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Unisa @ 150: Creating safe spaces for staff

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Reflection and employee wellness were the themes for the Directorate of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning's (DTSFL’s) Mid-year Review of Strategy and Wellness Day Workshop.

This prestigious event took place on 19 and 20 June 2023 at the ANEW Hotel Capital in Pretoria. The attendees were welcomed by Prof Zodwa T Motsa Madikane, Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support (TLCESS). Shortly after Madikane’s welcoming message, Prof Meahabo Magano (Acting Executive Director: DTSFL) highlighted that the main goal of the two-day event was to reflect on the mid-year review with the purpose of consistently centring and promoting employee wellness at Unisa.

Prof Meahabo Magano (Acting Executive Director: DTSFL) and Kabelo Mabalana (keynote speaker on day one)

The keynote speaker on day one was Kabelo Mabalane, who used his personal experience as a legendary South African musician, author and television broadcaster, 12 times Comrades Marathon runner and pastor at Rhema Bible Church on overcoming adversity and how to live with gratitude and purpose. Importantly, Mabalane emphasised that purpose should always prevail under protest.

On day two, Nkateko Ndala, a counselling psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, led the dialogue on wellness and discussed how staff members should prioritise wellness in the workplace and create a supportive environment that fosters employee well-being and productivity.

Nkateko Ndala (counselling psychologist) and Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha (renowned actor)

Speaking at the end of the two-day programme, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, a renowned South African stage and screen actor who has appeared in several critically acclaimed films including Cry the Beloved Country, Lord of War, Mandela and De Klerk, and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film, Tsotsi, to name but a few, emphasised the importance of seeking psychological help when necessary. "When one lives life authentically," he said, "life no longer becomes about recitations and ticking boxes, but about anchoring oneself in truth."

DTSFL staff were fully engaged in the proceedings

A powerful take-away from the two days, as reflected on by Magano, was how DTSFL should gather strength and grow bravery in reflection. She wrapped up by encouraging all staff of DTSFL to reflect on the mid-year review workshop to ensure that the purpose of reclaiming Africa’s intellectual futures remained clear and consistent beyond Unisa’s 150-year celebrations.

#Unisa150 

* Submitted by the Directorate of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning

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Publish date: 2023/08/10

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