Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

19/06/2026

Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital joins the Gauteng Provincial Government, the SMU community, students, colleagues and loved ones in mourning the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

Her leadership, dedication to academic excellence and contribution to health sciences education have left an indelible mark on generations of healthcare professionals. May her soul rest in peace, and may her family, friends and the entire SMU community find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

🕊️ Rest in eternal peace, Professor Matsha-Erasmus.

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PROF. TANDI MATSHA-ERASMUS

It is with profound sadness that University Sport South Africa (USSA) mourns the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, a distinguished leader in higher education and a champion of transformation within the South African university sector.

Professor Matsha-Erasmus leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, service and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and student development.

USSA will forever be grateful for the role she played in strengthening the relationship between sport and higher education. In May 2025, as host of the final USSA Annual General Meeting at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), she warmly welcomed and opened the doors of her institution to the USSA family, demonstrating her belief in collaboration, nation-building and the power of university sport.

On behalf of the USSA Council, Executive, Secretariat, member institutions, student-athletes and the broader university sport community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the entire SMU community.

Her impact will continue to be felt across South African higher education and university sport for generations to come.

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us all.

- University Sport South Africa (USSA)

19/06/2026

CPUT mourns the passing of Prof Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, and an exceptional scientist, visionary leader, mentor and champion of transformation.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, students, and the entire Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University community. For our full tribute please click on this link - https://www.cput.ac.za/component/rsblog/cput-mourns-the-passing-of-prof-tandi-matsha-erasmus?Itemid=101

19/06/2026

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University invites members of the University community and the broader public to share messages of condolence, tribute, and remembrance in honour of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus. Selected messages will be compiled into a commemorative memorial book to be presented to the family and preserved as part of the University's record of her life, leadership, and legacy. https://forms.office.com/r/ALJ6xKtnHV

19/06/2026

Tribute to Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus

It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Board of Directors and Management of Universities South Africa (USAf), an umbrella body representing the 26 public universities in South Africa, learned of the untimely passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

Her passing represents an immense loss to the broader higher education sector. The Board and Management of USAf extend their heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, broader family, University community, and to all whose lives she touched through her work.

Read the full tribute here: https://usaf.ac.za/tribute-to-professor-tandi-matsha-erasmus/

19/06/2026

CHE Statement on the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus.

19/06/2026

City of Tshwane mourns the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

19/06/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

STATEMENT BY MINISTER BUTI MANAMELA ON THE PASSING OF PROF TANDI MATSHA-ERASMUS, VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL OF SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

TO ALL MEDIA
18 JUNE 2026
For Immediate Release

I have learned with deep sadness, of the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

On behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training and the entire PSET Sector, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Prof Matsha-Erasmus’s family, friends, colleagues, students, and the entire SMU community during this difficult time.

Prof Matsha-Erasmus was a distinguished scholar, an accomplished academic leader, and a dedicated servant of higher education. Throughout her career, she demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, transformation, social justice, and the advancement of health sciences education. Her leadership was marked by integrity, compassion, courage, and a profound belief in the transformative power of education.

As Vice-Chancellor and Principal of SMU, Prof Matsha-Erasmus worked tirelessly to strengthen the university’s academic mission, advance research and innovation, and deepen the institution’s contribution to society. Under her stewardship, SMU continued to build its reputation as a leading health sciences university committed to addressing the needs of communities and contributing to the development of a capable and inclusive South Africa.

Her passing is a significant loss not only to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, but also to the broader higher education and training sector. At a time when our country continues to rely on strong and principled leadership within our institutions of higher education, Prof Matsha-Erasmus’s contribution stands as an example of excellence and commitment to the public good.

May her family and all who knew and worked with her find strength and comfort in the memories of her life and accomplishments.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Mr Kgwaridi Buti Manamela
Minister of Higher Education and Training
Republic of South Africa

Enquiries: Matshepo Seedat, Spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education and Training on 082 679 9473

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

19/06/2026

UP joins the higher education community in mourning the passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU ).

Professor Matsha-Erasmus dedicated her career to advancing health sciences education and empowering future generations of healthcare professionals and scholars. Her impact will be remembered through the many lives she touched and the contribution she made to higher education in South Africa.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, students, alumni and the entire SMU community as they navigate this profound loss.

We honour her legacy of service, compassion and commitment to the advancement of knowledge and and human wellbeing.