by Lorato | Oct 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In the world of dentistry, clarity, precision, and confidence are not only professional hallmarks but also the essence of a remarkable personal journey. Few stories illustrate this better than that of Dr Palesa Gwendoline Xolisile Shabalala, an alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), who rose from early academic struggles to become South Africa’s first KwaMbewunye-born orthodontist sponsored by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
Her path began in Grade 7, when a teacher asked her class to write down their future ambitions and bury them for the future. At the time, Dr Shabalala was academically challenged, particularly in Mathematics, and often misunderstood. Yet, she boldly wrote that she would one day be a doctor. It was not a carefully considered choice, but rather a challenge to herself and to God. Years later, her father encouraged her towards dentistry — a decision that evolved from a profession into a calling. While still at university, she even declared to friends that she would one day become an orthodontist, a bold vision that later became reality.
Her resolve was strengthened while reading Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, where she wrote in the margin: I AM an Orthodontist. She believes that declaration was divinely affirmed. But her motivation came from more than faith; it was rooted in empathy. Having experienced rejection herself, she recognised orthodontics as a way to restore confidence and dignity in others. “A smile is the most expensive commodity,” she explains. “Imagine a life without one.”
In 2018, while pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Shabalala was sent an advert for the Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics at SMU through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the KZN Department of Health. She applied on the very last day, thinking she was only accompanying candidates who had been preparing for years. Instead, she became KZN(KwaMbewunye’s) first orthodontist to receive sponsorship for the programme. The experience was anything but easy. “Speciality crushed me. I went through the fire and emerged as a phoenix,” she recalls. The demanding programme tested her patience and resilience, qualities she admits were not naturally her strengths.
As a supernumerary candidate, she often faced exclusion and bias, but she also encountered God given mentors who guided her through the challenges. Among them were Prof Robert Ndou, Prof Harold Majana, Dr Maurine Dikeledi Letsholo, Dr Solly Nkhumeleni and Prof Sonia Boy, whose support reinforced the importance of perseverance, integrity, and grace under pressure.
Her research focused on retained primary teeth — baby teeth that persist into adulthood. While commonly overlooked as a cosmetic issue, she demonstrated its broader effects on bite, jaw health, and treatment planning. Her work highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and preventative dentistry, offering insights not only for clinicians but also for shaping public oral health policy in South Africa.
Looking ahead, Shabalala aspires to establish a multidisciplinary orthodontic centre that serves both as a treatment hub and a space for research and innovation. She is particularly passionate about exploring the connections between oral health, self-esteem, and mental well-being, as well as contributing to the management of temporomandibular disorders.
Her advice to aspiring specialists is clear and uncompromising: “Specialise for love, not prestige. Orthodontics demands skill, resilience, and heart. But the reward is unmatched — transforming lives one smile at a time.”
Shabalala’s journey demonstrates that conviction and courage can turn even the most uncertain beginnings into extraordinary legacies.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 9, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has officially embarked on a major sustainability initiative with the launch of a feasibility study to develop a solar generation plant with storage capabilities. The kick-off meeting was held on 12 September 2025, marking the start of a collaborative process that could reshape how the University powers its operations in the years to come.
The study is being led by MAI Group, an international consulting and engineering firm, headquartered in Spain, in partnership with Erinite Energy, a South African renewable energy company. Together, they bring world-class expertise and local insight to one of SMU’s most ambitious infrastructure projects to date.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Rafael Somoza, Director at MAI Group, expressed enthusiasm about working with SMU to chart a new energy path for the institution. “This project represents more than just a technical study,” he said. “It’s about helping SMU take a decisive step toward energy independence, sustainability, new revenue from the sale of excess power and long-term resilience. We are honoured to bring our global experience to support the University’s vision.”
MAI Group has more than 25 years of experience and a track record of over 4,500 energy, water and environmental projects in 145 countries. The company is known for its deep technical expertise in renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, hybrid solutions and storage technologies. Its involvement ensures that SMU will receive a comprehensive, data-driven feasibility study that meets international standards.
The local partner, Erinite Energy, is represented by Mr Thomas Makore, the lead for the local team. He highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “As a proudly South African company, we are excited to work with SMU to develop solutions that are not only technically sound but also well suited to the local context. This project has the potential to serve as a model for other institutions in the country.”
The Economic and Trade Counsellor of Spain in South Africa, Ms Ana Maria Martinez Jerez, visited SMU in 2023 as part of her familiarisation visit to understand the needs of SMU with respect to infrastructure. The feasibility study is funded through a non-reimbursable grant from the Spanish Government, through the Financial Fund for the Internationalisation of Enterprises (FIEM), which underscores the project’s strategic importance. Its primary output will be a comprehensive and actionable plan that provides the technical details, financial analysis and implementation roadmap required to move the project from concept to implementation. Once completed, the study will give potential funders and developers the confidence to proceed directly to construction and operation of the Solar Photo Voltaic plant with storage.
The kick-off meeting was also attended by Ms Odette Ramsingh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, whose presence highlighted SMU’s high-level institutional commitment to the initiative. Her involvement ensures that the project is fully aligned with the University’s operational priorities, third stream income objectives and strategic sustainability goals.
As part of the project’s early activities, the MAI Group and Erinite Energy teams conducted a detailed site visit to familiarise themselves with SMU’s infrastructure and energy systems. They were accompanied by a team from SMU including Mr Alfred Makgatho, Acting Director: Built Environment, who is playing a key role in coordinating the University’s input. Reflecting on the visit, Makgatho said, “This project comes at a critical time for the University. Reliable and sustainable energy is no longer optional—it’s essential for ensuring the smooth running of academic, clinical and research activities. We are fully committed to supporting this feasibility process so that we can make informed decisions about our energy future.”
Over the next 20 weeks, the study will cover technical, financial, regulatory, environmental and social dimensions, culminating in a final report that will guide SMU’s decision-making. Close collaboration between the University and the project partners will be essential to meet this timeline, particularly in providing accurate data and prompt feedback.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s partnership with MAI Group and Erinite Energy marks a decisive step toward a more sustainable energy model. By exploring the development of its own renewable power plant, the University is not only seeking to reduce costs, secure its energy supply and to generate third stream income, but also to contribute to South Africa’s broader transition to cleaner energy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As Somoza noted during the launch, “The journey toward renewable energy is both visionary and practical. It requires commitment, collaboration and clear planning. SMU is demonstrating all three, and we are proud to be part of this milestone.”
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The campus of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently came alive with colour, energy and purpose as third-year Dietetics students hosted their annual Spring to Wellness campaign. Guided by the slogan ‘Colour Your Plate, Power Your Day’, the initiative sought to inspire both students and staff to embrace holistic wellness through nutrition, physical activity, mental health awareness and sustainable living.
The campaign was chaired by Dietetics student Lebogang Alison Mathe, supported by a team comprising Thabelo Tshikhudo (Secretary), Noluthando Nsele (Media Officer), and treasurers Tebogo Mathiane and Risana Vusi Malebele. Together, they mobilised fellow students and university departments to create a vibrant, campus-wide culture of wellness.
At the heart of the campaign was the conviction that health begins on the plate. “Eating well is like giving your body its own box of crayons – only tastier,” said Chairperson Mathe. “When we colour our plates with spinach, carrots and tomatoes, we are not just eating – we are investing in our health and our future.”
Interactive stalls provided nutritional advice, weight and height assessments, and demonstrations on preparing balanced meals on a student budget. The slogan ‘Colour Your Plate’ was brought to life with practical tips on incorporating affordable, nutrient-dense foods into everyday diets.
The campaign also addressed mental health, physical activity, nutrition and environmental wellness. Nutrition education sessions highlighted how balanced meals rich in wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can positively influence mood, concentration and resilience to stress. “We want to normalise conversations about mental health at the university, including the role of diet. What you eat affects how you feel – nourishing your body helps nourish your mind. It is okay to admit when you are struggling. Seeking support, emotional or nutritional, is a strength, not a weakness,” said Secretary Tshikhudo.
Physical wellness was promoted through aerobic sessions led by MBChB student Freddy Kunene, alongside yoga and walking activities. “Wellness is not about being an athlete; it is about moving your body in ways that feel good and sustainable,” Kunene explained.
The Department of Built Environment also contributed, emphasising the link between sustainability and health. “A cleaner and greener campus improves mental clarity, reduces stress and supports healthy lifestyles. Protecting our environment means protecting ourselves,” said Dietetics student and representative Amanda Mashabela.
The success of Spring to Wellness lay in its inclusivity. Staff members were actively involved through talks on workplace wellbeing and work–life balance, facilitated by Human Resources. “This campaign reminded us that wellness is everyone’s responsibility – from students to staff. We all play a role in creating a healthier SMU,” said Nsele, Media Officer.
Feedback from participants revealed greater awareness of wellness practices and renewed motivation to live healthier lives. For Dietetics students, the campaign also offered valuable hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork and communication.
“This is more than a once-off event. We want wellness to be part of SMU’s DNA. Every small change – a piece of fruit, a short walk or a moment of mindfulness – adds up to healthier, happier lives,” said Mathe.
By uniting nutrition, mental health, fitness and sustainability, Spring to Wellness delivered a clear message: holistic wellness is both achievable and essential. As participants left with colourful plates, brighter smiles and renewed motivation, the campaign demonstrated a shared commitment to shaping a healthier, more resilient SMU community.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again demonstrated the power of interprofessional collaboration by partnering with Diphetogo Senior Secondary School in Winterveldt, north of Tshwane. This ongoing Interprofessional Community Engagement (CE) partnership blended environmental action, health promotion, literacy development, and youth empowerment.
This was no ceremonial visit — it is a working partnership. Teams from SMU’s Departments of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Academic Literacy, Library and Information Services, Physiotherapy, Built Environment (Horticulture), and the Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Unit came together with one goal: to deliver practical, lasting impact.
“This engagement was about turning promises into action,” said the school representative, Sipho Nkopane, in his opening remarks. “SMU has shown that collaboration can strengthen our learners’ education and wellbeing in ways that go beyond the classroom.”
The initiative built on the first SMU–Diphetogo collaboration and honoured commitments made during the initial engagement, while equipping learners with practical skills in health, environmental stewardship, and literacy. At its heart, it sought to strengthen the school–university partnership through shared responsibility.
Led by SMU’s horticulturist Mpho Mmako, learners and staff planted ten indigenous trees under the theme Friendship, Health, and Agroforestry. Trees such as Celtis africana and Combretum erythrophyllum now line the school grounds, alongside demonstrations of bottled-water irrigation techniques. “We wanted learners to see that even small innovations can save water and protect our natural environment,” said Mmako.
The Biology and Environmental Sciences team conducted hands-on workshops in waste management, recycling, and composting. “It wasn’t about theory. We wanted learners to leave knowing exactly what to do at home and at school — from managing waste responsibly to composting and recycling,” explained Atlegang Leeuw, a third-year Environmental Sciences student.
Literacy was another key focus. The Library and Information Services team launched the school’s library with books donated through a successful book drive and newly purchased titles. Learners read aloud, took part in language activities, and shared stories with their peers. The Academic Literacy Unit reinforced the message with the Setswana proverb “Lekau le sa eteng, le nyala kgaitsadi-a-lona” — meaning he who never travels ends up marrying his cousin. “Reading takes you places you might never reach physically. It broadens horizons and inoculates the mind against ignorance,” said Mmakgoshi Reetseng, Senior Librarian and event liaison officer.
Health and wellness were highlighted by the Physiotherapy Department, whose activities aligned with World Physiotherapy Month’s theme of Healthy Ageing and Physical Activity. Learners received skipping ropes and three new drum sets for the school’s majorette project. “Movement is medicine,” said Ntombenkosi Sobantu, a physiotherapy lecturer, before joining learners in group exercises and drum-led choreography that filled the schoolyard with energy and laughter.
Behind the scenes, the IPECP Unit coordinated logistics, transport, gazebos, and refreshments. They also recognised learners who showed courage by reading aloud before their peers. “Our role is to make collaboration possible,” said Thokozile Kgongwana, IPECP Coordinator. “When departments come together like this, the impact is multiplied.”
By the end of the day, learners had acquired new skills in environmental care, celebrated the opening of their library, and embraced physical activity with renewed enthusiasm. The partnership left behind more than trees, books, and equipment — it strengthened the bond between the school and the university.
“This was not a once-off outreach,” said Sobantu. “It is proof that universities can step outside lecture halls to change lives.” As learners danced to South African music, drums beating in rhythm with their new confidence, the message was unmistakable: collaboration works.
The Diphetogo Senior Secondary School management and board members witnessed first-hand how academic excellence, community partnership, and practical action can cultivate knowledge, health, and environmental awareness — together.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Oct 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has breathed new life into its Interprofessional Garden through the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), officially relaunched on 20 August 2025 under the theme “ReRoot – Growing Sustainability, Health, and Collaboration.” The event united students, staff, and partners in a shared vision of environmental stewardship, food security, and holistic well-being.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was purposeful. The Green Welcome set the tone for an afternoon rooted in action and collaboration. Opening the programme, GCI Chairperson Atlegang Leeuw called for student-led accountability in sustainability efforts. “Sustainability starts with us,” she said. “As future health professionals, we have a duty to create a healthier environment for generations to come.”
Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Coordinator Thokozile Kgongwana reinforced this call, highlighting that environmental change depends on unity across disciplines. “The garden shows what’s possible when faculties and students work together,” she said. “Collaboration is where real impact begins.”
Garden Supervisor Mpho Mmako guided participants through an interactive tour, recounting how the initiative had grown from a modest idea into a “living classroom” blending science, health, and community. “Our goal is simple,” she said. “We want to cultivate learning while nurturing food security and environmental awareness.”
The City of Tshwane’s representative, Kamogelo Aphane, underscored the importance of partnerships. “When institutions and communities work hand in hand, change multiplies,” he said. “Projects like this garden show how collaboration can build sustainable futures.”
To deepen engagement, the municipality invited students to complete a sustainability questionnaire, offering prizes that sparked discussion on local environmental issues and everyday action.
Adding a motivational spark, Miss Earth South Africa 2nd Runner-up and Ms Water titleholder Tshiamo Morare reminded participants of the collective power of small actions. “Every tree planted, every sustainable choice—each one adds up,” she urged. “Change starts with awareness and commitment.”
Her message reinforced the garden’s ethos: small efforts, multiplied across communities, can create lasting environmental impact.
The relaunch aligned with the We Are Nature Youth Biodiversity Challenge, a collaboration between the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA). This initiative connects young South Africans to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s Targets 21 and 22, promoting inclusive participation and sustainable lifestyles.
More than 50 young people participated in the relaunch, exploring the Biodiversity Toolkit and signing pledges to protect ecosystems. The event concluded with a collective Garden Pledge, as students and staff vowed to conserve water, protect biodiversity, and support eco-conscious practices across campus.
The Interprofessional Garden now stands as a dynamic hub for sustainability learning and community impact. Future sessions will invite students to participate in planting, research, and produce distribution to food-insecure households—cementing SMU’s role as a university that doesn’t just teach sustainability, but lives it.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Oct 2, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has taken a decisive step in tackling campus insecurity and gender-based violence (GBV) with the launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum (CCSF). The two-day Safety Engagement, held on 1–2 October 2025 in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), civil society organisations and health providers, sent a clear message: safety and dignity on campus are non-negotiable.
The programme was both urgent and collaborative. Day One centred on campus safety discussions, while Day Two marked the official establishment of the CCSF. Senior SAPS officials, university leadership, government representatives and students joined forces to strengthen coordinated action against GBV and crime.
Key highlights included:
- A framework for campus safety and security
- Focus sessions on GBV, law and justice
- Survivor-centred dialogues on support and safe reporting
- Direct engagements with SAPS and DHET
- Drafting of the CCSF’s terms of reference
The CCSF was conceived not as a symbolic structure, but as a practical platform to identify risks, address security concerns and build confidence in campus protection systems – with students placed firmly at the centre of decision-making.
Day Two began with opening remarks from SMU’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Operations, Odette Ramsingh: “Our academic project is key to the vision and mission of SMU. We remain resolute in our drive towards academic excellence and leading healthcare solutions that will benefit our families, communities and South Africa. Therefore, safety is a core enabler of teaching, research and student success. We cannot pursue excellence in a culture of harassment, fear and intimidation, and most especially not in violence.”
This was followed by an address from Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, who stated: “This gathering is not ceremonial; it is a declaration. A declaration that SMU will remain unwavering in its resolve to create a campus where safety is not a privilege, but a promise. Let this forum not end with speeches, but with sustained action. Every theft prevented, every assault reported, every survivor supported is a victory for the values we hold dear.”
Messages of support from DHET, the Community Policing Forum, the Student Representatives and youth crime prevention structures reinforced a united front against GBV. The defining moment came when SAPS leaders joined SMU officials in signing the CCSF pledge, formally affirming their collective commitment. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, underscored the role of community forums and technology in addressing campus crime, highlighting the use of surveillance systems and the Gauteng e-panic button app.
Student leadership also emphasised the urgency of the initiative. Outgoing SRC President, Katlego Moshanyane, reflected: “I am honoured to have participated in this launch, which prioritises student well-being and focuses sharply on eradicating GBV. This ensures SMU remains a safe environment for both students and staff.”
Organised labour endorsed the initiative with equal conviction. Dr Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi stated: “This vital initiative unites SAPS, staff and community leaders from Ga-Rankuwa to enhance campus security. Let us all participate fully to build a safer campus for everyone.”
At a time when South African universities face escalating security challenges, SMU has positioned itself as a leader in proactive, community-driven safety interventions. By combining law enforcement expertise, academic leadership, student voices and survivor support services, the CCSF is set to deliver lasting impact.
The campaign’s theme – “Safe Campus, Strong Voices – Together We Stop GBV” – captured the urgency and determination behind the initiative. Far from symbolic, the CCSF launch was a rallying call for sustained action, accountability, and a culture of safety built on shared responsibility.
By Tumelo Moila
