Unisa promotes healthy living for students

The Office of the Dean of Students and North Eastern Regional Services hosted a Health and Wellness Festival at the Nelspruit Campus from 11 to 13 February 2025.  The festival was attended by students, members of the Regional Students’ Representative Council (RSRC), and staff members from the Office of the Dean of Students and Regional Services.

Unisa staff, students and exhibitors

The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness and provide education about health and well-being to Unisa students within a student development context. The campaign was guided by the following expectations:

• Gaining a broader understanding of health science
• Developing skills to read and implement
• Dealing with internal and external issues
• Gaining knowledge on prioritising and decision making with regard to happiness and a healthy mental state
• Learning how to deal with stress
• Knowing the difference between various mental disorders
• Dealing with mental health issues, and coping mechanisms
• Ability to demonstrate positive attitude
• Prioritising mental health
• Ability to handle pressure from various responsibilities and roles
• Understanding mental disorders
• Knowing how to approach challenges
• Ability to express oneself
• Knowing when to seek assistance
• Dealing with students challenges such as substance abuse
• Maintaining composure while operating under pressure
• Dealing with matters in a stressful environment
• Maintaining a healthy work-life balance

The festival was led by Lizette le Roux (Deputy Director of Student Development) and Tebogo Mangope (Manager: Student Social Development), and supported by staff from the Office of the Dean of Students and Regional Office.

Students attending an information session

Aphiwe Dlamini, National Students’ Representative Council (NSRC) representative, delivered a message of support to the participants and stressed the importance of taking care of one’s health. Mogau Malatjie (Manager: Student Governance) encouraged student leaders to engage fully in the programme.

S’phiwokuhle Matsebula (Counselling Psychologist) supported Constance Phoku (Liaison Coordinator) from Higher Health, who talked about mental health, stress management, suicide prevention, and identifying depression and stress factors. They stressed the importance of coping strategies, and warned against substance abuse and its impact on the wellness of students.

A representative from Absa Bank spoke about financial literacy and different types of violence. Representatives from the South African Police Services (SAPS) presented on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and support provided for GBVF survivors.

A representative of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) spoke about the different substances that students may abuse, the implications of substance abuse as well as other services and programmes they provide for students and communities.

A representative from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) encouraged students to have regular health checkups and cancer screenings. Higher Health clinicians conducted comprehensive health testing of Unisa students, promoting early detection and prevention of health issues.

On the third day of the programme, students visited various stalls, including those of Capitec, Absa, Fundi, CANSA, IEC and SANCA. Students enjoyed aerobic exercise classes aimed at teaching them the importance of physical activity. The classes were facilitated by Virgin Active.

The programme received enthusiastic support and participation from students.

* By Tebogo Mangope, Manager: Student Social Development (Acting), Office of the Dean of Students