For many students at the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus, especially those without medical aid or access to private healthcare, the campus clinic becomes the first place they turn to when facing illness, emotional distress, or personal crisis while away from home. Beyond consultations and treatment, campus nurses often provide reassurance and support to students trying to navigate the pressures of university life.

On International Nurses Day (12 May), the Qwaqwa Campus management team gathered to honour nurses from the Health and Wellness Office, in recognition of the role they continue to play in supporting the well-being of students and staff across the campus. Campus Principal Prof Prince Ngobeni said the contribution of nurses remains central to the university community. “Our nurses provide a service that reaches far beyond healthcare. They support the dignity, well-being, and stability of our students and staff every day, often during moments when people need reassurance and compassion the most.”

Caring for students beyond the clinic room

Chief Nurse and Clinic Manager Matebello Pitso said caring for students and staff means understanding that health extends beyond physical illness.

“We care for students and staff holistically, mentally and physically, so that they are able to function well in their daily lives. Students need to be in a healthy state to focus on their studies, while staff members also need support to continue working effectively,” she said.

Pitso added that the clinic continues to respond to challenges affecting students, including depression, substance-induced psychosis, sexually transmitted infections, and reduced condom use among young people. “We provide treatment, support, counselling, and referrals where necessary, because some cases require specialised intervention. Many students arrive here carrying emotional burdens as well, and we try to ensure they feel supported while receiving care.”

She said nurses on campus often take on a role that extends beyond healthcare, because many students are living far from their families and support systems. “We are not only caring for physical well-being. For many students, we also become a source of comfort and emotional support because their families are far away from them while they are studying here.”

Third-year student Asanda Mahlinza said the clinic has become an important source of support during difficult moments. “The campus clinic has been a big help whenever I was not feeling well. The nurses always made the situation feel less stressful and made it easier to cope while trying to keep up with university life,” she said.

Mahlinza also expressed appreciation to the nurses for the care they continue to provide to students throughout the year. “Happy International Nurses Day, and thank you for always being there for students. Your care, patience, and support truly make a difference on campus.”

Zoleka Dotwana, Director of the Division of Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture (DSA-SAC), said the nurses form part of the broader support structure that contributes to student success and staff well-being. “What makes the UFS a workplace of choice is the importance we place on the well-being of our staff members. Our nurses provide an essential service and continue to support students with dedication despite the demanding nature of their work,” she said.

Dotwana added that nurses and other professionals within DSA-SAC continue working to ensure students are supported in ways that allow them to remain focused on their studies and overall well-being.