The festival served as a strategic platform to encourage student participation in physical activity while fostering social connectedness and emotional well-being. Participants engaged in a variety of sporting codes, including soccer, netball, basketball and chess – creating an inclusive environment that promoted teamwork, resilience and healthy competition.

This initiative is firmly anchored in the objectives of the Division of Student Affairs to advance student mental health and wellness. Moreover, it reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to Vision 130 by fostering supportive, student-centered environments that enhance student success and development.

The Lekgotla Men’s Well-being Project continues to play a pivotal role in redefining narratives around masculinity, encouraging men to prioritize their physical, mental and emotional health while building a sense of belonging within the UFS student community.