By Thapelo Molefe
Tributes have poured in for the vice-chancellor and principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, following her death this week, with Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela describing her passing as a significant loss to South Africa’s higher education sector.
Matsha-Erasmus’s death was announced by the university on Wednesday. While no cause of death has been disclosed, messages of condolence have since flowed from government, universities, and higher education bodies across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Manamela said he had learned of her death “with deep sadness” and extended condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, students and the entire SMU community.
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“Prof Matsha-Erasmus was a distinguished scholar, an accomplished academic leader, and a dedicated servant of higher education,” Manamela said.
The minister said Matsha-Erasmus had demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, transformation, social justice and the advancement of health sciences education throughout her career.
“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,” he said.
Manamela said her contribution stood as an example of excellence and commitment to the public good at a time when South Africa continues to rely on strong leadership in institutions of higher learning.
SMU described Matsha-Erasmus as a distinguished academic, accomplished leader and passionate advocate for the transformative power of higher education.
The university said she had dedicated herself to advancing the institution’s academic mission, strengthening research and innovation, and positioning SMU as a leading health sciences university committed to excellence, equity, social justice and community impact.
“Professor Matsha-Erasmus leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire students, academics, researchers, professional staff, alumni, and partners for generations to come,” the university said.
Universities South Africa (USAf), which represents the country’s 26 public universities, also paid tribute to Matsha-Erasmus, describing her death as an immense loss to the sector.
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USAf said Matsha-Erasmus joined its board after being appointed vice-chancellor in June 2025 and had recently accepted the role of vice-chairperson of its Teaching and Learning Strategy Group. She also served as a proxy representative on the Higher Health Board.
The organisation said she combined scholarly excellence with strategic leadership and believed in the transformative power of education and research to address the health challenges facing the continent.
SMU said details of the memorial and funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
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