some of the country’s most pressing health challenges while supporting the development of evidence-based healthcare solutions.
As SMU continues to advance its strategic vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, the promotion of Professor Mokgotho highlights the University’s investment in academic leadership, impactful research and postgraduate development. His achievements further reinforce SMU’s growing reputation as a leading health sciences university committed to producing research that improves lives and addresses the healthcare needs of South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 29, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is proud to celebrate the achievements of Dr Inge Kleinhans, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Lecturer and Unit Manager of the Bophelo Unit for Equity, Intelligence and Learning, who has been honoured with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) Young Leader Merit Award. The prestigious award recognises medical practitioners under 35 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, community service, healthcare advocacy, and a commitment to strengthening South Africa’s health system.
The SAMA Merit Awards acknowledge medical professionals whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on the profession and healthcare more broadly. The Young Leader Merit Award, in particular, celebrates emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of healthcare through excellence, innovation and service. Dr Kleinhans’ recognition reflects her sustained commitment to public health medicine, research, health systems strengthening and global health equity.
Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Kleinhans described the award as both humbling and significant. “Being recognised for my leadership in public health medicine, research and health systems strengthening, and for my contributions to academia and policy in global health equity, was both humbling and deeply meaningful. Having served in various leadership spaces for over a decade, both in South Africa and internationally, I view this recognition as an affirmation of the importance of sustained commitment to health systems strengthening, public health leadership and mentorship,” she said.
Dr Kleinhans’ journey into medicine was shaped by witnessing both the challenges and strengths of South Africa’s healthcare system while growing up in the Eastern Cape and later Mpumalanga. Those early experiences inspired her commitment to building equitable, responsive and people-centred health systems. Today, her work at SMU and through national and continental health platforms focuses on leadership development, mentorship, research, advocacy, policy engagement and strengthening health and surgical systems.
As Unit Manager of the Bophelo Unit for Equity, Intelligence and Learning, Dr Kleinhans leads multidisciplinary initiatives that advance research, collaboration and capacity development. She is passionate about ensuring that health information systems, governance and data-driven decision-making translate into meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery while preparing the next generation of public health leaders.
Mentorship remains central to her professional purpose. “I believe that mentorship, safe spaces for reflection and deliberate career development are essential to preparing young professionals for healthcare leadership,” she said.
Acknowledging those who have supported her journey, Dr Kleinhans emphasised that the achievement extends beyond individual recognition. “This award reflects not only my individual journey, but also the support of my family, friends, mentors, colleagues and loved ones who have encouraged and sustained me along the way,” she said.
Dr Kleinhans’ achievement reflects SMU’s commitment to developing leaders who advance healthcare through excellence in teaching, research and service. Her recognition by SAMA reinforces the University’s growing contribution to health systems strengthening, public health leadership and innovative research that improves health outcomes in South Africa and beyond, while inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.
By Tumelo Moila.
by Lorato | Jul 29, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Professor Bronwin Van Wyk from senior lecturer to Associate Professor (Clinical/Diagnostic) in Medical Physics, recognising his outstanding and sustained contributions to teaching, research, clinical service and international leadership in the specialised field of medical physics.
The promotion acknowledges Professor Van Wyk’s exceptional academic and professional achievements, which continue to strengthen SMU’s reputation as a leading health sciences university committed to excellence in education, research and healthcare innovation. His accomplishments align with the university’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while enhancing its profile within the higher education sector.
Professor Van Wyk holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics and serves as Deputy Director of Medical Physics at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and SMU. A registered independent medical physicist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, he brings more than 20 years of clinical, academic and research experience to the profession.
The promotion follows an extensive record of achievement across all areas expected of an associate professor. Professor Van Wyk has led numerous undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervised and co-supervised multiple master’s and doctoral students, published extensively in accredited scientific journals and demonstrated sustained leadership in both academia and clinical practice.
His research has made significant contributions to nuclear medicine, radiation dosimetry, diagnostic imaging and radiation protection. Among his innovations is the development of computer software for dose quantification in nuclear medicine, designed to support healthcare institutions in low-income countries. He is also supervising pioneering research into novel radiation-protection shielding designs that could improve patient and staff safety.
Beyond the university, Professor Van Wyk has established an impressive international profile. He serves as a Project Scientific Consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contributing to medical physics projects across Africa. His work has included supporting Tanzania’s Ministry of Health in developing a national action plan for diagnostic radiology and co-authoring influential IAEA publications on academic and clinical training programmes in medical physics.
His leadership extends to the Federation of African Medical Physics Organisations (FAMPO), where he chairs the Education and Training Committee and serves on the Professional Relations Committee of the International Organisation for Medical Physics. He has delivered lectures and presentations at numerous international workshops, conferences, and recently taught on the Global Medical Physics Continuing Education Course organised by the American Association of Medical Physics and FAMPO.
Reflecting on his promotion, Professor Van Wyk said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. It reflects not only my own journey but also the support of my wife, family, colleagues, mentors and students who have contributed to my development. I remain committed to advancing medical physics through teaching, research, clinical excellence and international collaboration, while ensuring that our work ultimately improves patient care.”
Professor Van Wyk’s commitment to developing the next generation of medical physicists is equally noteworthy. Throughout his career, he has trained seventeen clinical medical physicists and continues to advocate for expanding opportunities within the profession. Working with colleagues in the Gauteng Department of Health, he helped spearhead the creation of twelve medical physics posts in the province, strengthening the public healthcare system’s capacity.
His commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through an annual cancer awareness programme in Noordgesig, Johannesburg, where he has organised educational workshops and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and promote early detection.
Professor Van Wyk has also received numerous professional accolades, including the South African Association of Medical Physics Incentive Award, membership of the Golden Key International Honour Society and recognition as Best Junior Lecturer at SMU.
His promotion reflects SMU’s commitment to recognising academic excellence that delivers meaningful impact in teaching, research, healthcare and community engagement. By supporting academics whose work advances knowledge while improving health outcomes locally and internationally, the university continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution dedicated to transforming healthcare through education, innovation and research.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 28, 2026 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has promoted Professor Dineo Tsabedze from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor (Clinical/Diagnostic) in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, recognising her outstanding contributions to teaching, research, clinical leadership and postgraduate supervision.
The promotion reflects SMU’s commitment to recognising academic excellence that advances healthcare, research and innovation. As Academic and Clinical Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at SMU and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital since July 2024, Professor Tsabedze has established herself as a leader in Nuclear Medicine, cardiovascular research and academic development.
“I am deeply honoured by this promotion,” said Professor Tsabedze. “For me, teaching has always been about empowering others to become confident, ethical healthcare professionals who can make meaningful contributions to society. This recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing Nuclear Medicine, mentoring the next generation of specialists and conducting research that improves patient care across South Africa and the African continent.”
Professor Tsabedze’s academic journey reflects a sustained commitment to excellence. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2023 after completing her Master of Medicine in Nuclear Medicine with distinction and earning a Fellowship of the College of Nuclear Physicians of South Africa. Her medical career began after graduating with an MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2008.
Her promotion follows a distinguished academic and clinical career spanning more than a decade. Alongside her responsibilities as Academic and Clinical Head of Department, she leads teaching and learning, supervises master’s and doctoral candidates, and provides specialist nuclear medicine services, while contributing to strategic leadership at school and university levels.
Professor Tsabedze has built an internationally recognised research profile focused on cardiovascular medicine, nuclear cardiology and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve clinical decision-making. With an h-index of nine and approximately 390 citations, she has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals, covering cardiac imaging, heart failure, oncology, and precision medicine.
“My research is driven by a simple objective: to generate evidence that improves patient outcomes while ensuring African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global scientific knowledge,” she said. “I believe research and teaching are inseparable because every discovery strengthens how we educate future clinicians.”
Her scholarly achievements extend beyond publications. She has secured competitive research funding, including the prestigious Professor Bongani Mayosi Netcare Clinician Scientist Award, the Discovery Academic Fellowship Award, and the Wits University Chancellor’s Female Academic Leaders Fellowship Grant. She also collaborates with researchers across Africa, Europe and the United States on projects exploring digital health, cardiovascular disease and healthcare analytics.
Professor Tsabedze has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s students to successful completion while mentoring emerging researchers across several health disciplines. Her educational philosophy emphasises student-centred learning, clinical relevance, ethical practice, and mentorship that develop independent scholars capable of improving healthcare delivery.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, she serves on the SMU Senate, the School of Medicine Board and several professional bodies. She was also a top 10 finalist in Mrs South Africa, using this prestigious platform to amplify her advocacy for health and wellness. Her leadership also extends to community engagement through health awareness campaigns, public education initiatives and advocacy promoting cardiovascular health and cancer awareness.
“This promotion recognises not only academic achievement but also a commitment to excellence in clinical service, innovation and leadership,” Professor Tsabedze said. “I look forward to working with colleagues and students to strengthen Nuclear Medicine education and research while expanding SMU’s contribution to healthcare innovation.”
The promotion reinforces SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation by recognising academics whose teaching, research and clinical leadership develop skilled healthcare professionals and advance knowledge that benefits communities locally, nationally and internationally.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 28, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has recognised the outstanding academic achievements and longstanding service of Professor Marcelle Le Roux with her promotion from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiological Pathology. The appointment marks a significant milestone in a distinguished career spanning 42 years, during which she has made notable contributions to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and community engagement, further strengthening SMU’s reputation for excellence in health sciences education and research.
The promotion reflects SMU’s rigorous academic standards for the rank of Associate Professor, which require sustained excellence across research, postgraduate supervision, scholarly publication, academic leadership and curriculum development. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to secure research funding and make meaningful contributions to their discipline and the broader academic community. Professor Le Roux’s career embodies these qualities, underscoring her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and developing the next generation of health professionals.
Professor Le Roux’s journey at the institution began in the 1980s when she enrolled at the then Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA). Over the past four decades, she has witnessed and contributed to the institution’s transformation through its incorporation into the University of Limpopo (UL) and its eventual establishment as SMU. Her academic progression has seen her serve as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and now as an Associate Professor in Microbiological Pathology.
Reflecting on her promotion, Professor Le Roux described the recognition as both humbling and deeply meaningful. “I feel truly honoured to be featured in our university’s publication. As you have seen from my CV, I have been part of this institution for 42 years. During this time, I have witnessed its remarkable journey from the early years of MEDUNSA, through its incorporation into the University of Limpopo, and ultimately to its establishment as SMU.”
She said one of the greatest privileges of her career has been helping to shape future academics. “It has been a privilege to teach and mentor generations of students over these four decades, including several who have gone on to become distinguished colleagues, such as Professor Vanessa Moodley, Professor Mapaseka Seheri, and Professor Gloria Selabe.”
Professor Le Roux holds a PhD from the UL, following earlier qualifications from MEDUNSA, including a BSc (Med) Honours degree and a cum laude MSc in Microbiology. Her research has focused on microbiology and infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on sexually transmitted infections, antimicrobial resistance and molecular diagnostics. A substantial proportion of Professor le Roux’s research has centred on sexually vulnerable populations. She was one of the first scientists to demonstrate that Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen in men, making a significant contribution to the understanding of its epidemiology. Throughout her career, she has published more than 15 articles in accredited scientific journals and presented her research at numerous national and international conferences. Beyond her research achievements, she has played a leading role in postgraduate curriculum development, coordinated Molecular Biology and Advanced Microbiology programmes, supervised honours, master’s and doctoral students, and served as an external examiner for several South African universities.
Professor Le Roux’s promotion celebrates a career defined by academic excellence, scientific leadership and an unwavering commitment to developing future researchers. Her achievements reflect SMU’s vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation, and reinforce the University’s commitment to producing impactful research, advancing health sciences education, and strengthening healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 28, 2026 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its academic leadership by promoting 36-year-old Professor Tshiamo Ramalepa from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science. The appointment reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, postgraduate development and the advancement of healthcare through innovation.
Professor Ramalepa’s promotion follows his successful fulfilment of the University’s rigorous promotion criteria, which recognise sustained excellence in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership, community engagement and the ability to secure external research funding. His appointment reinforces SMU’s strategic vision of transforming health services through excellence and innovation while strengthening its reputation as a leading health sciences university.
Since joining SMU as a lecturer in 2022, Professor Ramalepa has built an outstanding academic profile. He progressed to Senior Lecturer in 2025 and now serves as Associate Professor and Postgraduate Diploma Programmes Coordinator in the Department of Nursing Science. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules while leading several academic and quality assurance initiatives that contribute to student success and programme excellence.
“This promotion represents far more than a personal milestone,” said Professor Ramalepa. “It reflects the confidence that SMU has placed in me to contribute to the University’s vision through impactful research, quality teaching and the development of future healthcare leaders. I remain committed to producing knowledge that improves lives and strengthens South Africa’s health system.”
Professor Ramalepa has established himself as a recognised researcher in nursing science, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, role modelling, public health and nursing education. His scholarly portfolio includes more than 20 publications in accredited journals, a research monograph, book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed articles published nationally and internationally. His research continues to address critical healthcare challenges while informing policy and professional practice.
His work has also attracted competitive external funding, including his participation as a co-investigator in the R9.3 million U’GOOD Climate Change and Mental Health project, funded by the National Research Foundation, Foundation Botnar, and the Human Sciences Research Council. In addition, he secured international seed funding as the principal investigator for a research project exploring family planning knowledge and attitudes among first-year university students and two other seed funds as a co-investigator
Equally significant is his contribution to postgraduate education. Professor Ramalepa has supervised a doctoral graduate and five Master’s graduates to completion, while continuing to supervise additional Master’s and PhD candidates. He also serves as an external examiner and research reviewer for several South African universities, contributing to the quality and integrity of postgraduate scholarship across the higher education sector.
His academic achievements have earned national recognition, including being named among Inside Education’s 100 South African Shining Stars in 2026. He also received SMU’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Community Engagement Project in 2025 and has previously been recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, 100 Africa’s Young Bright Minds and Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young South Africans.
“My priority is to expand collaborative research, strengthen postgraduate supervision and mentor emerging academics who will shape the future of nursing science,” Professor Ramalepa said. “Universities have a responsibility to generate knowledge that improves healthcare and delivers meaningful impact in the communities they serve.”
Professor Ramalepa’s promotion reflects SMU’s continued investment in academic excellence, research leadership and the development of health professionals who will advance healthcare nationally and beyond. Through outstanding scholars and innovative research, the university continues to strengthen its contribution to education, scientific discovery and the well-being of communities across South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
