By: Qhawekazi Memani – 18 March 2024

On the  12  – 13  March 2024, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) undertook a pivotal visit to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to evaluate the programme: Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science ( BHSc; MLS ).  Held at the VUT Council Chambers, the delegation was warmly received by Professor Grobler, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, alongside Dr Nolutho Mkhumbeni, the Head of the Department (HoD) of Health Sciences, and other members of the department.

The HPCSA delegation comprised of Ms. Akhona Vuma, Dr Hilda Mfengwana, and Dr Brenda Mkhize, who served as the convenor of the audit. Dr. Mkhize articulated that the primary objective of the visit was to assess the quality of BHSc: MLS offered by VUT, ensuring they meet the requisite standards while also benchmarking them against industry norms. She emphasized that the intention was not to police the department but rather to understand and support VUT in upholding professional standards.

In her address, Professor Grobler highlighted the significance of the visit, framing it as an opportunity for the statutory growth of the faculty. She extended gratitude to the department staff and HoD for their dedication, highlighting the importance of introspection and improvement in their processes.

Dr. Nolutho Mkhumbeni followed with a presentation which provided an overview of the Health Sciences Department. She highlighted the department’s commitment to admitting students who fully meet admission requirements and its efforts to enhance facilities, admission processes. Dr. Mkhumbeni also addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the faculty’s resilience in ensuring a conducive learning environment for the students.

The visit encompassed interviews with academic staff, industry and advisory board members, panel discussions, and on-site and online student interviews. A comprehensive tour of the facilities offered insights into VUT’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education.

Overall, the HPCSA successfully evaluated the training program for Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Medical Laboratory Science at VUT, and has decided to recommend that the Medical Technology Board allow the institution to continue offering this training program. The panel plans to provide an official report with detailed recommendations to VUT at a later date.