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01 October 2019
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Story Prof Francis Petersen
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Photo Pixabay
During October, the national focus is on mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month also coincides with a time when our students prepare for the end of the year exams, making it a particularly valuable time for us to think about how we can continuously assist them during their time at university. The value of peer support and genuine care can never be overstressed; that is why I want to encourage our students to reach out to their support networks such as our Department of Student Counselling and Development, as we move towards the end of the year.
Mental health is an equally important matter for our staff. During this month, I want to encourage our staff to also take cognisance of their own well-being. There is a lot of wisdom in the old adage: Healthy body, healthy mind. Many of the initiatives of our Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness are focused on the value of physical activity and the negative impact that inactivity can have on one’s productivity and mental health. They also present regular lunch-hour sessions for our staff, where experts share information and practical tips for mental wellness. I want to encourage our staff to attend these sessions and to make use of the services the university has to offer in this regard. It is important to note that suffering from mental and anxiety disorders is not weaknesses and it is not always indicative of a deeper psychological issue; it is an illness and hence can be treated.
On 20 September 2019, a 21-member team was sent off on their run of 1 075 km to Stellenbosch to raise awareness for mental health. The run was organised by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The team ran in relay format throughout the night and handed the baton of hope to Stellenbosch University on 25 September 2019. I admire and thank them not only for their commitment and stamina, but also for addressing this crucial matter in the public domain and for raising awareness in the many towns and communities along the way.
This is an excerpt from a message by Prof Francis Petersen.
Meet our Council: Mr Rantooa Moji – passionate about the welfare of workers
2017-07-07
Mr Rantooa Moji, member of the UFS Council
Photo: Stephen Collett
Mr Rantooa Moji has recently joined the UFS Council by virtue of being chairperson of the university’s Institutional Forum (IF). The IF’s function is to advise Council in accordance with the Higher Education Act and UFS Statute.
Born and bred in Qwaqwa, Mr Moji is a junior lecturer in Chemistry at the university. He completed his BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at the then UNIN (Qwaqwa), which is now part of the UFS. He also completed an MA (HES) at the University of the Free State.
Fascinated with Chemistry
“I pursued science mainly due to my school background, but I also have a keen interest in the subject. The diverse applications of Chemistry in daily life have always fascinated me and that is why I chose to pursue it,” he says.
During his postgraduate studies at the UFS, Moji was exposed to education and management trends in higher education. He has subsequently become involved with labour relations issues through the personnel union Nehawu. He says he has a passion for the welfare of workers and therefore fulfils a number of roles in the union, including representing members in disciplinary and grievance hearings, being part of the negotiations team, and representing the union on a number of institutional committees, such as the Health Care Committee.
Passion for worker’s welfare
Says Mr Moji: “I feel that my experience as an academic and a union activist puts me in good stead to ensure that the views and aspirations of employees are taken into account in the Council’s deliberations and decision-making.”
Mr Moji is married, with two daughters and one son.