The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently kicked off its 50-year anniversary celebrations in true occupational fashion – with energy, movement and learning. The department's golden jubilee celebrations will continue throughout June. 

On Friday (29 May), staff and students came together to host an interactive campus engagement event that highlighted the essence of occupational therapy through fun and hands-on activities designed to challenge, inspire and connect people. The event served as the official kick-off to a month-long celebration commemorating five decades of excellence in occupational therapy education, research, and community engagement. 

The celebration began with a vibrant flashmob featuring occupational therapy students and staff. The lively performance immediately captured the attention of passers-by and created an atmosphere of excitement and celebration. 

Dr Azette Swanepoel, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy, could not be prouder of the students who facilitated the activities. “Each student took ownership of the day, which indirectly afforded them valuable exposure to planning similar activities once they are qualified occupational therapists.”

Dr Thembi Nkomo, a lecturer and one of the event's organisers, explained that the day was designed to celebrate the department's rich history while raising awareness of the profession.

“As occupational therapists, we believe that participation in meaningful activities promotes health, well-being, and inclusion. We wanted the university community to experience, in a fun and engaging way, some of the skills and challenges that occupational therapists work with every day. The event allowed people to see that occupational therapy can be both therapeutic and enjoyable.”

Important aspect of occupational therapy

After the flashmob, members of the university community were invited to participate in a variety of games and challenges, including Morabaraba, arm wrestling, beading, using the non-dominant hand, and drawing on top of the head with the non-dominant hand. Other activities included a sensory challenge where participants identified objects through touch alone, and a fun task that required participants to move a jelly sweet from their forehead into their mouth without using their hands.

While the activities appeared playful, each one reflected an important aspect of occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to help them participate in the activities, roles and occupations that are meaningful to them. Many of the games demonstrated skills that occupational therapists assess and develop, including coordination, problem-solving, sensory processing, concentration, fine motor skills, adaptability and perseverance.

The beading and drawing activities challenged participants to use their non-dominant hand, helping them appreciate the difficulties that individuals may experience following injury, illness or disability. The sensory challenge highlighted the importance of sensory processing and how people use information from their environment to complete everyday tasks. Activities such as Morabaraba encouraged strategic thinking, planning and social interaction, while the gum challenge demonstrated creativity, problem-solving and body awareness.

Occupational therapy plays vital role

Fellow organiser and occupational therapy lecturer Anthea Jansen highlighted the importance of bringing occupational therapy beyond the classroom.

“The activities encouraged students and staff from across the university to engage with occupational therapy in a practical way. It was wonderful to see people laughing, challenging themselves, and learning more about what occupational therapists do.”

Aeeshah Khan, a second-year occupational therapy student who was also part of the organising team, reflected on the value of student involvement in the celebration.

“Being part of this event was a memorable experience. It gave us an opportunity to interact with the university community and demonstrate how occupational therapy promotes participation, independence and well-being through everyday activities.”

The event served not only as a celebration of the department’s 50-year legacy but also as a reminder of enabling people to participate fully in life. Through creativity, inclusion and meaningful engagement, the Occupational Therapy Department continues to make a lasting impact on individuals, communities and society.

As the department marks this significant milestone, it remains committed to educating future occupational therapists who will continue to promote health, participation and quality of life for all.