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01 October 2019 | Story Prof Francis Petersen | Photo Pixabay
Mental Health


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.

Mental Health Awareness Campaign

News Archive

Two Kovsies receive bursaries from PPS
2011-05-23

 
Aquinetta Ntungwana and Maryke du Plessis

Two students from our university, Maryke du Plessis and Aquinetta Ntungwana, who are enrolled for Psychology and Humanities, respectively, were awarded bursaries of R15 000 each from PPS. They were two of ten outstanding students in South Africa who have been selected for these bursaries.

PPS, the leading South African specialist financial services provider to graduate professionals, has awarded bursaries totalling R150 000. This is part of an ongoing effort to provide much-needed financial assistance to university students across the country.
 
According to Mike Jackson, Chief Executive at PPS, the bursaries play an important role in addressing South Africa’s skills shortages. “Given the severe skills constraints we are currently experiencing in South Africa in a range of professions, it is essential that talented students, who through no fault of their own may not be able to afford education, are given the same opportunities as their peers.”

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