CPUT recently hosted the Inter-institutional Student Well-being Summit – a collaborative event by CPUT, the University of the Free State, and Stellenbosch (SU).
The three-day summit was attended by representatives from various tertiary institutions, including from the three co-hosts, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, Boland College and the College of Cape Town.
In his official welcoming address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Prof Gilingwe Mayende, told the delegates that the event showed commitment towards holistic student wellness, which is critical towards the success of “your academic journey”.
Setting the summit agenda, Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana said student well-being encompasses the overall health of a student, including their social, mental, physical and emotional health. “Students who lack confidence typically concentrate solely on their shortcomings. Schools should provide an atmosphere that praises and acknowledges their performance when they do well. Students should be reminded that their flaws do not define them, and they should be encouraged to continue working hard in class.
“This will not only improve their self-worth but also significantly boost their academic performance.”
On behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Director: Student Support and Sector Engagement, Fundiswa Sotenjwa, underscored the urgent necessity for a holistic approach to student wellness, saying that addressing students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being is not just beneficial; it is foundational to their academic success. “Initiatives that promote wellness programmes within our educational framework not only enhance academic achievements but also cultivate a balanced and enriching student experience.”
The Student Representative Council leaders from the institutions that were present at the summit were allowed to convey their messages of support.
Participants were then divided into a Men’s Summit and a Women’s Summit.
The Women’s Summit saw students from participating institutions engaging in discussions around Women in Leadership - Accelerating Women Empowerment and Gender Equality and Gender Inclusivity in Higher Education, among other topics.
At the Men’s Summit, there were discussions about the men leading from the front in addressing gender-based violence - a solution-driven discussion: Voices from staff members and students, facilitated by Tumiso Mfisa, a Stream Coordinator: Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity, and Jacob Ranyao, Residence Supervisor.
The groups then rejoined and Brightness Mangolothi, Director at HERS-SA, spoke on the topic of ‘Setting the tone on Gender and Young Women Empowerment in Higher Education’.
“Gender plays a significant role in student success, influencing academic performance, participation, and overall educational experiences. By addressing gender-related factors, educational institutions can create more equitable environments that foster success for all students, regardless of gender,” she said.
The event also saw the launch of the CPUT EmpowHer Forum. Dean of Student Affairs, Nonkosi Tyolwana, said CPUT was the first local institution to do so.
The programme is aimed at empowering young women in terms of leadership, personal development and entrepreneurship.
She said it was a global movement and CPUT wanted to see other universities joining.
Day two of the summit included several thought-provoking sessions, including breakaway sessions on leadership, personal development, and personal branding, sexual and reproductive health, first responder training by the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences and a session on self-defence and personal safety.
The final day saw students engaging in several fun activities, including sports, at the CPUT Sports Stadium.
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Written by Ilse Fredericks and Aphiwe Boyce |
