Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

02/09/2026

SMU medical student Thapelo Mthimunye represented the university and South Africa at the prestigious 22nd South American Business Forum (SABF) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, joining just 100 young delegates selected from around the world. Engaging with global leaders and students, Mthimunye explored innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship and leadership, while contributing a healthcare perspective to conversations on solving complex global challenges. His international experience highlights the value of interdisciplinary thinking, student leadership and global engagement in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/20/smu-student-engages-global-leaders-in-argentina/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student Thapelo Mthimunye represented the university and South Africa at the prestigious 22nd South American Business Forum (SABF), held recently in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

01/09/2026

SMU student leader and diagnostic radiography researcher Enos Motaka Malatji will represent the university at the Pan African Youth Conference 2026 for Health, Innovation and Agenda 2063 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2–4 September. At the African Union-hosted conference, Malatji will contribute to the continental dialogue on health equity, innovation, digital health, and sustainable development, while presenting research on the potential of artificial intelligence to improve health outcomes and on the determinants of preventable patient deaths. His journey from rural Limpopo to the African Union platform is a powerful reminder that dedication, hard work and ambition can open doors to global opportunities.
Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/20/smu-student-joins-continental-youth-health-dialogue/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) student leader and Diagnostic Radiography junior researcher, Enos Motaka Malatji, is set to represent the university at the Pan African Youth Conference 2026 on Health, Innovation, and Agenda 2063, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 September 2026 in...

31/08/2026

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) demonstrated its strong commitment to community engagement through an interprofessional campaign to raise awareness of substance abuse and empower young people to make healthier, informed choices. Held at Diphetogo Secondary School in Klipgat, North West, the initiative involved students and faculty from SMU’s Departments of Physiotherapy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, the Library, and the Academic Literacy and Science Communication unit. The campaign showcased the collaborative efforts of health sciences disciplines, highlighting the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, life skills, and peer resistance, demonstrating how health education extends beyond the classroom to positively influence communities. This initiative underscores SMU’s dedication to developing socially responsive healthcare professionals and strengthening partnerships that promote community well-being through education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful outreach. Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/12/smu-tackles-substance-abuse-through-outreach/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community engagement by leading an interprofessional campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse and empower young people to make healthier, more informed choices.

31/08/2026

✨ Celebrating women who lead, inspire and shape the future

As Women’s Month draws to a close, SMU celebrated the remarkable women who continue to lead with purpose, excellence and impact at the VC’s SMU Women in Leadership Dinner 2026.

Hosted by the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Dini Mawela, the intimate evening honoured the leadership, achievements and invaluable contributions of women who continue to shape Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and make a meaningful difference in society.

From inspiring conversations to moments of connection and celebration, the evening was a beautiful reflection of strength, sisterhood and leadership — made even more vibrant as guests embraced the evening’s elegant shades of purple and pink. 💜🩷

Here’s to the women who lead, uplift, inspire and create lasting change. 🌸

28/08/2026

From artificial intelligence and ethical innovation to groundbreaking research across the health sciences, SMU Research Days 2026 showcased how research, technology and responsible innovation can transform science, healthcare and education. The three-day programme culminated in the recognition of outstanding researchers and students, celebrating excellence and the next generation of health sciences innovators. Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/26/smu-research-explores-ais-healthcare-frontier/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its position as a leading institution for health sciences research and innovation as it hosted the 2026 SMU Research Days from 19 to 21 August under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence Frontiers and Technology in Health Sciences: Transfor...

28/08/2026

Dr Mosima Masethe, SMU’s Computer Science Academic Coordinator, has successfully completed her PhD in Information Technology, pioneering research that advances artificial intelligence (AI) for African languages and promotes digital inclusion across South Africa. Her groundbreaking work focuses on improving AI’s understanding of indigenous languages like Northern Sotho, supporting better machine translation, virtual assistants, and access to essential services in people's home languages. This research not only enhances technological inclusivity but also aligns with national efforts to preserve and promote multilingualism. Dr Masethe’s dedication exemplifies SMU’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and the transformation of society through emerging technologies. Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/12/smu-academic-advances-ai-for-african-languages/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating a significant academic achievement after Computer Science Academic Coordinator Dr Mosima Masethe completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology, producing research that advances artificial intelligence (AI) for Afric...

28/08/2026

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is enhancing reproductive health education through its partnership with the Center for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan (CIRHT-UM), with a focus on competency-based training, curriculum development, simulation learning, and faculty capacity building. The recent two-day workshop at SMU’s Skills Center brought together academic leaders, clinicians, and researchers to review progress, foster collaboration, and explore innovative teaching approaches to prepare healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered reproductive care. This partnership underscores SMU’s commitment to evolving health professions education in response to advances in medicine and technology, emphasizing practical skills, ethical practice, research, and continuous learning to strengthen healthcare systems and improve outcomes across South Africa.

Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/12/smu-enhances-reproductive-health-training-and-research/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening reproductive health education through its partnership with the Centre for International Reproductive Health Training at the University of Michigan (CIRHT-UM), equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and clinical s...

27/08/2026

Women of SMU | Women's Month 2026

As South Africa commemorates Women's Month under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All", SMU proudly celebrates the women whose leadership, expertise and dedication continue to shape our university and transform communities.

Today we feature Dorah Thorisa Mashigo, SMU Ladies' Football Head Coach, who guided Team SA Women’s Football to a gold medal at the 2026 CUCSA Games in Gaborone, Botswana.

“Winning in Botswana was a proud moment for all of us. This victory is a testament to the hard work, discipline and commitment that the team displayed from the beginning of the tournament until the final whistle.”

Join us throughout August as we honour the inspiring women who are advancing health sciences, education, research and innovation.

27/08/2026

Congratulations to Professor Bettina Chale-Matsau on her promotion to Associate Professor in Chemical Pathology at SMU, a recognition of her over three decades of outstanding contributions to scientific research, clinical practice, and academic leadership in healthcare. Her work in endocrinology, inherited metabolic disorders, and point-of-care diagnostics continues to drive innovation, especially in resource-limited communities, while her dedication to mentoring future healthcare professionals underscores her commitment to advancing health sciences across South Africa and Africa. This milestone reflects SMU’s unwavering commitment to excellence in research, education, and healthcare transformation, inspiring the next generation of leaders to develop innovative solutions that improve lives and ensure equitable access to quality diagnostics and patient care. Read more: https://www.smu.ac.za/2026/08/12/smu-promotes-excellence-in-pathology-research/

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is celebrating the promotion of Professor Bettina Chale-Matsau from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor (Clinical/Diagnostic) in Chemical Pathology, recognising a distinguished career spanning more than three decades of scientific research, clinica...

25/08/2026

Women of SMU | Women's Month 2026

As South Africa commemorates Women's Month under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All", SMU proudly celebrates the women whose leadership, expertise and dedication continue to shape our university and transform communities.

Today we feature Professor Nqobile Mkolo Monate, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, who received the prestigious Bronze Scientific Achievement Award at the 2025 Scientific Merit Awards hosted by the South African Medical Research Council.

“Science thrives when we combine curiosity with collaboration. This recognition is a testament not only to my work but also to the dedication of my students and colleagues at SMU.”

Join us throughout August as we honour the inspiring women who are advancing health sciences, education, research and innovation.