Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

SMU was established when the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, in terms of section 20 of the Higher Education Act 1997 (Act 101 of 1997) promulgated the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in the SA Government Gazette no: 37658 of 16 May 2014.

The promulgation followed the announcement made in 2011 by Minister Nzimande when he announced his intention to separate the Medunsa Campus from the University of Limpopo. The minister’s intention was based on the task team's findings and recommendations established and led by Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and Dr Max Price, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT).