by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
As Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) marks its 10th anniversary in 2024, the institution pauses to reflect on a transformative journey that began long before its renaming, evolving from the Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa) into a premier institution for health sciences. The milestone brings into sharp focus the university’s role in shaping South Africa’s healthcare sector and the countless contributions its alumni have made to society, health innovation, and leadership.
Founded as Medunsa in 1976, the institution was dedicated to training healthcare professionals, with an initial focus on serving underserved communities. Medunsa quickly became a critical pillar in the South African healthcare landscape, especially during the apartheid era, producing doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who would go on to serve in regions of the country where healthcare was scarce. The university’s commitment to medical training that prioritised access and equity laid a foundation of social responsibility, one that continues to define SMU today.
In 2014, Medunsa was officially reconstituted as SMU, in honour of Sefako Makgatho, a respected anti-apartheid leader and former president of the African National Congress. The renaming signalled a new chapter, symbolising a dedication to healthcare and the ideals of transformation and inclusivity. The shift was part of a broader strategy to reposition the institution as a world-class health sciences university, reinforcing its commitment to producing healthcare professionals equipped to meet the needs of a democratic South Africa and an interconnected world.
Over the past decade, SMU has built on Medunsa’s legacy, expanding its academic offerings and enhancing research initiatives. It has become renowned for producing health practitioners who excel in various fields of health sciences and research. The university’s dedicated schools have pushed boundaries in clinical research and innovation, often addressing health challenges specific to South Africa, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health. Today, SMU graduates are skilled practitioners and leaders in politics, policy-making and health advocacy, shaping the framework of the nation’s healthcare system.
Among SMU’s distinguished alumni are individuals whose contributions have profoundly impacted both local and global health landscapes. Alumni occupy leadership positions in hospitals, NGOs, and government agencies, where they are instrumental in driving healthcare reform, advancing medical technology, and improving patient care standards. SMU’s alumni network underscores the university’s role as a training ground for excellence and leadership, from esteemed clinicians and surgeons to public health experts and healthcare administrators.
As SMU celebrates this pivotal anniversary, it continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. Recent achievements include increased international collaborations, new investments in cutting-edge facilities, and a growing focus on interdisciplinary research to address global health issues. Furthermore, the university’s commitment to social responsibility remains unwavering. SMU’s ongoing outreach programmes and community health initiatives testify to its dedication to improving lives, especially within disadvantaged communities.
Looking ahead, SMU is set to expand its influence further, aspiring to attract students and scholars from across Africa and beyond. It remains a beacon of academic excellence and a driver of social progress in South Africa, committed to equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills and compassion needed to tackle the complex health challenges of the 21st century.
As 2024 draws to a close, SMU’s 10th anniversary reminds of how far the university has come and affirms its place as a cornerstone of health sciences in South Africa. With a legacy rooted in resilience, transformation, and excellence, SMU stands poised to continue shaping the future of healthcare for decades to come.
*By Tshimagadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a landmark appointment that exemplifies Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) commitment to fostering diversity in critical skill areas, Dr Dineo Tsabedze was appointed to head the Department of Nuclear Medicine, a field traditionally dominated by men. As both the Academic and Clinical Head of Nuclear Medicine at SMU and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Tsabedze symbolises SMU’s vision of inclusive leadership by women in pivotal healthcare roles, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing top talent.
Dr Dineo Tsabedze
With an impressive academic background, including a PhD and a Master of Medicine in Nuclear Medicine (Cum Laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand, Tsabedze brings a blend of clinical expertise, academic rigour, and compassionate leadership to her new position. Her contributions to nuclear medicine and her groundbreaking research—marked by 26 published papers, international conference presentations, and multiple awards—showcase her expertise and underscore her impact in a field often led by men.
Tsabedze’s leadership philosophy, based on kindness, humility, and inclusivity, creates a supportive atmosphere in the department. Her approach ensures that each member has a voice, from the administrative staff to radiopharmacists and radiographers. “When people feel valued, they naturally align with the department’s goals,” she explains, embodying a collaborative leadership style that is both inspiring and effective. Her inclusive approach resonates deeply with SMU’s vision to cultivate an environment where diverse talents thrive, especially in high-impact fields.
Her plans to elevate the Nuclear Medicine Department span across patient care, education, and research. She has initiated operational changes, including a review of standard procedures to cut waiting times and revisions to imaging protocols for more efficient patient-centred care.
Tsabedze is equally focused on enhancing the academic and research output within the department. She has set a minimum publication standard, ensuring that her team contributes meaningfully to the field’s knowledge base. By encouraging interdepartmental research collaborations and hosting weekly seminars and journal clubs, she creates a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, positioning SMU as a key player in nuclear medicine advancements.
A champion of new technologies, Tsabedze is leading her department towards precision medicine, focusing on disease-specific treatments and patient-tailored therapies. Her vision includes harnessing artificial intelligence to improve diagnostic imaging and personalised treatment, setting a progressive course that aligns with SMU’s goals for pioneering healthcare innovation.
Tsabedze’s role is a milestone in SMU’s journey towards fostering female leadership in critical fields. Through her achievements, SMU is advancing nuclear medicine and setting a new standard for gender diversity in healthcare leadership. Her work stands as a beacon for aspiring women in medicine, exemplifying the transformative impact of inclusive leadership and the importance of diverse representation in the most specialised areas of healthcare.
In recognising Tsabedze’s role, SMU celebrates a new chapter in its mission to empower South Africa’s top talent in fields that demand excellence and empathy. Her story, marked by resilience and leadership, reflects SMU’s dedication to promoting equity and innovation, positioning the university as a forward-looking institution committed to shaping the future of healthcare.
by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
In a landmark achievement for South Africa’s medical landscape, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) made headlines in 2024 by performing the country’s first Trans-Oral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA). This revolutionary procedure, led by Specialist General Surgeon Dr Winnie Mathe and under the mentorship of Professor Zack Koto, marked a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgery and positions SMU as a premier institution in health sciences education and practice.
Dr Winnie Mathe
The TOETVA technique allows for thyroid surgery without visible scars, utilising natural orifices to access the thyroid gland. This innovative approach not only eliminates the traditional cervical scar but also offers patients a quicker recovery time and reduced postoperative pain. “Patient selection is crucial for TOETVA; we focus on those fit for anaesthesia with small, single-lobe thyroid tumours,” explains Dr Mathe, highlighting the precision and care involved in this groundbreaking procedure.
The first patient—a 29-year-old woman diagnosed with a solitary thyroid nodule—benefitted from the TOETVA surgery, which resulted in minimal blood loss and a swift recovery. “The patient was discharged the very next day with no complications,” Mathe confirms. This successful operation underscores the exceptional capabilities of SMU’s medical professionals and showcases the institution’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of surgical innovation.
As a key player in South Africa’s healthcare education, SMU has consistently championed advancements in medical practice. The TOETVA surgery exemplifies the exceptional skills of its scholars, specialists, and doctors, who are dedicated to improving patient outcomes while addressing the complexities of healthcare delivery in the nation.
In a broader context, SMU’s accomplishments in 2024 reflect a steadfast commitment to healthcare excellence. The university not only equips its graduates with the necessary skills but also fosters a culture of innovation and research that directly benefits the South African healthcare system. Koto emphasises the need for improved infrastructure at SMU, stating, “Imagine what we could achieve with a proper academic hospital. Our next project is the liver transplant programme.”
The pioneering efforts of Mathe and her team in performing the first TOETVA surgery in South Africa set a new standard in thyroid surgery and exemplify the crucial role SMU plays in shaping the future of health sciences. As the university continues to lead in surgical innovation, its scholars and specialists are at the forefront of a healthcare revolution, providing South Africans with access to advanced medical care while enhancing the nation’s health system.
SMU is not just an institution; it is a driving force in the transformation of healthcare in South Africa, setting the stage for future medical breakthroughs and inspiring a new generation of healthcare professionals committed to excellence.
by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
On 21 November 2024, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) hosted an impactful public lecture delivered by Aluwani Manenzhe, the esteemed President of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA). The lecture, titled “Practical Solutions to Improve Health and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Rural Communities”, was both insightful and timely, showcasing SMU’s commitment to addressing pressing healthcare challenges in South Africa.
Aluwani Manenzhe, President of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
The event streamed online and drew a diverse audience of health professionals, students, researchers, and advocates dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Manenzhe’s address resonated deeply, underscoring SMU’s role as a hub for transformative dialogue and innovation in health sciences.
Spotlighting rural challenges and proactive solutions
In her presentation, Manenzhe eloquently highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural communities, framing them as opportunities for meaningful intervention. She began by emphasising the critical role of public health campaigns in disease prevention and management. “Public health campaigns focused on prevention are crucial for addressing evolving disease profiles and complications,” she asserted, calling for proactive strategies tailored to the specific needs of rural populations.
A significant focus of her lecture was on the capacity building of healthcare workers. Manenzhe noted that empowering healthcare professionals with advanced skills and knowledge is essential to improving service delivery. “Investment in the development of healthcare workers is necessary to ensure they can meet the needs of underserved populations,” she emphasised, aligning with SMU’s dedication to cultivating highly skilled graduates equipped to tackle South Africa’s healthcare challenges.
Manenzhe also called for stronger partnerships with NGOs, international organisations, and local communities to bridge gaps in healthcare access. She argued that these collaborations are crucial in enhancing the quality of care, particularly in under-resourced rural settings.
SMU at the forefront of healthcare equity
Throughout the lecture, themes of resource allocation and ethical considerations in healthcare were prominent. Responding to a question from an audience member, Manenzhe stressed that equitable resource distribution is vital to improving healthcare accessibility. “Resource distribution is a critical factor in determining healthcare accessibility and directly affects the effectiveness of service delivery,” she explained.
Manenzhe’s insights dovetailed with SMU’s vision of addressing healthcare inequities in South Africa. Questions from prominent attendees, including Theresa Lorenzo, further enriched the discussion. Addressing the need for tailored training programmes for occupational therapists, Manenzhe advocated for curricula designed to equip professionals with the skills to meet the unique demands of rural healthcare.
Lorenzo also raised the issue of supporting healthcare workers in rural settings. In response, Manenzhe underscored the importance of ongoing professional development, mentorship, and sufficient resource provision to ensure healthcare workers are effective and supported in challenging environments.
A call to action for systemic change
Manenzhe’s lecture culminated in a powerful call for practical, inclusive solutions grounded in local contexts. She stressed the importance of sharing high-quality information with patients to foster trust and enable informed decision-making. Addressing language barriers and their emotional impact, she shared a moving example of a mother navigating the healthcare system with difficulty, highlighting the urgent need for effective communication.
“By considering the local context and promoting inclusiveness, we can ensure that healthcare systems are responsive to the needs of all, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” she stated, echoing SMU’s mission to serve as a leader in healthcare education and advocacy.
SMU leading the charge towards equitable healthcare
This enlightening lecture not only illuminated the pressing issues in rural healthcare but also reaffirmed SMU’s position as a leading institution dedicated to addressing these challenges. Through fostering critical discussions, pioneering research, and producing skilled health professionals, SMU continues to make significant strides in ensuring equitable healthcare for all South Africans. As the dialogue around improving health and rehabilitation outcomes evolves, SMU remains at the forefront, championing systemic change and driving impactful solutions.
* By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Nov 25, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to solidify its reputation as a leading force in health sciences education and research in South Africa and beyond. With its unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SMU has reached another significant milestone: its acceptance into the prestigious United Nations Academic Impact Network (UNAI).
SMU joins an elite network of over 1,600 institutions in 150 countries, alongside just five other South African public universities
This achievement positions SMU among an elite group of over 1,600 institutions across 150 countries, with only five other South African public universities sharing this distinction. As a university deeply rooted in addressing the critical healthcare challenges of the nation and the continent, this membership amplifies SMU’s voice on a global stage, reinforcing its role in driving meaningful change through research, education, and community service.
Advancing global health agendas
The UNAI serves as a vital platform for higher education institutions to collaborate in supporting the United Nations’ core values and goals, particularly the realisation of the SDGs and the ten UNAI Principles. SMU’s alignment with this global network enhances its ability to contribute to international health and educational priorities while fostering partnerships that extend its impact far beyond South Africa’s borders.
Joining the UNAI is not just a feather in SMU’s cap but a validation of the university’s commitment to addressing the pressing health challenges of our time. “Through this network, we gain access to valuable collaborators, scholarship opportunities, and platforms to showcase the innovative SDG-aligned initiatives spearheaded by our institution,” says Dr Carlien Jooste, SMU’s Director of Internationalisation.
Jooste also highlights the instrumental role played by SMU’s new institutional partner, Meharry Medical College, in facilitating the university’s engagement with the UNAI. The collaboration exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in advancing common goals and achieving global recognition.
For SMU, membership in the UNAI signifies more than prestige—it offers opportunities to expand its reach and deepen its impact. By participating in the UNAI Members Forum, SMU will collaborate with like-minded institutions on transformative projects, enhancing its capacity to address healthcare inequities and improve outcomes for underserved communities.
This achievement underscores SMU’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. As a university dedicated to advancing health sciences, its research and educational programmes are shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and contributing solutions to some of the most pressing health issues facing the African continent.
SMU’s inclusion in the UNAI opens doors for its staff and students to engage in global academic and research opportunities. The access to scholarships and collaborative platforms further underscores the university’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in health sciences. Through this membership, SMU continues to demonstrate its capability to operate at the intersection of local relevance and global excellence.
Building on a legacy of impact
This milestone adds to SMU’s growing legacy as a prestigious health sciences institution committed to addressing South Africa’s healthcare challenges. From training skilled healthcare professionals to conducting groundbreaking research, SMU remains at the forefront of transforming health sciences education for the betterment of society.
Admission to the UNAI is a testament to SMU’s hard work. It reinforces the university’s unique position to bridge the gap between global academic priorities and local community needs. Jooste says, “Admission to the UNAI allows us to have access to other collaborators through the Members Forum, scholarship opportunities, and a platform where we can share the SDG-aligned activities that we are engaging in.”
As SMU charts a path forward as a proud member of the UNAI, it is clear that the university’s contributions to health sciences and sustainable development will continue to resonate locally and internationally. This achievement underscores its role as a pivotal institution not only in South Africa but on the global stage, where its impact in shaping the future of healthcare is both profound and far-reaching.
For more information on SMU’s membership in the UNAI and opportunities for engagement, staff and students are encouraged to visit the UNAI website or contact Dr Carlien Jooste at carlien.jooste@smu.ac.za
*By Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli
by Lorato | Nov 18, 2024 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has once again proven its commitment to nurturing world-class talent in scientific innovation. Mbali Aurriccah Moreki, a Master of Science (MSc) student in Chemistry, has made headlines by winning first prize for Best Oral Presentation in the M.Sc. Advancing Science and Technology for Human Development category at the prestigious Annual Young Scientists Conference. The event celebrated the brightest minds in South Africa, with Moreki’s research on water remediation standing out as a beacon of hope for environmental sustainability.
Mbali Aurriccah Moreki
Moreki’s award-winning research, titled: “Synthesis, Characterisation, and Photo-Catalytic Degradation of Rhodamine 6G using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles,” offers innovative solutions to one of the country’s most pressing issues—water pollution. The research focuses on the application of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as a photocatalyst to degrade Rhodamine 6G, a harmful dye commonly found in industrial wastewater. With South Africa’s growing concerns around water scarcity, this breakthrough offers promising potential for large-scale water purification systems.
Under the expert guidance of Dr Nomasonto Rapulenyane, Dr Charmaine Tshangana, and Dr Gauta Gold Matlou, Moreki has meticulously developed a process that successfully degrades the dye by up to 88% under visible light at neutral pH, a significant improvement on traditional methods. “This has promising implications for water purification techniques, especially in a water-scarce country like South Africa,” says Moreki, highlighting the relevance of her work to local and global environmental challenges.
Her success at the conference is a culmination of years of dedication, overcoming both academic and personal obstacles. Born and raised in Ga-Rankuwa, Moreki’s academic path was not always clear-cut. Initially aspiring to become a medical doctor or astronaut, she found her true calling in chemistry and environmental research after joining SMU in 2019. “Science is fair; hard work always pays off,” she reflects, underscoring the discipline and determination that have led her to this moment.
The win is a personal achievement for Moreki and a testament to SMU’s ability to foster top-tier research talent. “Presenting at the conference was both terrifying and exhilarating,” Moreki recalls. “I was especially nervous about disappointing my supervisors and family, but once I began speaking, the words just flowed. The most challenging part was the Q&A session, but the audience was kind and patient, which helped me push through.” This resilience and ability to thrive under pressure mirrors the broader ethos of SMU, which consistently supports its students to excel on global platforms.
Outside of her scientific achievements, Moreki is a writer of historical fiction, having penned over 90 short stories over the past decade, with plans to publish soon. Her diverse interests, however, do not overshadow her dedication to scientific advancement. “My long-term goal is to perfect my photocatalyst system and develop membranes that can purify water on a larger scale,” she states. Moreki also envisions herself as a professor and owner of a science school, dedicated to nurturing future scientists who will tackle the world’s environmental challenges.
Moreki’s victory at the Annual Young Scientists Conference highlights the growing reputation of SMU as a leading institution for cutting-edge research and innovation in chemistry and environmental science. Her award-winning research demonstrates the university’s commitment to addressing urgent societal issues and sets a new benchmark for the transformative power of young, passionate researchers. As she continues to make strides in the field of water purification, SMU’s legacy as a hub for scientific excellence is stronger than ever.
