by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), academic excellence is not merely a goal — it is woven into the institution’s identity through rigorous clinical training and human-centred education. This commitment is embodied in Reamogetse Ntopo, a 22-year-old Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery graduate from Taung in the North West Province, who completed her degree cum laude.
Ntopo’s journey into nursing began with a deeply personal moment. During a family emergency, a local midwife stepped in to assist with a home birth. “The moment I heard that newborn’s first cry, I was deeply moved,” she recalls. “That’s when I knew midwifery was my calling.”
Although she initially considered teaching, that experience ultimately steered her toward healthcare — a decision she has wholeheartedly embraced.
A defining moment in her studies came during her fourth-year clinical rotation when she assisted in a complex birth involving a baby with congenital abnormalities. “Despite the emotional intensity, I remained calm and reassuring. That moment confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she says.
Graduating cum laude was the result of hard work, deep faith, and strong family support. “I wanted to prove to my siblings that coming from a small town doesn’t limit your dreams,” Ntopo says. “This degree is for them, too.”
Her study strategies included focused evening sessions, collaborative revision with peers, and prioritising rest. But the road wasn’t easy. The death of her grandmother during her first year deeply affected her motivation. “Through prayer and my parents’ encouragement, I found strength again,” she reflects.
Her second year proved equally challenging, with 12-hour clinical shifts and mounting academic pressure. “It was overwhelming,” she admits. “But mentorship and peer support helped me adapt and push through.”
Ntopo credits SMU for nurturing her growth beyond the academic sphere. “It wasn’t just about passing exams. I developed emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually,” she explains. She acknowledges midwifery lecturer Kagiso Tukisi and researcher Dr Tshiamo Ramalepa as pivotal mentors who helped her embrace the depth and purpose of the profession.
Now completing her community service year at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Gauteng, Ntopo is setting her sights on the future. Her ambition? To pursue a PhD in Maternal Health and become a specialised midwife with the title “Dr”. She also aims to influence health policy and champion maternal care across the country.
“The most fulfilling part of the profession is empowering women during childbirth and being present during critical life moments,” she says. “It’s a privilege to witness such strength.”
Faith remains central to how she navigates the emotional demands of nursing. “This career can be exhausting, but I draw strength from my Christian faith. My anchor has always been the verse: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’,” she shares.
To aspiring nurses, Ntopo offers heartfelt advice:
- Let your purpose guide you.
- Grow through grit.
- Stay humble and curious.
- Practice self-care.
- Lean on others.
- Lead with compassion.
- Celebrate every step.
“I wish more people appreciated the complexity of nursing and midwifery,” she adds. “We are not just caretakers — we are advocates, educators, and critical thinkers who play a vital role in shaping healthcare outcomes.”
Her graduation was a proud moment not just for herself, but for her entire community. “My parents were overjoyed. The whole community celebrated. If I could thank anyone, it would be them — for believing in me when I didn’t.”
With clarity of purpose and a heart committed to healing, Ntopo is more than a graduate. She is a trailblazer — one who represents SMU’s mission to produce healthcare professionals who serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Through her journey, SMU’s role as a national hub for clinical training and academic distinction shines ever brighter.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), education goes far beyond lectures and laboratories — it cultivates leaders with depth, purpose, and vision. Dr Andile Molokomme (29), an SMU alumna and trailblazer in medicine, business, ministry, and youth empowerment, stands as a shining example of this ethos. Her journey is a living testament to SMU’s commitment to developing graduates who are not only academically capable but socially conscious and spiritually grounded — leaders cut above the rest.
Born in Soshanguve and driven by a lifelong desire to serve, Molokomme’s decision to pursue medicine was not just a career path, but a calling. “Since childhood, I knew I wanted to be a doctor,” she reflects. Her years at SMU provided more than clinical training — they offered a platform to explore her faith, leadership, and entrepreneurial ambitions. She was ordained as a pastor during her fourth year, a rare feat for a medical student. “SMU allowed me to be the best version of myself,” she says. “I thrived academically, ministerially, and entrepreneurially — all at once.”
Graduating with a final-year average of 70%, Molokomme credits SMU and her mentor, Pastor Derek Njolomole, for instilling a life-planning framework that continues to guide her: one that integrates health, purpose, finances, and community.
After four years in clinical practice, Molokomme launched Dr Andie Family Practice in Pretoria North — a space for personalised, patient-centred primary care. “I wanted to create a practice that prioritised education, early screening, and holistic wellness,” she explains. Today, the clinic is a trusted community hub serving patients of all ages.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, sparked during her university years, led to the creation of AndiBeauty, a cosmetic brand rooted in empowerment rather than vanity. “I didn’t want just another beauty label,” she says. “I wanted one that uplifted women.” What began as a retail concept has since evolved into AndiBeauty Spa, which offers medical-grade treatments alongside brief wellness consultations and healthcare referrals — a blend of beauty and preventative care that reflects her interdisciplinary vision.
Molokomme is also a media personality, regularly contributing to radio stations such as Thobela FM, Power FM, and Ga-Rankuwa FM. She currently hosts Medical Insights on LoveWorld SAT, using media to educate and inspire.
Yet perhaps her most enduring passion lies in youth development. At 17, she founded Phenomenal Young Persons NPO (181-231), long before she earned her medical degree. “Before I was a doctor or entrepreneur, I was a philanthropist,” she says. The organisation has impacted over 10 institutions, adopted five schools, and has an active presence at major universities, with plans for formal registration at SMU. This May, the NPO brought 130 learners from Lethabong Secondary School, her former school, to the SMU Open Day — continuing a tradition of exposing township youth to higher education. “Exposure breeds aspiration,” she insists.
The organisation offers mentorship, academic awards, and will soon launch an online entrepreneurship course aimed at tackling youth unemployment through capacity building, confidence, and creativity.
“What keeps me going?” she says with a smile. “I love God. Leadership is a joyful burden — in lifting others, I rise too.” For Molokomme, success is mission-driven, not material. “It’s about using who you are to make the world better.”
Her vision for the next five years includes expanding the NPO into ten universities, fifteen colleges, and five African countries; scaling her beauty business; and publishing her autobiography to share the lessons behind her extraordinary journey.
To young professionals and SMU students, her message is clear: “Start with what you have. Be diligent. You don’t need to die with your dreams.”
Molokomme is living proof that SMU does more than educate — it empowers. From township roots to national influence, her life affirms SMU’s role in producing holistic, visionary leaders ready to serve and shape society. She doesn’t just wear many hats — she weaves them into a legacy of impact that will inspire generations to come.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), excellence in healthcare education is more than an aspiration — it is a lived reality shaped by dedication, clinical training, and community impact. Few embody this ethos more powerfully than Kagiso Hellen Kgasi, a 29-year-old trailblazer from Jericho village near Brits in the North West Province. Graduating cum laude in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, she became the first in her family to achieve such a milestone — a generational breakthrough for both her household and community.
Kgasi’s path into healthcare began in 2014 when she joined the prestigious Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Medical Programme, studying medicine abroad for three years. Although her original goal was to complete her medical degree, her growing passion for direct patient care led her to pivot toward nursing, a field she now describes as her true calling. “Nursing resonated with me on a personal level,” she explains. “It gave me a practical, immediate way to care for and advocate for people when they need it most.”
Her academic journey was marked by determination, curiosity, and an enduring love for learning. “I didn’t follow a rigid study schedule,” she says. “I studied whenever I could — often spending around 70% of my time learning. I genuinely enjoy it.”
While her academic commitment was unwavering, Kgasi faced considerable obstacles. Financial difficulties and long days that combined lectures with overnight clinicals tested her physical and emotional resilience. “There were moments when I wanted to give up,” she admits. “But I remembered my purpose, leaned on my faith, and pushed forward.”
A defining moment in her journey came in June 2023 during a clinical placement, when she delivered a healthy infant for the first time. “The joy on the mother’s face, knowing I played a part in that safe delivery, confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Kgasi attributes much of her growth to SMU’s high academic standards and the support she received from both lecturers and peers. “At times, I thought the expectations were too high — but I now understand that they helped me rise above what I thought was possible,” she says. “Each year, I had someone around me — a friend or peer — who pushed me to do better.”
Now completing her community service at a primary healthcare facility, Anna Legoale Clinic, Rustenburg, North West, with a focus on midwifery, Kagiso is particularly passionate about maternal and child health. She plans to pursue postgraduate studies, aiming for an NQF Level 10 qualification with hopes of becoming a lecturer or professor in the next decade. “I dream of shaping future nurses and influencing healthcare education. I’m also fascinated by the role artificial intelligence could play in improving patient care — from triage systems to smarter appointment scheduling,” she adds.
Her graduation was not just a personal milestone, but a moment of communal pride. “My family was thrilled. For them, it meant more than just a degree — it was a symbol of what’s possible, even from a small village like Jericho.”
To aspiring nurses, Kgasi offers grounded advice: “This journey isn’t easy. But when things get tough, go back to your ‘why’. That’s what carried me through the hard times.”
Anchored by her faith — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — Kgasi continues to serve, inspire, and lead with humility and vision.
Her story is not only a personal triumph but a reflection of SMU’s mission: to cultivate skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who rise to meet the needs of the nation. In Kgasi, SMU has helped shape not just a nurse but a future leader in South African healthcare.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), education is more than academic achievement — it is a launchpad for shaping resilient, purpose-driven leaders. Among its standout alumni is Dr Ndivhuwo Ndou (32), a Medical Officer at Mamelodi Regional Hospital and an avid long-distance runner, currently preparing for the Tokyo Marathon in 2026. His story captures the essence of SMU’s mission: producing well-rounded graduates who thrive in multiple spheres and uplift those around them.
Raised in Tshakhuma Village in Limpopo, Ndou’s values were shaped by his rural upbringing and his mother, a dedicated healthcare worker who became his first role model. “Her achievements set a high bar,” he recalls. “I wanted to serve like she did — and make her proud.”
Determined to pursue medicine, Ndou chose SMU for its health sciences focus and community-oriented ethos. “It was academically demanding,” he admits. “But it taught me time management, resilience, and how to balance intensity with recovery.” Beyond the classroom, he formed lasting friendships and represented the university in football, playing for teams like Santos and Celta Vigo and joining the SMU Dream Team.
It was also at SMU that his passion for running took root. What began in 2015 as a way to unwind quickly evolved. “In 2016, I ran my first official 10km race,” he says. That initial run sparked a long-distance journey that now includes the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons. His ultimate goal? To complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors — Berlin, Boston, London, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo.
Balancing life as a full-time doctor and competitive athlete requires discipline. “It’s about routine, diet, and rest,” he says. “When you love something, you make time for it.” His medical training gives him a unique edge. “Understanding sports science helps me train smarter and avoid injuries.”
Fatigue remains a challenge, especially with the demands of hospital work. “There are days when I feel completely drained,” he shares. “But I listen to my body. Recovery is just as important as the work.”
Despite his packed schedule, Ndou stays grounded in service. “Watching patients recover is the most fulfilling part of my job,” he says. At work, he also encourages healthier lifestyles by sharing tips on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. “Health education doesn’t stop in the ward,” he explains. “It should be part of everyday conversation.”
Though his current community outreach is informal — mentoring colleagues and peers — he dreams of launching structured wellness programmes and contributing to sports medicine education. “I’d love to help others improve their health and performance safely,” he adds.
His future plans include specialising further in medicine while expanding his international marathon portfolio. “I want to grow as a doctor and as an athlete,” he says. “Both paths challenge me to be better every day.”
When asked what keeps him grounded, his answer is simple: “My family. I want to be the best husband, father, and brother I can be. That’s my anchor.”
To young professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds, his message is heartfelt: “Your background doesn’t define your limits. With vision, discipline and hard work, anything is possible. Keep going step by step.”
Whether with a stethoscope or a pair of running shoes, Ndou is proof that excellence is not confined to a single lane. His life is a testament to the values of SMU — producing graduates who are intellectually capable, socially responsible, and personally driven. As he races toward new horizons, he carries not only his own dreams but the hopes of a generation inspired by what’s possible when education meets purpose.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), innovation is not a buzzword — it is a lived reality. From 20 to 22 June 2025, this spirit of ingenuity took centre stage as SMU hosted its Digital Health Hackathon at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria. Designed to spark technological solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, the event marked another milestone in SMU’s evolution as a dynamic hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Organised in partnership with ICRD Group Holdings, the City of Tshwane, and other stakeholders, the hackathon brought together students, developers, health professionals, and creatives to collaborate, build, and pitch practical digital health innovations. Significantly, the event took place during youth month, commemorating the 49th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising — a poignant reminder of the transformative power of young people.
“This event is not just about ideas; it’s about agency,” said Professor Dini Mawela, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research at SMU. “We are empowering students to drive change in healthcare through innovation.”
Structured over three dynamic days, the hackathon provided a comprehensive platform for learning and creation. Day 1 focused on team formation and defining health-related problem statements. Day 2 featured keynote addresses, technical workshops, and hands-on mentoring. Day 3 culminated in final pitches to a panel of expert judges drawn from health, technology, and business sectors.
The event began with a virtual induction on 20 June. Keynote speaker Isaac Kahwema, Executive Director of DOORS Health, joined remotely from the United States to explore Africa’s digital health challenges and opportunities. A standout fireside chat on AI and data protection in healthcare was led by software engineer Bongekile Mabindisa, while ICRD’s Wamozo Cosmas and Geekulcha’s Tiyani Nghonyama equipped participants with practical strategies for innovation under pressure.
Dignitaries on Day 2 included Councillor Tshegofatso Mashabela, MMC for Health in the City of Tshwane, and Dr Fhatuwani Godfrey Mbara, CEO of Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, who delivered an address on behalf of the Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. Both emphasised the urgent need for locally developed tech-enabled healthcare solutions.
The hackathon saw an impressive range of projects — from mobile apps supporting diabetic care to maternal health trackers for rural clinics. Teams also tackled mental health, AI-assisted diagnostics, and low-bandwidth telehealth tools. All solutions were designed with accessibility, scalability, and social impact in mind.
The judging panel evaluated projects on innovation, usability, feasibility, and community impact. With additional support from Buhle Waste, which contributed R5,000 to the prize pool, two teams tied for third place:
- Team Nexus – digitalising paperwork to reduce admin overload in clinics
- MediCoders – improving appointment scheduling at primary healthcare clinics
Second place (R10 000) went to HealthSync Three, a virtual team that developed a smart appointment platform. The R15 000 first prize was awarded to Techmed Connect, formed by SMU students Rosemary Erawemen and Khanyisa Mokgolobotho, who designed a youth-friendly health service model for township communities.
Beyond prizes, the hackathon created real-world opportunities. Two participants were hired immediately by Santam, thanks to software engineer and mentor Molato Sekgobela, highlighting SMU’s potential to drive both innovation and employability.
Participants also built lasting networks. Many teams expressed a commitment to developing their prototypes further, and the top 10 teams will now enter a nine-month venture-building programme, spearheaded by Siliconic HealthTech Ventures and SMU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI).
“What we saw was the true spirit of SMU,” concluded Professor Mawela. “A university that doesn’t just produce graduates, but nurtures innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.”
As SMU deepens its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, events like the Digital Health Hackathon prove that the university is more than an academic institution — it is a launchpad for real-world impact. By empowering students to co-create solutions, collaborate with industry, and turn ideas into ventures, SMU is shaping a future where innovation drives inclusive growth and addresses society’s most urgent challenges.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jul 9, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), leadership is more than a title — it is a lived experience. The university has emerged not only as a centre of academic excellence but also as a launchpad for socially conscious, action-driven leaders. Among the standout examples is Atlegang Leeuw, a third-year Environmental Sciences student from Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, whose dynamic leadership is making a tangible impact on campus and beyond. “When I arrived at SMU, I came with more than just books and a timetable,” says the 20-year-old. “I wanted to build something that would last beyond my graduation — something rooted in service and purpose.”
Since enrolling, Leeuw has held several key leadership roles: Chairperson of the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), Treasurer of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) SMU, Chairperson of the Interprofessional Collaborative Programme (IPECP), peer educator at Khulanathi EduHub, peer counsellor at Residence 5A, and member of the university’s rugby team. Through these platforms, he has fostered a culture of innovation, accountability, and environmental consciousness among his peers. “Leadership is not about status,” he reflects. “It’s about presence — being there, showing up, and creating spaces that uplift others.”
A defining chapter of his journey has been the revitalisation of the Green Campus Initiative. Once a modest awareness campaign, GCI now promotes sustainability across campus — from water conservation in residences to responsible food disposal. “We call ourselves future health professionals, yet sometimes fail to respect our shared environment. That contradiction motivated me to act,” he says.
Inspired by insights from the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International South African Chapter (ACUHO-I-SAC) student housing conference, Leeuw helped expand GCI’s influence in 2024. Under his leadership, it formed partnerships with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), Miss Earth SA, UNICEF, and student groups from other universities. One of its most visible accomplishments is the SMU Garden — a collaborative project with the Built Environment Department to create a sustainable vegetable garden on campus.
“It’s more than just growing food — it symbolises that meaningful change can start with students, right where we are,” he explains.
Leeuw credits much of the work’s success to his long-time classmate and friend, Tshepo Ntlemeza. “Tshepo’s always been a steady hand — someone who kept things going when challenges felt overwhelming.”
Together, they led initiatives like the Tembisa Clean-Up, where volunteers collected over 600 bags of waste. They also took part in national biodiversity campaigns, including invasive species removals on International Biodiversity Day.
His leadership extends into health advocacy. As Treasurer of UNICEF SMU, Leeuw has championed campaigns around mental health, children’s rights, and climate justice. In May 2024, he represented SMU at the United Nations Youth Consultation, where young South Africans addressed national challenges such as education, unemployment, and sustainable development.
“That experience made me realise the importance of what we do at SMU. We’re not just students — we’re part of a much larger dialogue shaping the future.”
Another of his achievements lies in the IPECP, where he pushed for the inclusion of Environmental Sciences students in interprofessional learning, a space previously reserved for clinical disciplines. This shift enabled cross-disciplinary collaboration, preparing students to tackle real-world problems at the intersection of science, health, and society.
Yet, for Leeuw, it’s the small victories that mean the most. “When someone tells me they started composting in their res because of GCI, that’s when I know we’re truly changing lives.”
Looking forward, he is developing an eco-friendly cooler box made from recycled pineapple peels — a low-cost, sustainable solution to help students and rural communities safely store medicine in high temperatures.
His long-term aspiration is to work with the United Nations or government departments focused on youth empowerment. But for now, his heart remains with Ga-Rankuwa and SMU — the community and institution that shaped him. “SMU gave me a platform, a voice, and the belief that I can lead change. As long as I’m here, I’ll keep doing exactly that.”
Leeuw is a shining example of the calibre of student leaders SMU continues to cultivate — individuals equipped not just with knowledge, but with vision, resilience, and a commitment to serve.
By Dimakatso Modise
