08 July 2026
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Story Palesa Rantamo
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Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Prof Hester C. Klopper delivers the keynote address at the 2026 Global Student Well-being Summit, held on the University of the Free State’s South Campus.
The University of the Free State (UFS) welcomed delegates from across South Africa and the African continent to the 2026
Global Student Well-being Summit, which kicked off at the Madiba Arena on its South Campus on 7 July 2026 and runs until 10 July.
Held under the theme ‘Leaving No Student Behind: Towards Inclusive Pathways to Student Well-being’, the summit provides a platform for higher education leaders, student representatives, policymakers, and practitioners to share ideas and strengthen collaboration in support of student success.
The opening session commenced with an address by
Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director:
Division of Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture at the UFS, who reflected on the growing importance of student well-being in higher education. Hosting the summit for the second time since its inception, Dr Hlasho said, “The University of the Free State is passionate about the well-being of students. We are leading in the space. Students need to be healthy and well for them to succeed academically. Their well-being is in the interest of the University and at the centre of our agenda.”
Dr Hlasho added, “My hope is that from this summit we move from theory to practice and commit as universities to place student well-being at the centre of everything.”
He also highlighted that today’s students are navigating increasingly complex challenges that extend beyond the classroom, and emphasised that universities have a responsibility to create environments where students are supported academically, emotionally, and socially.
Dr Hlasho reflected on the evolution of the summit, noting that it has grown into a global platform where institutions can exchange knowledge and learn from one another. He stressed that student well-being is not solely the responsibility of support services but should be embedded throughout the university experience. Drawing attention to challenges such as student mental health, financial pressures, and high first-year dropout rates, he encouraged institutions to work collectively to ensure that students are equipped to thrive throughout their academic journeys.
Student well-being must be central to higher education
Delivering the official welcoming address, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Prof Hester C. Klopper reminded delegates that universities have a shared responsibility to create environments where every student can flourish.
“As South Africa marks 50 years since the events of 16 June 1976, we are reminded that young people have always played a central role in shaping the future of our societies,” she said, adding that while today’s students face different challenges, the responsibility to support them remains just as urgent.
Prof Klopper emphasised that academic excellence and student well-being cannot be separated. “Academic excellence and student well-being are not separate pursuits. They are deeply connected.”
She explained that students who feel supported, included, and valued are better positioned to learn, lead, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further described student well-being as a strategic imperative that extends beyond academic support to include emotional, cultural, social, and spiritual well-being.
From conversation to collective action
Esona Radebe, President General of the UFS Institutional Student Representative Council, called on the University’s students “not to be left out of a global conversation”. She added, “It is important to participate and be part of the conversation on student well-being. More often, students arrive at the tail end. There is a lot to learn, and as future leaders we need to take initiative in creating a better environment for current and future students.”
Encouraging delegates to work together, Prof Klopper said no institution has all the answers to the challenges facing students, but partnerships across universities, governments, and student leadership structures can help develop sustainable solutions. She urged delegates to move beyond dialogue and ensure that the conversations held during the summit translate into meaningful action that will influence institutional culture and improve the student experience across Africa.
The four-day summit features keynote addresses, panel discussions, plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and student-centred activities, all aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing inclusive approaches to student well-being in higher education.