Western Cape region
University of the Western Cape
Introducing African Spiritual Counselling at University of the Western Cape
The Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) at UWC has launched African Spiritual Counselling Services, integrating African spirituality into student wellness support. A trained Sangoma and registered social worker now offers culturally rooted counselling to address spiritual callings, ancestral misalignment, and identity issues. This initiative, which complements existing alternative wellness services, aims to support emotional and mental well-being through guided ancestral communication, one-on-one sessions, and a designated sacred space on campus. While traditional rituals like ukuhlola are not yet offered, a university-wide task team is developing a framework for a full African spiritual healing facility in future phases.
UWC Moves for Peace Through Action
The Ubuntu Peace Program (UPP) continues to foster empathy, accountability, and justice at UWC. Rooted in the belief that “I am because we are,” UPP empowers students to become socially conscious changemakers. This year’s Move for Peace Day merged physical activity and symbolic action, uniting the campus in a walk for harmony led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Robert Balfour and DVC Prof. Matete Madiba. The event promoted wellness, diversity, and unity in a world facing deep divisions. UPP reaffirms that peace starts with each of us—and at UWC, it’s a way of life.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Empowering Wellness at CPUT Residences
The Residence Peer Helper Programme at CPUT is making a meaningful impact on student wellness. Run by the Student Counselling Department, this volunteer initiative has trained 76 junior and senior students across residences to act as trusted referral agents and advocates for mental health. Peer Helpers help destigmatise seeking support, promote access to counselling services, and create a more caring, connected residence community. They also lead awareness activities, peer discussions, and support mental health initiatives in collaboration with Student Affairs. We applaud these dedicated students for championing mental well-being and student success.
Stellenbosch University
Fostering Inclusion at Stellenbosch University
The Disability Unit kicked off the year with powerful training sessions aimed at empowering student leaders. Mentors, house committee members, and Academic Affairs Council representatives participated in workshops focused on disability inclusion, gaining tools to foster a more accessible and supportive campus for all. These efforts mark a strong step toward building a more inclusive student leadership culture at Stellenbosch. Several activities to foster inclusion were initiated.
Empowering Student Leaders: Disability Inclusion Training
The start of the year was filled with impactful training sessions for student mentors, critical engagement house committee members, and leaders from the Academic Affairs Council. These sessions provided valuable insights into disability inclusion and equipped student leaders with the tools to create a more inclusive university environment.
Faculty Information Sessions: Engaging First Years
The DU team reached out across these faculties as a way to introduce first-year students to our services. The faculties were: the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of AgriSciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Theology and the Faculty of Engineering. We also engaged first-year students in conversation about disability inclusion and academic concessions. These sessions were lively and informative, setting the tone for an inclusive university experience where students with and without disabilities learnt more about disabilities. Below are two pictures of faculty engagements. The SRC Manager: Special Needs Portfolio, Mr Daniel Terblanche, attended some of these sessions too.
Student Volunteers: A Revived Initiative!
This year, we launched our Student Volunteer Programme, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Our volunteers, passionate about disability inclusion, have been instrumental in supporting our sessions and connecting with students. Their enthusiasm and dedication are already making a big difference to our students and parents who have questions. They are learning much too!
Raising Epilepsy Awareness with Stellenbosch Municipality
On 27 February, we teamed up with Stellenbosch Municipality’s Community Development team to host an inspiring Epilepsy Awareness Event. Through meaningful discussions and shared experiences, we worked together to break stigmas, promote inclusion, and advocate for better support for people with epilepsy.
Scribes Training
We have started with training of Scribe, Prompter, and Reader Training—and what an incredible experience it was! Our dedicated participants gained valuable insights and practical skills to support students with disabilities during assessments. From understanding accessibility needs to mastering best practices for effective assistance, they are now equipped to make a real difference!
Lead with Disability for Students: A Powerful Start!
Our Lead with Disability programme kicked off in March with 60 eager students ready to engage in meaningful conversations about accessibility and inclusion. Their enthusiasm and openness are shaping this programme into a powerful movement for change on campus, where students are equipped to take the lead around disability matters. They understand that disability is everyone’s business and not only the work of the Disability Unit.
Lead with Disability @ work
The Stellenbosch University Disability Unit and HR started the Lead with Disability @ Work workshop sessions, a unique opportunity to enhance disability awareness and inclusion in our everyday working environment.
This programme aims to foster meaningful conversations around disability and equip staff with the tools and knowledge to engage competently and consciously. Each session will provide insights to help create an inclusive workspace for colleagues and students with disabilities.
Expanding Impact Through Training and Accreditation
In May, the Stellenbosch University Centre for Student Counselling and Development welcomed panel members from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as part of an accreditation review for the 12-month Educational Psychology Internship Programme. While awaiting formal feedback, the Centre is optimistic about becoming an accredited internship site—an exciting step toward expanding training capacity and shaping the next generation of educational psychologists.
Additionally, staff from the Unit for Academic Counselling and Development at Stellenbosch University completed the Academic Advising Professional Development Programme hosted by the University of the Free State. This national initiative equips higher education professionals with essential tools for proactive, student-centred academic advising. The training enhances the Centre’s ability to support students holistically, identifying at-risk students, promoting academic success, and aligning with broader student counselling services to foster well-rounded student development.
Free State Region
University of the Free State
Engagements
Student Counselling and Development, as part of the Health and Wellness Centre, at the University of the Free State, regularly engages with our two neighbouring HEIs: Sol Plaatje University and Central University of Technology (CUT). A benchmarking exercise was recently conducted by the Welkom campus of CUT at the UFS.
UFS Students’ Mental Health Policy
The UFS is finalising the review of its mental health policy for students. Interesting engagements with SAACDHE colleagues across South Africa have enhanced the quality of the newly conceptualised policy. Thank you to each colleague who assisted!
Training
The SCD team of all three campuses attended a two-day training on Couples Counselling earlier this year. Staff expressed positive feedback about the training.
Daffodil Coping Kits
The daffodil coping kit was launched during the second term of last year by SCD and is being expanded in 2025, due to its positive impact. The development of the kit served as a supplementary resource within therapeutic interventions, particularly aimed at supporting severely distressed students. Comprising coping tips and strategies, including self-soothing techniques and grounding exercises, the kit is intended as a tangible resource that students could utilise beyond their sessions. It represents a continuation of the containment and empowerment initiated during the initial therapeutic session, providing continuous support and reinforcement outside of the counselling environment.
Vaal North-West Region
On 13 March 2025, the Vaal-North West Region had their first meeting for the new year. Cheerful greetings were the order of the day after most members not seeing each other since before December! We had a productive meeting which was followed by an insightful CPD presentation on “The ethics of self-care amongst health care professionals”.
Regional CPD presentations
The SAACDHE Vaal-North West Region have recently embarked on a new venture offering in-house CPD presentations at our regional meetings, rather than contracting outside CPD providers. The aim is to save on the cost of meetings for the hosting institution, and also to use the valuable resources and knowledge we have within our regional members, as a means of generating funds for the region. After our first CPD presentation, which was only for members attending the regional meeting, we hosted a very successful online presentation as well, which was open to members as well as non-members. The topic was “Emergency mental health care within the tertiary education environment”. We are looking forward to building on this project in the future!
Gaunolanga Region
The Gaunolanga is in the process of planning the 2025 SAACDHE conference. Please visit the SAACDHE Conference webpage for detailed information about submitting your abstract and conference registration.
Congratulations!
The region would also like to extend hearty congratulations to Dr Daniel Ramollo from Tshwane University of Technology for obtaining his PhD in Educational Psychology! Congratulations!
