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12 June 2024
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Story Zinzi Zumana
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Photo supplied
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.
Qwaqwa Campus launches new degree in Community Development
2016-11-29
Photo (from the left): Morongoe Mohaleroe
(Department of Social Development), Albert Schoeman
(Assistant Dean: Faculty of the Humanities),
Dr Elsa Crause (Campus Vice-Principal:
Academic and Research), Grey Magaiza
(Programme Head: Community Development),
Dr Margie Maistry, and Prof Darren Lortan
(both from Durban University of Technology).
From 2017, the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State will offer a new professional degree in Community Development. This was revealed during the launch that was recently held on the campus.
Speakers acknowledged the positive contribution the new degree was expected to make in the region, especially in mobilising the civil society to join hands with the government in improving the quality of life in South Africa.
“There has always been a dire need for such a degree in this part of the country,” said Morongoe Mohaleroe, the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Director in the Department of Social Development.
“Our department is working hard at both national and provincial levels to professionalise this sector, and the qualification will definitely help in that regard,” she said.
Mohaleroe also thanked the campus for supporting her department with community-based research and studies by students.
Speaking during the launch, the Campus Vice-Principal: Academic and Research, Dr Elsa Crause, said the campus was proud to be the first in the country to offer this professional qualification.
‘‘What has brought us all here today, is history in the making,’’ she said to an audience consisting of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government and civil society structures like Save the Children and World Vision.
“Our campus will be the first in South Africa to offer this type of degree and a maximum of only 35 students will be accepted,” she added.
For more details, prospective students may contact Grey Magaiza (Programme Head: Community Development) at magaizag@ufs.ac.za or +27 58 718 5419.