by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to champion student success both inside and outside the lecture hall, as showcased by the remarkable achievements of Mathematics Master’s student Mariah Sambo. Her on-campus salon, Lona’s Beauty, stands as a shining example of SMU’s supportive and innovative environment, which extends beyond academics to nurture entrepreneurial ambitions.
Mariah’s motivation for launching Lona’s Beauty was fuelled by her desire to offer convenient, high-quality hair services at student-friendly prices. “As a student, I noticed how challenging it was for my peers to access affordable hair services nearby,” she explains. “I wanted to create a solution.”
By offering everything from haircuts and colouring to braiding and specialised styling, Lona’s Beauty ensures that SMU students have a wide range of services tailored to their needs and budgets. The salon’s student discount packages, coupled with revenue from service fees and product sales, make it a sustainable venture for Sambo and her growing team of talented stylists.
Beyond the salon’s success, Sambo’s journey highlights the pivotal role SMU plays in nurturing bright ideas. She credits the university’s encouragement of innovation, social responsibility, and excellence for driving her forward. Participating in the Student Entrepreneurship Week competition broadened her perspective and connected her with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs, further demonstrating SMU’s commitment to fostering collaboration.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have proved crucial in promoting Lona’s Beauty. “These channels allow us to showcase our work and resonate with campus trends,” Sambo says, reflecting on how SMU’s inclusive and tech-savvy culture helps student enterprises flourish.
Looking ahead, she aims to take Lona’s Beauty to new heights—potentially branching out to other campuses—while continuing her postgraduate studies. Balancing academics and business has taught her the importance of time management, setting clear goals, and prioritising tasks, lessons she is eager to share with other aspiring student entrepreneurs.
“Stay connected to your target audience and remain adaptable,” she advises. Being part of SMU has shown me how a supportive environment can accelerate learning and growth.
Sambo’s journey is a testament to SMU’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Her story reinforces the university’s commitment to creating an enabling atmosphere—one where students are empowered to innovate, excel in their studies, and turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Oral Health Centre is a vital institution that plays a significant role in dental education, research, and service delivery within the broader healthcare community. Situated on the university campus and in the northwest of Tshwane, adjacent to the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), the centre serves as a premier clinical training platform, offering a wide range of oral healthcare services to communities across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West.
Dr Ntsakisi Mukhari-Baloyi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SMU Oral Health Centre, highlights the facility’s longstanding commitment to dental training and public service. “The centre was conceptualised in 1975 as a training platform for dental therapists, with the current facility completed in 1984 and officially inaugurated in 1987. Over the years, it has grown to become the only facility in Gauteng that trains dentists, dental therapists, and oral hygienists under one roof,” she explains.
Equipped with 232 dental chairs, three operating theatres, and a dedicated in-house laboratory, the centre treats an average of 10,500 outpatients monthly. “We provide comprehensive services, from screening and diagnostics to advanced surgical procedures in maxillofacial, periodontal, and paediatric care,” adds Mukhari-Baloyi.
The centre continuously upgrades its equipment and facilities to remain at the forefront of dental innovation. Recent advancements include the introduction of digital diagnostic records, intra-oral cameras, CAD/CAM milling machines for prosthodontic restorations, and CBCT (Cone Beam Computerised Tomography) for three-dimensional imaging. “We are moving towards full digitisation of clinical records to improve efficiency and patient care,” Mukhari-Baloyi notes.
Specialised services provided at the centre include Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Medicine and Periodontology. Additionally, emergency dental care is available 24/7 through DGMAH’s casualty unit.
In line with its commitment to serving underserved communities, the centre operates on a walk-in basis and conducts outreach programmes targeting vulnerable populations. “Our teams visit elderly care homes, mental health institutions, special-needs schools, and early childhood development centres to provide essential oral health services,” says Mukhari-Baloyi. Free treatment is offered to children under six, and pregnant and lactating women, while pensioners receive subsidised care.
Community-based service-learning is an integral part of student training, ensuring that future oral health professionals gain real-world experience while making a tangible impact on public health.
The SMU Oral Health Centre is deeply invested in research that informs clinical protocols and national oral health policies. “Our faculty and students engage in cutting-edge studies, including a research project funded by the MPS Foundation on informed consent in the African setting,” Mukhari-Baloyi reveals. “We are also developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address the local burden of oral diseases.”
Collaborations with local and international research institutions further enhance the quality of research output and innovation at the centre.
Despite its successes, the centre faces challenges such as ageing infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, and shortages of dental materials. “We are actively working on solutions, including replacing old dental chairs, upgrading our water infrastructure, and collaborating with the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) to streamline supply chain processes,” Mukhari-Baloyi states.
Plans are also underway to expand the clinical training platform and introduce new dental specialisations in Paedodontics, Endodontics, and Radiology. “Our vision aligns with SMU’s long-term strategy to enhance oral healthcare education and service delivery,” she affirms.
Mukhari-Baloyi emphasises the importance of collective effort in sustaining the centre’s growth. “We encourage students to uphold professionalism, faculty members to continue their dedication to teaching, and external stakeholders to support us through knowledge-sharing and resource mobilisation,” she concludes.
With its commitment to excellence in education, research, and patient care, the SMU Oral Health Centre remains a cornerstone of dental health advancement in South Africa, ensuring that quality oral healthcare is accessible to all.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Dr Kebiditswe Masike, a distinguished academic at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), has been recognised as the Best Experienced University Teacher at the prestigious Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards 2024. The accolade celebrates her unwavering dedication to student development, innovative teaching methodologies, and her contribution to health professions education at SMU.
Reflecting on this momentous recognition, Masike expressed deep gratitude. I give honour to God, who made this opportunity possible for me. I am deeply humbled and extremely grateful for the recognition of my work as a teacher at SMU. This Best Teacher Award means a great deal to me; it motivates me to continue being a good team player within the department, the School of Dentistry, and SMU. Through this recognition, I am encouraged to continue developing as a teacher and to pursue excellence in teaching,” she says.
Masike’s journey into academia was not a conventional one. She joined SMU as a clinician with an innate passion for student support and education. “From my interview, I maintained that I wanted to develop as a teacher. At that time, little was known about qualification in Health Professions Education, but I was eager to pursue a qualification in Higher Education,” she shares. She credits SMU’s induction and onboarding workshops for newly appointed academics as a significant inspiration that led her to further her studies in Health Professions Education.
Her teaching philosophy is deeply grounded in the African principle of ubuntu, which is also one of SMU’S values. I believe that each student matters and can be empowered and nurtured to actively engage with their learning. Together, as a team and community, we can make a difference and achieve more,” she explains. Her teaching approach ensures a comfortable, inclusive, and trusted learning environment that respects diversity, equality, and a sense of belonging.
Her teaching approaches are guided by key principles that include meticulous lesson planning aligned with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) competency framework, integrating eLearning, fostering a safe teaching and learning environment, and promoting student-centred education. “Students as adult learners bring knowledge and some form of experience that needs to be acknowledged during teaching and learning sessions”, she emphasises.
Masike is renowned for her dynamic and innovative teaching methods. Over the years, she has employed various strategies, including flipped classrooms, case-based learning, team-based learning, peer-to-peer teaching, and simulation-based learning. “I use both synchronous and asynchronous teaching modalities. Blackboard Collaborate facilitates live teaching, pre-recorded sessions, and interactive small-group discussions,” she says.
Simulation-based learning is another key aspect of her teaching. She collaborates with the SMU Skills Centre team to enhance experiential learning. “I have worked closely with the simulation team to teach soft skills such as patient-centred communication using standardised patients. I look forward to incorporating virtual reality into simulation teaching,” she notes.
Masike has also played a pivotal role in coordinating multidisciplinary teaching seminars, fostering collaboration between different disciplines. However, her journey has not been without challenges. “The biggest challenges we faced as educators were during the COVID-19 pandemic era, when we had to abruptly convert summative assessments originally designed for face-to-face instruction and manage students who missed assessments due to load-shedding or connectivity issues in their remote areas,” she recalls.
Despite these challenges, she remains committed to adapting her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students. “I acknowledge diverse learning needs and vary my teaching approaches accordingly,” she explains. Looking ahead, Masike anticipates significant changes in medical education, particularly the adoption of interprofessional learning and the increasing integration of technology. “Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and other innovations in big data are already impacting health professions education. The future looks digital, and as educators, we must stay ahead of these trends,” she says.
She emphasises the importance of instilling key values and skills in healthcare students, including leadership, communication, ethical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. “Apart from clinical competence, healthcare students must develop leadership skills, conflict management skills, teamwork, and financial literacy to navigate their careers successfully,” she states.
She encourages new lecturers to remain adaptable, curious to learn, and open to feedback. “Be flexible and adaptable to changing student needs. Engage with faculty development programs, seek constructive criticism, and become part of a Teaching Community of Practice. Most importantly, be a reflective educator— reflect, reflect, reflect,” she advises.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recognises the importance of nurturing student leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities and the healthcare sector. To achieve this goal, the university provides various opportunities and programmes that help students develop their leadership skills.
Marvelous Moagiemang, a Bachelor of Science student at SMU, recently had the honour of representing the institution at the Asia World Model United Nations (AWMUN) X conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The prestigious event brought together young leaders from around the world to engage in high-level debates on pressing international issues.
Reflecting on the significance of AWMUN X, Moagiemang explained, “AWMUN X is a highly reputable Model UN conference that simulates the United Nations. Its prestige stems from its international reach, attracting delegates from diverse backgrounds, and its focus on pressing global issues. The conference fosters critical thinking, diplomacy, and negotiation skills in a realistic and challenging environment.”
For Moagiemang, participating in AWMUN X was an opportunity to deepen his understanding of global governance and international relations. “My primary motivation was to engage with global issues and develop my negotiation and public speaking skills in a professional setting,” he shares.
The selection process was rigorous, requiring applicants to submit detailed applications outlining their background, experience, and motivation. Upon receiving his acceptance, Moagiemang was overwhelmed with excitement. “It was a validation of my efforts and a fantastic opportunity to represent my university on an international stage,” he says.
During the conference, Moagiemang served as a delegate for Ghana in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) committee. “Representing Ghana was both an honour and a responsibility. I felt a strong sense of duty to accurately represent Ghana’s perspectives on labour and employment issues,” he notes.
The conference theme, Shaping Our Role in the 5th Industrial Revolution, influenced discussions on youth unemployment in 2025. “We explored how technological advancements, automation, and digitalisation would impact the future of work and how best to prepare young people for these changes,” he explains.
Throughout the committee sessions, delegates debated the challenges of youth unemployment, including the skills gap, lack of entrepreneurship support, and inequitable access to education and training. Moagiemang advocated for investment in vocational training and skills development to equip young people for the evolving job market. “I also emphasised the need for policies that promote entrepreneurship and provide access to financing for young entrepreneurs,” he adds.
Beyond policy discussions, AWMUN X provided Moagiemang with valuable lessons in diplomacy, negotiation, and leadership. “The conference reinforced the importance of effective communication, alliance-building, and navigating complex political dynamics,” he says.
His experience at AWMUN X has significantly influenced his career aspirations. “As a Life Sciences student, I am now more aware of how technological advancements impact public health, food security, and environmental sustainability. This experience has inspired me to explore career paths that bridge science and policy,” he states.
AWMUN X was not just a conference—it was a gateway to lifelong friendships and professional connections. “I formed several lasting friendships with delegates who share my passion for international affairs. We have stayed in touch since the conference,” he adds.
To maintain and leverage this global network, Moagiemang plans to engage in regular communication, participate in online forums, and attend future international events. He is also committed to sharing his experience with fellow students at SMU. “I am organising workshops and mentorship programmes to help students develop public speaking, negotiation, and resolution-drafting skills,” he says.
For students interested in Model UN, Moagiemang offers valuable advice: “Research thoroughly, prepare well, and be open to different perspectives. Don’t be afraid to speak up, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.”
Moagiemang is determined to apply his experiences from AWMUN X to his academic and professional journey. “My biggest takeaway is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. This experience will shape my future by encouraging me to integrate my scientific knowledge with policy-making to address global challenges.”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | Accolades and Achievements, All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently hosted a distinguished delegation of education leaders, marking a significant step towards strengthening academic collaborations and advancing student academic success initiatives. The visit brought together William “Bill” Moses, Managing Director of the Education Program at The Kresge Foundation, Innocent Nkata, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE), and Ashton Maherry, Programme Specialist at SAIDE.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr Elize Venter, Director of the Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL), who highlighted the importance of strategic engagements in enhancing SMU’s academic standing. “Hosting such esteemed funders of student academic success provides us with invaluable insights and opportunities to elevate our teaching and learning practices,” said Venter.
A key highlight of the visit was a luncheon meeting with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus. The discussions focused on potential collaborations between SMU, The Kresge Foundation, and SAIDE, with the aim of developing initiatives that support student success and institutional growth.
Matsha-Erasmus expressed her enthusiasm for the engagement, stating, “Partnerships with forward-thinking organisations like The Kresge Foundation and SAIDE are crucial for driving impactful change in higher education. These discussions open doors for innovative projects that will benefit both our students and academic staff.”
To provide the delegation with a deeper understanding of SMU’s current landscape, they were presented with an “SMU at a Glance” overview. The presentation detailed the university’s academic focus, institutional needs, and the various programmes in place to enhance student learning and research.
Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, played a pivotal role in these discussions, sharing insights into SMU’s commitment to research excellence and student support. “Our institution is dedicated to fostering a research-driven academic environment that equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving global landscape,” said Mabelebele.
As part of their visit, the delegation was given an immersive campus tour led by SMU Kresge-funded data analytics, Sewela Tshegofatso and Mabeba Onalerena, SRC Deputy President, Ntshadi Bokaba, and the SRC Secretary General, Fhulufhelo Ntsieni. This team of students guided the guests through key areas of the university, offering them valuable insights into the student experience and providing a firsthand look at student life, campus facilities, and academic support structures. Visited places on campus included the Anatomy Museum, Skills Centre, student residences, and campus health. At the close of the visit, the SMU choir graced the occasion, and Venter presented the delegates with tokens of appreciation.
Reflecting on the visit, the delegation expressed their appreciation for SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and student development. Bill Moses praised the university’s initiatives, stating, “SMU’s dedication to creating an inclusive and high-quality learning environment is truly commendable. The commitment of its leadership and faculty to student success is evident, and we look forward to exploring avenues of support that align with our mission to enhance educational outcomes.”
Innocent Nkata echoed these sentiments, adding, “The proactive approach taken by SMU in addressing educational challenges aligns with SAIDE’s objectives. This engagement has opened up new possibilities for collaboration, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ashton Maherry also expressed optimism about future collaborations, saying, “It is inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of SMU’s leadership towards student success. There is a clear alignment between our goals, and I am confident that our partnership will yield impactful outcomes.”
Dr Joshua Maliavusa, Manager of Student Academic Support at CUTL, emphasised the university’s commitment to ensuring students receive the necessary resources to excel academically. “Our student support initiatives are designed to provide tailored academic assistance and create an environment that enables learners to reach their full potential,” he said.
The visit not only strengthened SMU’s relationships with global education partners but also laid the groundwork for meaningful collaborations that will shape the university’s future. The discussions held during the visit are expected to lead to actionable strategies that support student learning, institutional innovation, and academic development.
As SMU continues to grow as a leading institution in health sciences education, partnerships with organisations such as The Kresge Foundation and SAIDE will play a crucial role in advancing its mission. The university remains committed to fostering an environment that enables students to thrive and contribute to the broader fields of health sciences and research.
With this visit marking the beginning of new collaborative efforts, SMU is poised to further enhance its academic and research capabilities, ultimately benefiting both its students and the wider education sector.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Mar 26, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
The MeCRU Clinical Research Unit (MeCRU) has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical research in South Africa since its establishment in 2005. Situated at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), MeCRU has dedicated itself to tackling pressing public health challenges, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and other communicable diseases.
Under the leadership of Professor Maphoshane Nchabeleng (site principal investigator), Dr Matsontso Mathebula (site sub-investigator), and Nontando Moeketsi (site project manager), MeCRU continues to make significant contributions to clinical research while fostering community engagement and ethical research practices.
MeCRU was founded in October 2005 to address South Africa’s critical health concerns, particularly the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “The goal was to create a clinical research centre that not only advances scientific knowledge but also translates research discoveries into practical health interventions,” says Nchabeleng. The unit was also designed to enhance local research capacity and contribute to global efforts to combat infectious diseases.
Support from the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) was instrumental in establishing MeCRU. SAAVI’s commitment to developing an HIV vaccine helped position the unit as a key player in clinical research, while the MRC provided expertise in research methodology and ethics, ensuring that MeCRU adhered to international standards.
A defining moment for MeCRU came in 2010 when the unit was officially launched by then Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. “This event underscored government support for clinical trials and vaccine research, reinforcing the need for local solutions to local health challenges,” notes Moeketsi.
Over the years, MeCRU has conducted several transformative studies. Among its most impactful research projects is the ensemble study, which evaluated the efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The unit has also contributed to TB vaccine development, particularly in finding alternatives to the BCG vaccine. “Our research on biomarkers for drug-resistant TB has the potential to change how we predict and prevent TB relapses,” explains Mathebula.
One of MeCRU’s defining strengths is its commitment to ethical research and community engagement. The Community Advisory Group (CAG) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between researchers and the public. “CAG ensures that research methods align with community values and concerns, fostering trust and collaboration,” says Nchabeleng. This engagement is crucial in addressing scepticism and promoting participation in clinical trials.
MeCRU also prioritises participant safety through strict ethical guidelines, informed consent procedures, and ongoing monitoring of study outcomes. Independent ethics committees and external monitors further ensure that all trials meet the highest standards of integrity.
MeCRU houses an accredited Contract Research Laboratory (MLS), which provides essential laboratory support for clinical trials. “The laboratory plays a vital role in molecular biology, serology, and bacteriology research, helping advance diagnostic methods and treatment strategies,” says Mathebula. The facility adheres to international accreditation standards, ensuring the reliability of research findings.
Looking ahead, MeCRU aims to solidify its position as a leading clinical research site. “We hope to expand our research capabilities and secure sustainable funding through international collaborations and pharmaceutical partnerships,” explains Moeketsi. Upcoming projects include studies on Group B Streptococcus vaccines, tuberculosis vaccine trials, and further research into HIV prevention.
MeCRU also seeks to involve more SMU researchers in clinical trials. “There is a wealth of expertise at SMU, and we encourage faculty members to take on principal investigator roles. We provide the necessary regulatory and community support to facilitate high-quality research,” says Nchabeleng.
MeCRU’s motto, ‘Empowering the Community Towards Healthcare Solutions,’ reflects its commitment to improving public health. Through outreach programmes, health education initiatives, and vaccination campaigns, the unit actively contributes to community well-being. “We are not just conducting research; we are making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” says Mathebula.
As MeCRU continues to grow, its contributions to clinical research and community health will remain invaluable. With its dedication to scientific excellence and ethical research, the unit is well-positioned to lead groundbreaking studies that will shape the future of healthcare in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
