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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

Meet our Council: Christo Dippenaar, 'n oud-Kovsie vir oud-Kovsies
2016-12-26

Description: Christo Dippenaar, council member Tags: Christo Dippenaar, council member 

Christo Dippenaar, former Kovsie
and current UFS councillor.
Photo: Johann Roux


Christo Dippenaar knows the University of the Free State (UFS) very well. He started his studies at the UFS in 1992 and later obtained a BProc degree. During his years at university, he was Prime of Hendrik Verwoerd Residence (1994), served on the Student Representative Council in the portfolio Men Intern (1995), and in the following year he was Deputy President of the Student Representative Council. He was also residence head of the former Reitz Apartments.

A thorough knowledge of the university
Thanks to this broad background, he has a thorough knowledge of the university, its history, procedures, principles and its people. It is therefore no surprise that Dippenaar was elected to the Council by UFS alumni. Dippenaar, or “Dippies” as he is also known, has served on the Council since 2014. In addition, he has a child who is currently studying at the UFS and therefore he has more than just a theoretical interest in what is happening at the UFS.

He is of the opinion that, in his capacity as UFS councillor, he could be a true mouthpiece for former Kovsies.

"As councillor, I can ask the necessary questions to ensure fair and just treatment of all stakeholders."

A man with diverse interests
His legal knowledge also comes in handy in his role as councillor. Dippenaar was formerly employed at Honey Attorneys and at Horn and Van Rensburg, but in 2008 he started his own practice which is also operating in Lesotho.

He describes his wife, Hanlie, as his best friend and soul mate. His eldest son, Johann, is studying BSc Quantity Surveying at the UFS, while another son, Pieter, is in Grade 10 in Grey College. His daughter, Anneke, is in Grade 6 in Universitas Primary.

Asked about his passions, he says rugby and fine Brahman cross-breed cattle are equally attractive to him. Thus, a man with diverse interests and a highly demanding career, but also a former Kovsie with a passion for other former Kovsies and for his alma mater.

 

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