10 Years of Excellence
The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund
The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund provides scholarships and assistance to Sefako
Makgatho Health Science University (SMU) medical students.
The Fund strives to emulate the practice and values of Professor Charles Modiba, who headed the
Department of General Surgery at Medunsa (SMU’s predecessor) for 18 years and was the country’s
premier expert in hepatobiliary transplant surgery. He went to extraordinary lengths to inspire his
students to work for the public good and to ‘plough back’ by returning to their communities once
qualified. He led by example, refusing lucrative private work and devoting all his time to teaching,
clinical work in public hospitals and research. Professor Modiba inspired many MBChB graduates to
return to specialise and supervised dozens of registrars who are now among South Africa’s leading
specialists and surgeons.
Photo: Professor MCM Modiba
Vision
A nation where healthcare is accessible, affordable and of the highest standard attainable for all citizens, whatever their circumstances.
Mission
The Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund assists disadvantaged young people to successfully pursue health sciences training and qualifications in their chosen fields.
Values
The Fund strives to emulate the values of Professor MCM Modiba of integrity, courage, compassion, accountability and respect.
Our Cause
The National Call for more Doctors
Although South Africa’s Constitution (Clause 27.1) guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare
services, only 18 897 (41%) of registered medical practitioners work in the public health sector, where
they serve about 50 million people who cannot afford private care. According to research by the
Discovery Foundation (2019), there are only 7 specialists per 100 000 people in public healthcare in
South Africa, but 69 per 100 000 in the private sector. The public health sector has a national average
of only 3,8 doctors per 10 000 people and most rural areas have no more than 2 public health doctors
per 10 000 people.
Qualifying as a doctor in South Africa requires a commitment of six years of expensive study at
university. Given that the overwhelming majority of the population is poor, few students from poor
communities make it to medical school and some will drop out because of financial problems. The
Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund provides funding to such students to enable them to
complete MBChB degrees at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and serve their
communities as qualified doctors.
Scholarship Programme
Funding constraints currently limit scholarship assistance to a few beneficiaries annually. Successful applicants are provided with full scholarships that cover all tuition fees, books, university accommodation and a food allowance.
Professor Modiba Student Aid Fund
In 2022, with donor support from Seriti, Bidvest and our Scholarship alumni, the Fund supported 16 food-insecure students with monthly stipends so that they could purchase basic goods like groceries and toiletries.
Mentorship Programme
Our newest programme was initiated in acknowledgement of the fact that many of SMU’s students are not only the first in their extended families to attend university, but lack role models and advisors within their family and community networks
Professor Modiba Scholarship Fund Top Achiever Award in General Surgery
Prof Modiba won several awards, including best overall student, in his MBChB year at the university of KwaZulu-Natal. The Fund has been preserving this legacy since 2014 bestowing the annual Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund
Our Work
Scholarship Programme
Funding constraints currently limit scholarship assistance to a few beneficiaries annually. Successful applicants are provided with full scholarships that cover all tuition fees, books, university accommodation and a food allowance.
Professor Modiba Student Aid Fund
In 2022, with donor support from Seriti, Bidvest and our Scholarship alumni, the Fund supported 16 food-insecure students with monthly stipends so that they could purchase basic goods like groceries and toiletries.
Mentorship Programme
Our newest programme was initiated in acknowledgement of the fact that many of SMU’s students are not only the first in their extended families to attend university, but lack role models and advisors within their family and community networks
Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund Top Achiever Award in General Surgery:
Prof Modiba won several awards, including best overall student, in his MBChB year at the university of KwaZulu-Natal. The Fund has been preserving this legacy since 2014 bestowing the annual Professor MCM Modiba Scholarship Fund
Proud Sponsors
Our Partners
Thank you for 10 Years of Support
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations. Your support enables us to continue providing valuable opportunities and resources to deserving students