Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

On 11 October 2023, the Central University of Technology commemorated World Mental Health Day, an annual event traditionally observed on 10 October. The commemoration aims to create a nurturing, inclusive, and informed environment that prioritises the well-being of both students and staff, thereby contributing to their overall success and happiness. The celebration also served as a platform for open dialogue to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues worldwide and improve mental health care for all populations. 

Professor Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasised the significance of such events as opportunities to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health issues. “The hope is that this event will help break the silence and change conversations about mental health within campuses, workplaces, and communities,” she said. 

This year's theme, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’, highlights the institution's commitment to create awareness, share knowledge about mental health, and drive actions that safeguard mental well-being as a fundamental human right. “By raising awareness and providing spaces for open dialogue, the university aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and encourage seeking support and treatment before mental health issues reach a crisis point. As the World Health Organisation asserts, there is no health without mental health.” 

The event featured presentations and a panel discussion by Dr Reynell van der Ross, Senior Talent Management Specialist; Mrs Gellinda Nkili, Manager and Psychologist; Mr. Matlhaku Metsing, SRC President of the Bloemfontein campus, and Prof. Hesta Friedrich-Nel, Associate Professor of Radiography-Clinical Sciences who showcased the importance of sharing personal stories and fostering a supportive environment, emphasising that mental health is a universal human right that should be central in all aspects of society.

One of the notable speakers was Advocate Louisa Zondo, author of the book ‘Dearest MaRiky: A Mother's Journey through Grief, Trauma, and Healing’. She shared her experiences and journey, highlighting that traumatic grief profoundly affects physical, cognitive, and mental well-being, leading to disconnection. “Traumatic grief affects all aspects of life. It has a biological and physical impact, cognitive and mental effect and an absolute overall disconnection from sense-making,” she said.

Adv Zondo emphasised the power of sharing stories to open conversations and creating connections that can help individuals cope with the debilitating impact of grief. She shared her journey towards becoming more open and communicative and building truthful and honest relationships with her children. She further touched on the importance of embracing one's own story, which she believes love is the only reality. “From a place of love, individuals can recognise their resilience and capacity for personal growth. We are all learning together how to begin connecting with our tales and sharing our experiences. By doing so, we are learning as a family that love is the only reality. So, from a position of love, we may begin to learn to live life with an understanding that we are much more than what has been done to us and what has happened to us. We are a spirit with limitless potential that can take us wherever.”

Mrs. Gellinda Nkili, Manager and Psychologist, Dr. Reynell van der Ross, Senior Talent Management Specialist and Mr. Buti Manamela, Honorable Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

Her book was motivated by her belief that mental health and well-being should be at the core of all societal endeavours as they shape individuals and their contributions to the world. “A mother's emotional health significantly influences her children. Breaking patterns of emotional restrictions can lead to healthier and more open relationships within families,” she said.

Mr. Buti Manamela, Honorable Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, contributed to the conversation by discussing how mental health risks and protective factors operate at different societal scales. He pointed out that both local and global threats can impact individuals, families, communities, and entire populations. He urged that communities should not overlook the interconnectedness of global events, as they shape our collective consciousness and discussions, influencing mental health on a broader scale. To address this global problem, he encouraged a more empathetic and supportive approach to those suffering from mental health-related issues.

Mr Manamela provided alarming statistics about mental health among students, highlighting the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. He emphasised the efforts made by the department to support students, including a team of psychologists, a 24-hour crisis line, and the development of campus health and wellness resources.

Some of the students who attended the event

Uploaded: 13 October 2023