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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

Sello, Brits and Van Vuuren shine at Varsity athletics
2017-03-10

Description:Varsity athletics Tags: Varsity athletics longdesc=

Elmé Smith represented Kovsies in the 100 m
and 200 m at the Varsity athletics event in
Potchefstroom.
Photo: Mario van de Wall/SASPA

Jovan van Vuuren, Maryke Brits, and Tsepang Sello were our big stars at the first Varsity athletics event in Potchefstroom. They all finished first in their items and helped their Kovsies team claim an excellent overall third position among eight universities.

The jumps by Van Vuuren and Brits (both long jump) of 7.73 m and 6.11 m respectively were the longest, while Sello’s time in the 800 m was 2:12.01. Brits not only won the long jump, but was also second in the 100 m hurdles (13.65 s).

UFS outperform the likes of Maties, UJ

The Kovsies eventually bragged with three first, seven second, and two third spots on the podium. They ran, jumped and threw, bagging altogether 12 podium spots to accumulate 14 902 points (with an average of 993). Tuks, with 15 604 (1 040), and Pukke with 15 252 (1 017) was respectively first and second on 3 March 2017. Our team outperformed universities like the Maties and the University of Johannesburg.

Rynardt, Kesa claim second place

Big names such as Rynardt van Rensburg (800 m, second in 1:50.49) and Kesa Molotsane (1 500 m, second in 04:29.31) also scored podium spots. The second Varsity athletics meeting will take place in Pretoria on 31 March 2017.

Team results in Potch:

1. Tuks 15 604 (Top 15’s average: 1 040)
2. Puk 15 252 (1 017)
3. Kovsies 14 902 (993)
4. UJ 14857 (990)
5. Maties 14317 (954)
6. UWC 14068 (938)
7. Madibaz 13721 (915)
8. TUT 13463 (898)

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