11 June 2026
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Supplied
The Student Advocacy and Wellness Office team is committed to advancing holistic well-being, inclusion, support, and advocacy.
The University of the Free State (UFS) has renamed its HIV Office to the
Student Wellness and Advocacy Office, reflecting the expanded scope of services and support it provides to students.
According to Shibashiba Moabelo, Manager of the Student Wellness and Advocacy Office, the name change acknowledges the evolving needs of students and the office's broader role in promoting student well-being.
“The decision was informed by the evolution of the office's work over the years,” says Moabelo. “While HIV prevention, education, and support remain important aspects of our mandate, the needs of students have become increasingly diverse and complex.”
Responding to changing student needs
Over time, the office has broadened its focus to address a wide range of issues that influence student success and well-being, including mental health, gender-based violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, substance abuse awareness, disability inclusion, and student development initiatives.
The transition recognises that today's students face a variety of challenges that extend beyond HIV-related concerns.
Mental health pressures, academic stress, financial challenges, social isolation, substance abuse, gender-based violence, and identity-related issues all have a significant impact on student well-being and academic success.
“The new name acknowledges these realities and signals that the office is equipped to support students through a broad spectrum of wellness and developmental interventions,” says Moabelo.
A holistic approach to wellness
The new name reflects the office's comprehensive approach to student support.
“The name Student Wellness and Advocacy Office reflects a commitment to supporting students' overall well-being,” explains Moabelo. “'Wellness' reflects our holistic approach to health, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, social, and sexual well-being. 'Advocacy' highlights our role in promoting student rights, inclusion, equity, access to support services, and creating environments where students feel heard, supported, and empowered.”
While the office's name has changed, its commitment to HIV education and support remains unchanged. HIV prevention, testing, awareness campaigns, advocacy, and support services will continue to form an integral part of its work.
“The new name recognises that HIV education and support form part of a larger wellness ecosystem,” Moabelo explains. “The office continues to provide HIV prevention, testing, advocacy, awareness campaigns, and support services; however, it also delivers programmes focused on mental health awareness, psychosocial well-being, healthy relationships, gender-based violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, disability inclusion, substance abuse prevention, and student development.”
Why advocacy matters
The inclusion of the word ‘advocacy’ was a deliberate and important decision.
“Advocacy is central to our work, because student well-being extends beyond providing information and services,” says Moabelo. “It involves amplifying student voices, promoting access to support systems, addressing barriers to well-being, challenging stigma and discrimination, and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.”
The office aims to ensure that students not only have access to services and support but also have a platform through which their needs and concerns can be heard and addressed.
An exciting new chapter
Moabelo says the transition marks an exciting new chapter in the university's continued commitment to creating a supportive campus environment.
“While our name has changed, our dedication to supporting students remains stronger than ever,” he says. “We want students and staff to know that HIV education and support remain integral to our work. Still, we are now better positioned to address the broader wellness needs of our diverse student community.”
He encourages both students and staff to engage with the office's programmes, make use of available support services, and contribute to building a healthier and more inclusive university community.
“Our message is simple: your well-being matters, your voice matters, and the Student Wellness and Advocacy Office is here to support, empower, and advocate for you every step of the way.”