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12 June 2024
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Story Zinzi Zumana
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UFS Lekgotla Men’s Well-being Programme: addiction dialogue encourages empowerment and exchange of ideas.
The University of the Free State (UFS)
Division of Student Affairs hosted a ‘Dialogue on Addiction’ at the Equitas Senate Hall on 20 April 2024 as part of the UFS Lekgotla Men’s Well-being Programme. Led by the esteemed
Ace Moloi, male students’ well-being was addressed by focusing on topics relating to substance abuse, the ‘hookah pipe’, pornography, and digital addiction.
Ogaisitse Diseko, an expert on substance abuse, highlighted the misconceptions and societal impact of substances such as ‘bath salts’. Male students shared personal experiences, emphasising the need for early interventions and community backing to combat addiction.
Prof Noluxolo Gcaza, a Nelson Mandela University Professor specialising in digital wellness, presented on digital well-being, internet safety, and managing screen time. The dialogue concluded with Billy Mogadi sharing his journey from addiction to recovery, underscoring the human toll and the possibility of transformation.
Mogadi’s story resonated deeply, fostering hope and empowerment among attendees. The event highlighted the power of dialogue and support in addressing addiction issues. By promoting genuine interaction and providing the necessary tools, such initiatives contribute to community well-being and development. The UFS Lekgotla Men’s Well-being programme advances its goal of fostering healthier lives through open communication and mutual support.
Africa still yearns for democracy says academic
2009-05-26
Leading academic Prof Achille Mbembe (pictured), says that in spite of substantial changes the African continent is still yearning for democracy.
Prof Mbembe was delivering a lecture commemorating Africa Day at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.
He said many Africans feel that democracy and the law, including the paramount law – the constitution itself - have betrayed them.
“Many have a feeling that they have not yet lived fully or fulfilled their lives, that they might not or might never fulfill their lives.”
Prof Mbembe, who originates from Cameroon and has been living in South Africa for nine years , said that what struck him about this country in this democratic era was that many people are still yearning for a return to the past.
He said many black South Africans know that the advent of democracy has not provided them with the kind of life they hoped for.
“If anything, democracy has rendered life even more complex than before,” he said.
“South Africa is still a nation where too many black people possess almost nothing.
“Real freedom means freedom from race,” he said. “The kind of freedom that South Africa is likely to enjoy because this nation will have built a society, a culture and a civilization in which the colour of one’s skin will be superfluous in the overall calculus of dignity, opportunity, rights and obligations,” Prof Mbembe said.
“This freedom will originate, purely and simply, from our being human.”
Prof Mbembe is currently a Research Professor in History and Politics at the University of the Witwatersrand in the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research. He has written extensively on African history and politics.
Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 May 2009