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10 September 2020 | Story Barend Nagel | Photo Barend Nagel

There is a notable quote by one of the most prolific and influential composers ever, that says: 

“The music is not in the notes,
but in the silence in between.”
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart’s proclamation is relevant, now more than ever. In many cases, we may not realise that those who are more silent than others are most likely faced with adversity in terms of their mental health.

To counteract this silence, UFS Clinical Psychologist, Angela Vorster from the School of Clinical Medicine, devised the UFS Medical Students ‘Unplugged’ initiative as part of a larger campaign. Vorster says the campaign creates an opportunity to encourage students to reconnect with their soulful side.

“Each year we choose a mental-health issue and focus our theme on raising awareness – e.g. suicide awareness.” This year’s theme is ‘In my blood’ depression and anxiety awareness. Sadly, the 2020 ‘Unplugged’ event had to be cancelled due to the unfortunate (and mentally taxing) circumstances we are currently facing around the globe. Nonetheless, Vorster’s evident compassion and benevolence towards individuals’ mental health did not allow the pandemic to discourage her from finding innovative ways of keeping harmony.

“Once we all returned to a 'new normal', I invited our students to submit recordings of their music. This then became a channel of its own on YouTube – and we could not be prouder of our musically talented students.” According to Vorster, research and literature have established that music has a significant impact on relieving emotional distress and improving our moods. “It became evident during therapy sessions how important music is in helping our students express their emotions, relax, and also engage their creativity,” says Vorster.

With Mental Health Month inching it’s way closer, and World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we should all embrace the ‘magic’ of music and the positive effects it has on our psychological and mental well-being. So, turn up the volume and defeat the silence in your life with your favourite music. Play an instrument, turn up the volume on your iPod, sing in the shower, or watch the UFS Students ‘Unplugged’ videos on YouTube; allow music to heal your ‘silences in between’.

 


News Archive

Kovsie men’s football team top of the league
2011-03-13

The Kovsie men’s football team in action.

Things are looking very positive for the Kovsies men’s football team at the University of the Free State (UFS) this year as they are ranking first in the SAB regional league.

From the 23 matches – out of 30 matches – the team has won 16 matches, drawn 5 and lost 2 matches in the league. The Kovsies team beat the Central University of Technology team (2-1 on home turf and 1-0 with the away game). They also beat the Thaba Nchu All Stars with 4-1 the past weekend on home ground.
 
“This coming weekend we will play against the league contenders, MUPS United from Ladybrand, currently second in the league. The match will take place at the Arthur Pitso Stadium on Sunday,” said sport manager at Kovsie Sport, Nomsa Mahlangu.
 
The Kovsie team will later in this league also compete against the Leeds United and the Junior Mates from Dewetsdorp.
 
“We are hoping to not drop any points in order to gain advancement to the Vodacom provincial league. If we win this league we will be promoted to the provincial league, which is only two steps away from the professional league. It is our dream to play professional league football,” said Nomsa.

 

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