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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

Internet Broadcast Project wins at International Enterprise Video Awards
2014-08-11

Video: Internet Broadcast Project

In April this year, the ICTISE (ICT Innovation in School Education) division won the first place at the Enterprise Video Awards held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Their Internet Broadcast Project (IBP) was the overall winner in the Innovation category – competing against universities and other training institutions from across the world.

The IBP is a collaborative project between the ICTISE and the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE). Broadcasting from the South Campus studio in Bloemfontein, teachers use specialised web-casting technology to present lessons that reach 68 education centres. Lessons cover a range of subjects and broadcast in real time to teachers and learners from Grades 8 to 12, covering 40 Free State towns, including the most rural areas.

Head of the ICTISE Project, Sarietjie Musgrave said, “Each participating school is equipped with 24/7 uncapped internet access, an all-in-one computer (computer, data projector and sound system), a document camera and a printer – the same equipment used in the studio by the expert teachers.

“The technology provided allows learners to communicate with the expert teacher in the studio during a broadcast to the school or learner at no cost. Lessons can be downloaded on to various devices and re-used during teaching time, shared with neighbouring schools, or taken home by learners to help with homework or for revision.

“To date, the IBP catalogue contains over 2 000 video lessons and during 2013 alone, the 68 schools accessed and used these videos 69 305 times. The project has the potential to reach more than 40 000 learners and 1 765 teachers every week.”

Innovation and sustainability form the backbone of this project. Support is provided to teachers and learners in Mathematics, Maths Literacy, Physical Science, Life Science, Geography, English, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies.


The ICTISE has a dedicated technical team to support schools. During broadcasts there is a dedicated helpline and on-site technical support, even in the remotest areas.

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