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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.
Two new buildings for Health
2012-03-06
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The James Moroka building and the Muller Potgieter building of the Faculty of Health Sciences were officially taken into use in February this year. Present at the ceremony was from left Prof. Gert van Zyl, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Mr Benjamin Moroka, son of Dr James Moroka, and Mrs Mari Potgieter, wife of Dr Muller Potgieter.
Photo: René-Jean van der Berg
06 March 2012
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The university of the Free State boasts two new modern buildings on the Bloemfontein Campus that were erected specially for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The James Moroka building and the Muller Potgieter building were officially taken into use recently. Family members of Dr Moroka and Dr Potgieter were present and unveiled the cornerstone.
The Faculty of Health Sciences experienced a growing shortage of office space and lecture halls on campus. To address the situation, the grounds of the old vehicle pool were used to construct the buildings. Its prime location – opposite the faculty’s existing building – was a bonus.
The National Department of Higher Education and other interested parties worked together to construct the buildings in as short a time as possible. The buildings have been in use since the beginning of the year.