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06 October 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo iStock

October is recognised as World Mental Health Awareness Month – each year, we observe World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The 2023 theme centres around the idea that ‘Mental health is a universal human right’. World Mental Health Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and foster positive changes for the well-being of all individuals.

Mental disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, each manifesting with its unique set of symptoms. However, they generally share common characteristics, involving deviations in thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and interpersonal relationships. Some examples are schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disabilities, and disorders stemming from substance abuse. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be treated effectively.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Student Counselling and Development (SCD), in collaboration with the Division of Organisational Development (OD) and Employee Well-Being, will be at the forefront of Mental Health Month initiatives, addressing the needs of both students and staff members.

Staff mental health

OD and Employee Well-Being will be hosting a diverse range of staff mental health events under the theme ‘Navigating Uncertain Seas’, drawing parallels between life's unpredictability and the challenging nature of navigating rough waters. Arina Engelbrecht, Employee Well-being Specialist, elaborated, “We believe that just as a boat is built to sail uncertain seas, individuals possess the resilience and strength to navigate life's uncertainties. The campaign aims to promote mental health awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and provide tools and support for employees to thrive in both personal and professional aspects.” 

The series, ‘Navigating Uncertain Seas’, includes the following events for UFS staff members:

Navigating Uncertainties (featuring Nicky Abdinor)
Date: 6 October 2023
Time:  12:00-14:00
Venue:  Odeion, Bloemfontein Campus
Work-Life Integration (featuring Dr Asha Malan) 
Date:10 October 2023
Time:  12:45-13:45
Venue:  Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus
Resilience Reef (featuring Dr Lerato Makhele)
Date: 12 October 2023
Time: 12:45-13:45
Venue: Ukubizana Auditorium, South Campus  
Date:19 October 2023
Time:  12:45-13:45
Venue:  Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus
 
Stress Management Island (featuring Prof Frans Maruma)
Date: 25 October 2023
Time: 12:45-13:45
Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

Click here to RSVP

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers university employees and their families confidential counselling and resources to address personal and work-related issues. The UFS community can reach out to the EAP through various channels, including SMS (text your name to 31581 for a callback), phone (call 0800 004 770 for immediate assistance), WhatsApp (message 66 488 2273), or email (Carecentre@lifehealthcare.co.za).

Mental Health Quote of the Day

Student mental health

SCD offers a range of mental health services for students, including developmental workshops and webinars focusing on coping with stress, emotional intelligence, self-care, building healthy relationships, and relaxation. They also provide extended mental health programmes such as the Self-Esteem project, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy programme, and the Career Development Project. Additionally, the UFS Student Mental Health Careline is available 24/7, offering confidential telephonic counselling services and individual counselling sessions. SCD can be reached at any time, day or night, through the toll-free Student Careline at 0800 00 6363, with no call charges, or via text on 43302.

Counselling Psychologist Philile Phungula from SCD underscores the significance of mental health as a continuous journey that every student should embark upon. She stated, "Mental health is vital for university students, as it significantly impacts their overall well-being and academic success. The pressures of university and social challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. By prioritising mental health, students can enhance their ability to focus, retain and recall information, and build resilience. Additionally, seeking support and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can promote wellness. SCD aims to encourage students to enjoy a fulfilling educational journey."

To commemorate World Mental Health Month, SCD will host the following events for students:

Movie night and donation drive
Date: 15 October 2023
Time: 18:00
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein

Entry fee: Donation of sanitary towels or any toiletries.

Grow Programme Mental Health Awards (by invitation only)
Date: 27 October 2023
Time: 13:00-14:00
Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

News Archive

SA and Indonesia strengthen educational ties
2016-05-19

Description: Embassy of Indonesia Tags: Embassy of Indonesia

From the left were Prof Hussein Solomon, Senior Professor at the Department of Political Studies and Governance; Professor Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, Research Professor of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences; Suprapto Martosetomo, ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia to South Africa; and Prof Theodor Neethling, Head of the Department of Political Studies and Governance.
Photo: Johan Roux

“Indonesia and South Africa share one common trait which is diversity,” were the opening remarks of Suprapto Martosetomo, ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia to South Africa. The ambassador drew parallels between the two republics at a public lecture hosted by the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus on 10 May 2016.

Professor Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, Research Professor in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, presented the lecture on “Managing Political Diversities: The Indonesian Experience.” He outlined the history of Indonesia’s political and economic development, political system, and government’s policy in dealing with political and economic challenges, as well as the lessons learned from its experience.

Diversity and governance
As is South Africa, Indonesia is a ‘rainbow nation’. Being the largest country in the Southeast Asia, it boasts a population of approximately 250 million people, 300 ethnic groups, and 650 local languages. However, despite such diversity, the nation has been united behind the motto of “unity in diversity”, which was adopted when Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945.

Indonesia and SA also bear similarities in terms of a multiparty parliamentary system. Their current Joko Widodo and our Jacob Zuma administrations are governed by policies including anti-corruption, economic prosperity, equity and equality, quality education and healthcare, and maintenance of security.

International relations
The two countries have a long-standing relationship since 1955 when the Asia-Africa conference was held in Bandung, Indonesia. The conference represented solidarity against colonisation.

Prof Hussein Solomon, Senior Professor at the UFS Department of Political Studies and Governance, attributes Indonesia’s success as a product of education and leadership - something South Africa could learn from..“Indonesia like SA has been struggling with how to balance social diversity, democracy, and a political system. Despite this, they have managed to develop a functioning democracy and a vibrant economy. They are one of the top 20 economies in the world, and by the year 2035 will be in the top seven economies in the world, according to the Goldman Sachs, report,” he said.

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