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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.
Academics deliver paper at international congress on urban planning
2008-10-07
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Dr Maléne Campbell from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of the Free State (UFS) and Mr Andile Mshumpela, master's graduate in Urban and Regional Planning of the same department, presented a paper titled: 'The Peoples Housing Project: The Case of the Amathole District Municipality' at the recent 44th ISoCaRP congress, which took place in Dalian, China. The theme of the congress was 'Urban Growth without Sprawl a Way Towards Sustainable Urbanization' and was jointly organised by the Urban Planning Society of China and ISoCaRP, a global association of experienced professional planners. ISoCaRP (International Society of City and Regional Planners) was founded in 1965 in a bid to bring together recognised and highly qualified planners in an international network. The ISoCaRP network consists of both individual and institutional members of more than 70 countries all over the world. Here are, from the left: Councilor Luntu Bobo of the Buffalo City Municipality, Mr Mshumpela, and Dr Campbell.
Photo: Supplied
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