by Lorato | Aug 27, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Imagine a hall alive with ideas, curiosity and ambition—a place where tomorrow’s scientists and technologists meet today’s industry leaders. This was the atmosphere at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Sports Complex during the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by the School of Science and Technology (SST) in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs under the theme “Developing and Supporting the Next Generation of Scientists and Technologists.”
The theme captured the purpose of the event: to equip students with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to succeed in science and technology fields. The Career Fair provided a launchpad for students to explore career pathways, internships and postgraduate opportunities. This year, the fair welcomed a diverse mix of industry players, research institutions and government agencies, including the South African Professional Regulators Association (SARPRA) and Standard Bank, who engaged with students through presentations, interactive stalls and one-on-one discussions.
The event opened with a warm and motivating address by Professor Piet King, Head of the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences. “Our responsibility is to prepare you not just academically, but for the real-world challenges that await. Explore, ask questions and seize every chance to grow. Today’s theme reminds us that we are here to develop and support the next generation of scientists and technologists,” he said, setting the tone for a day focused on curiosity, exploration and professional growth.
Following this, Professor Liziwe Mugivhisa, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Champion, shared insights from the WIL office, emphasising the value of experiential learning. “Work-integrated learning bridges the gap between theory and practice. Use this platform to discover where your passion meets purpose. The theme of today is about developing and supporting your potential as the next generation of innovators,” she stated.
Adding a student voice, Mahlatse Maphiri, Chairperson of the School of Science and Technology Student Representative Council, delivered an inspiring message to peers. “The future of science and technology lies in your hands. Engage with these companies, learn from them, and let your curiosity drive you forward. Today’s Career Fair is designed to develop and support you—the next generation of scientists and technologists,” he affirmed.
Postgraduate students were represented by Siphesihle Mkhwanazi, Chairperson of the SMU Postgraduate Students’ Committee, who encouraged graduates to pursue advanced research and career opportunities. “Even at the postgraduate level, your journey is only beginning. These connections can define your career trajectory. Today’s theme is a reminder that SMU is here to support you every step of the way,” he said.
Students eagerly navigated interactive stalls, explored career pathways and attended workshops focused on CV writing, interview techniques and professional branding. The blend of undergraduate and postgraduate participants created a vibrant environment for networking and mentorship.
For companies such as the South African Professional Regulators Association and Standard Bank, the fair was an opportunity to identify promising talent. They showcased programmes, engaged students at their stalls and highlighted what employers expect from graduates entering the workforce.
The 2025 Career Fair at SMU demonstrated the university’s commitment to developing a workforce that is both academically grounded and professionally prepared. Beyond classroom learning, the event emphasised curiosity, networking and practical experience—aligning perfectly with the theme of developing and supporting the next generation of scientists and technologists.
As students departed the Sports Complex, they carried with them not only brochures and business cards but also a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Events like this illustrate that when academia and industry collaborate, they do more than educate—they inspire, equip and shape the innovators of tomorrow.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Aug 27, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Reading is a transformative tool for children and adolescents, enhancing language skills, cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and academic success. In South Africa, where literacy challenges persist—particularly among Grade 4 learners who struggle to read for meaning—targeted interventions are vital. To address this need, Dr Marguerite De Jongh, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has implemented a pioneering reading initiative at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH).
Dr De Jongh has dedicated her academic and clinical career to advancing literacy and language development in diverse educational and healthcare contexts. Her qualifications include a PhD in Psychology focused on emergent literacy and ADHD in Grade R learners, B. Logopaedics in Speech Therapy and Audiology, an MPhil in Second Language Studies, and a Certificate in Neuro-Developmental Therapy.
Dr De Jongh has published extensively on early literacy, language stimulation, and inclusive education, including research on reading behaviour in higher education and literacy support for teachers. She has led curriculum development initiatives and facilitated training for professionals and students on literacy facilitation, language enrichment, and reading for pleasure. Her work in the hospital-based literacy initiative reflects a commitment to bridging healthcare and education, ensuring that children and adolescents, regardless of their medical condition, have access to meaningful reading experiences.
“Our goal is to ensure that children continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, even while hospitalised,” De Jongh explains. This initiative is rooted in the belief that literacy can serve as both an educational and therapeutic tool.
The initiative targets both young children (ages 5–8) and adolescents, offering age-appropriate materials and structured reading sessions. Through one-on-one or small group interactions, students from SMU engage with patients, guided by De Jongh and a speech-language therapist from DGMAH. The programme focuses on reading for pleasure, language stimulation, emotional engagement, and cognitive development.
“Reading gives children a sense of normalcy and comfort during difficult times,” says De Jongh. “Seeing their faces light up when they connect with a story reminds us why this work matters.”
Hospital-based reading interventions are particularly significant in South Africa, where PIRLS 2021 revealed that 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. By integrating literacy into healthcare settings, the initiative provides a unique opportunity to reach children outside traditional school environments. “Each session presents an opportunity to nurture both academic development and emotional well-being,” says De Jongh.
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology students from SMU receive comprehensive training in reading facilitation, auditory perception strategies, language stimulation, and techniques to encourage reading for pleasure. Weekly sessions in orthopaedic and oncology paediatric wards are carefully structured to accommodate patients’ medical needs while maximising engagement. Optional enhancements, such as themed reading months, “Book of the Week” displays, and small rewards like certificates, further motivate participation.
“Many of the adolescents ask questions, discuss the stories, and even request books in their home languages,” says De Jongh. “It’s rewarding to see how engaged they become and how it builds their confidence.”
Collaboration with hospital staff, teachers, caregivers, and parents ensures a holistic approach, reinforcing the value of literacy as both an educational and therapeutic tool. Early feedback indicates that patients respond positively, with visible enthusiasm and active participation.
The hospital-based reading initiative at DGMAH exemplifies the power of integrating education and healthcare. “This programme is more than reading—it’s about resilience, inclusion, and lifelong learning,” says De Jongh. By promoting literacy as a tool for emotional support, cognitive development, and academic continuity, the initiative demonstrates how reading can positively impact young patients. As the pilot expands, this model offers a promising blueprint for scaling hospital-based literacy interventions nationwide, ensuring that all children, regardless of circumstance, have access to meaningful reading experiences.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 27, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
Growing up in the rural town of Lephalale, Limpopo, Lucas Matabologa’s childhood was filled with football matches that only ended at sunset. He recalls being the “water-boy” whenever a teammate got injured, instinctively offering water as the only “medicine” available. What seemed like a simple childhood routine planted the early seeds of a lifelong passion for sport and rehabilitation.
That passion crystallised years later when, while watching a television soap opera, Matabologa saw a character who had suffered a stroke recover through physiotherapy. “That was my light bulb moment,” he recalls. “I realised the impact physiotherapy could have on people’s lives, and I vowed it would be my career.”
His determination carried him to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), where he graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy in 2020. His hard work was recognised with the Best in Neurology Award in his final year, a milestone he describes as one of his proudest achievements. “It felt like I had taken the first step towards becoming the kind of physiotherapist I dreamt of when I saw that soapie character,” he reflects.
Matabologa’s interest in neurological rehabilitation is deeply personal, shaped by witnessing family members struggle with the aftermath of strokes. At the same time, his love of sport has driven him towards sports physiotherapy. Today, he is fortunate to work in both areas through Stepmed Physiotherapy in Nelspruit, where he continues to refine his skills. Among his most memorable cases is a patient who survived a severe brain injury and, through dedicated rehabilitation, progressed from intensive care to running marathons.
Central to Matabologa’s practice is his belief that “exercise is medicine”. He ensures that every patient under his care engages in evidence-based exercise, not just as a treatment, but also as a preventive strategy against injury and disease. “All my patients know that when they see me, they are about to exercise,” he jokes.
In 2021, during his community service year, he launched the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” exercise programme to help Pretoria West Hospital staff stay active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative boosted morale, improved physical well-being and reduced absenteeism. It was later recognised as a finalist in the CPSI Innovation Awards (2022), further motivating Matabologa to continue promoting health innovation.
More recently, Matabologa has ventured into the world of adaptive sports, joining Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) in early 2024. He calls it his “new baby”, drawn by the chance to expose patients to the sport and promote opportunities for people living with disabilities. Representing South Africa at international wheelchair basketball tournaments, including the first-ever 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship at Sun City, has been a career highlight. “It was a proud moment,” he says. “Sport has a unique power to unite people across countries and being part of that was unforgettable.”
Looking ahead, Matabologa envisions establishing a wheelchair basketball league in Mpumalanga while pursuing a master’s degree in neurology. He also hopes to influence national policy on exercise and health promotion, advocating for lifestyle-based prevention to ease the burden on South Africa’s healthcare system.
To young aspiring physiotherapists, his advice is simple yet profound: “Work hard, be patient with yourself, and never stop trying until doors open. Small steps can lead to big changes.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 22, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
When Dr Penny Moumakwa assumed the role of Chancellor at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the significance stretched far beyond ceremonial formality. For the second time in its history, the university entrusted its highest ceremonial office to a woman. Yet, for Moumakwa, medical doctor, corporate leader, and trailblazer, the moment was less about personal triumph than it was about possibility. “What an absolute privilege and honour. SMU gave me a foundation to build my life and explore my purpose. My tenure must represent infinite possibilities for students, showing them that they can dream big, be bold, and pursue their most audacious goals.”
It is this fusion of humility and steel, the conviction that courage is the bedrock of all virtues, that has defined Moumakwa’s rise. From the operating theatre to the boardroom, she has consistently carved paths where few women have been allowed to walk. Now, she brings that same disruptive clarity to SMU, at a time when South African higher education is being asked not only to graduate students, but to reimagine society itself.
Although the role of Chancellor is traditionally symbolic, Dr Moumakwa insists hers will not be passive. “This is a labour of love for me. I am a proud beneficiary of this institution, and I want my tenure to have a real impact,” she says. With a vast network spanning healthcare and business, she intends to harness those relationships to open doors for SMU globally. “I hope to help the university establish mutually beneficial partnerships locally and internationally, profile the immense achievements of our alumni, and expose students to phenomenal business leaders who can demonstrate excellence and infinite possibilities.”
Her vision is clear: SMU must be a thought leader, not merely a graduate factory. It must set the agenda for healthcare in South Africa, filling the vacuum of ethical, bold, and action-oriented leadership that the sector so desperately lacks.
On transformation: More than a policy word
Few terms are as overused in South Africa as “transformation,” but for Moumakwa, it is not a catchphrase; it is a lived commitment. “Authentic transformation requires us to unlearn our own biases, blind spots, and limiting beliefs. It must be embedded in every aspect of the university, not just as policy but as practice. It’s about walking the talk.”
She sees SMU as a microcosm of South African society: diverse, complex, and deeply shaped by history. Transformation, she insists, is not about ticking boxes but about nurturing leadership that can rewrite the country’s future.
For Moumakwa, who has often found herself “the first or the only” woman in male-dominated spaces, the symbolism of SMU’s female leadership triumvirate- herself, Council Chair Nontlaza Sizani, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus is powerful. “It is extremely significant and timely. Together, we bring unique experiences and perspectives, and that makes for a very rich partnership,” she says. “I am particularly excited to explore how our collective talents can expand SMU’s academic excellence, social agenda, and student wellbeing.”
But her advocacy goes further. She is unequivocal about the systemic neglect of women’s health in research, funding, and leadership. “There is conclusive evidence that women bring unique creativity, empathy, and collaboration to leadership. Yet healthcare has historically underinvested in women’s issues. I am passionate about changing that.”
Her own career is a testament to what happens when doors are forced open. Now, she insists, it is her responsibility to hold those doors open for others.
A message to students: Enough, worthy, unstoppable
SMU’s students, many of them first-generation scholars, occupy a special place in her heart. Her message is uncompromising: believe in your brilliance. “Firstly, you are enough. You must trust your brilliance, creativity, and resilience. You must know that you are worthy, and you must have the courage to act on your dreams. Failure is part of the journey—Maya Angelou said it best: ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’”
In her eyes, the greatest legacy of apartheid is not structural alone but psychological, the internalised racism that tricks young people into believing they are “less than.” Calling it a “scam,” she urges students, especially young black women, to rewrite their own narratives.
Redefining SMU’s place in South Africa
For SMU, Moumakwa’s appointment marks more than continuity; it signals a recalibration. With its history rooted in producing healthcare workers for underserved communities, the university now stands on the cusp of redefining itself as a continental force. Through her vision, the role of Chancellor evolves from a ceremonial to a catalytic one. By leveraging partnerships, amplifying women’s leadership, and championing authentic transformation, Moumakwa positions SMU as both a custodian of South Africa’s health sciences future and a beacon for global collaboration.
“I reflected deeply before putting my hand up for this role,” she admits. “But when I thought about what SMU has given me and what it can still give South Africa, I knew this was where I was meant to serve.”
SMU is entering a defining chapter. With Moumakwa at its helm, it has not only appointed a chancellor but also adopted a philosophy. One that insists on courage, boldness, community, and excellence as the only antidotes to South Africa’s fractured health sciences system and higher education challenges.
The appointment of SMU’s second female Chancellor is historic. But history, as Moumakwa reminds us, is not an end. It is a challenge: to be bold, to transform, and to dream audaciously.
By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has announced the appointment of Nontlaza Sizani as the new Chairperson of its Council, a move expected to strengthen governance and drive the institution’s mission of academic excellence, transformation, and innovation in health sciences education.
Sizani, a seasoned governance professional, brings to the role a wealth of experience spanning audit, accounting, finance, treasury, and public administration. She holds a B.Compt in Accounting, a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA), and is registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as an Associate General Accountant. She is also a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IoDSA).
Her professional journey has included auditing government entities, managing structured finance for large capital projects at Transnet, and serving on audit committees across various institutions. This, she notes, has given her “a deep understanding of governance frameworks, risk management, and the dynamics of effective boards.”
Sizani’s path into higher education governance was driven by a desire to leverage her expertise in the service of academic institutions. “I saw an opportunity to contribute my governance expertise to an environment where academic excellence, institutional integrity, and long-term sustainability intersect to shape the leaders of tomorrow,” she explained.
Having served on the SMU Council since 2019, Sizani has played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s governance trajectory. She chaired sub-committees, engaged deeply with strategic oversight, and in 2024, was appointed Deputy Chairperson of Council. These experiences, she says, deepened her passion for both student success and the advancement of SMU’s academic project.
Looking ahead, Sizani’s vision is to position SMU as a leading health sciences university, centred on student success and academic excellence. She is committed to strengthening clinical platforms, enhancing teaching and research infrastructure, and fostering stronger partnerships with health facilities. “Our students are our greatest asset, and we will place them at the centre of everything we do,” she affirmed.
The Council under her leadership will focus on providing strategic oversight, ensuring sound governance, and supporting innovation in teaching and research. Transparency, ethical governance, and accountability will remain key priorities. “I will ensure our processes are open, well-documented, and aligned with good governance principles. Integrity must always be central to our deliberations,” she said.
Sizani also acknowledges the challenges facing SMU, particularly around infrastructure development and transformation. She emphasised that Council will work closely with management to address delays in infrastructure projects while ensuring transformation is a lived reality reflected in leadership, curriculum, and institutional culture.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, fairness, accountability, and respect. She stresses the importance of collective leadership and constructive engagement between Council, management, and broader stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the community.
“As I begin my term as Chairperson, I hope to leave a legacy of good governance where Council is seen as a trusted partner in advancing SMU’s mission,” she said. “Unity is the virtue we embrace, and I encourage the entire University community to hold hands together in shaping the SMU we hope for.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating the achievement of Kalaba Nkonde—Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Academic Instructor for the Dispensing Short Course for Healthcare Professionals, and PhD candidate—who has been selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the United States’ Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is one of the most competitive leadership programmes on the continent. Chosen from more than 58,000 applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa, Nkonde joins an elite cohort of approximately 620 Fellows recognised as some of the best and brightest young leaders in agriculture, business, civil society, education, energy, healthcare, technology, trade, and security.
Recalling the moment she learnt of her selection, Nkonde says, “I initially ignored the notification, but when I finally opened the email, I screamed. It felt like time stopped—a surreal moment of disbelief, immense gratitude, and excitement. It reminded me that purpose, preparation, and passion can align in powerful ways.”
Her application reflected her extensive work at the intersection of pharmacy, public policy, and public health advocacy, with a particular focus on equitable access to medicines and health literacy. “I positioned my application around systemic thinking—linking pharmacy education to patient-centred care and policy reform. What set it apart was its multidimensional nature: academic achievements, leadership roles, volunteerism, and community initiatives,” she explains.
Nkonde attended a six-week Leadership Institute at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, in the U.S. under the Public Management track. Across 26 U.S. institutions in 21 states, Fellows engage in leadership training, academic study, networking, and weekly community service. For Nkonde, the most transformative experiences came from connecting with other African changemakers and U.S. leaders. Influential figures included her project coach, Dr Olihe Okoro, and leadership scholar Dr Artika Tyner, whose session on inclusive leadership reshaped her understanding of leadership as service.
The academic director and staff were instrumental in ensuring the fellows made the most of the experience incorporating networking sessions and providing spaces for collaboration. “Dr Ashley Watson and team always mentioned my name in rooms I never would have imagined myself in. They ushered me in the best possible directions and set me up for leadership success.” Nkonde recalls.
A core focus of Nkonde’s work is literacy-centred health education. “In South Africa’s diverse linguistic and socioeconomic context, health literacy can mean the difference between access and exclusion,” she says. Currently, she is piloting a literacy initiative in SMU’s School of Pharmacy, inspired by her Fellowship experiences, with plans to expand it to improve patient outcomes and student success.
Looking ahead, Nkonde intends to integrate global best practices into SMU’s pharmacy curriculum, foster policy literacy, and create more opportunities for student leadership and international collaboration. “Equity in healthcare is not just a technical issue—it is a leadership challenge,” she emphasises.
Her advice to aspiring changemakers is clear: “Start where you are, with what you have, and lead with integrity. Don’t wait for permission to be bold—be the bridge where none exists.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government and administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
By Tumelo Moila
