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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

Kovsie student to participate in G8 2013 Summit
2013-06-06

A Kovsie student is heading to London to attend the June G8 2013 Youth Summit. Tumelo Moreri is part of a chosen few who will walk among world class leaders as a delegate of the African Union.

The summit provides a platform for young leaders where they are able to collectively voice their opinions. It also gives them the opportunity to gain valuable insights on international diplomacy in order to tackle 21st century challenges head on.

The African Union delegation, of which Tumelo is part, includes representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. It consists of a Head of Government, Sherpa, Press Secretary, Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Finance, Minister of Justice, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Energy and Climate Change, Minister of Development, and Minister of Defence. They are responsible for developing and negotiating position papers with regards to the various ministerial positions.

Tumelo Moreri is a co-founder of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today in her home country, Botswana. She is currently the International Affairs Officer of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Bloemfontein Campus. “The highlight for me is the fact that I am representing Africa. Africa’s voice will get to be heard through us,” says Moreri. “I see this as a huge opportunity to strive to make a contribution towards Africa and finding solutions unique to her problems. This will be a stepping stone to effecting change. This learning curve will shape and influence global discourse.”

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