Through a stage play titled ‘Behind the Smile’, University of Limpopo Performing Arts students highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviour.
By Nyeleti Mabasa – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
As the world grapples with an escalating mental health crisis, the University of Limpopo (UL) is reaffirming its dedication to fostering supportive environments that prioritise psychological well-being
In alignment with global initiatives to raise mental health awareness, UL collaborated with Capricorn TVET College (Polokwane Campus) to emphasise that mental wellness is a shared responsibility, not a privilege.
This partnership was part of the institutions’ commemoration of World Mental Health Day, organised by UL’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) in collaboration with the SAMRC-DSI/NRF Research Chair in Mental Health and Society. The event brought together academics, mental health professionals, and students to discuss proactive strategies for addressing mental health challenges among young people in higher education.
Professor Tholene Sodi, clinical psychologist and holder of the SAMRC-DSI/NRF Research Chair in Mental Health and Society at UL, inspires the audience with insights on early intervention and mental wellness during World Mental Health Day.
In his keynote address, Professor Tholene Sodi, a clinical psychologist and holder of the SAMRC-DSI/NRF Research Chair in Mental Health and Society at UL, stressed the importance of early intervention and community-based mental health support.
“Many challenges faced by our students begin long before they reach university,” he stated. “We need to create environments that protect the well-being and academic success of young people. This requires early intervention and a collective sense of responsibility, which is the essence of the PreHpare Initiative.”
Co-founded in 2023 by Prof Sodi and Prof Themane Mahlapahlapana, both from UL, the PreHpare Initiative aims to promote mental health through research, mentorship, and community engagement.
“The initiative conducts implementation research, trains and mentors early-career researchers, and raises mental health awareness in educational settings,” Prof Sodi explained. “We are also developing short learning programmes to build capacity and empower educators and practitioners.”
Prof Sodi further noted that one of the initiative’s key priorities is addressing early childhood mental health challenges.
“Many early childhood educators lack the training to identify emotional or behavioural problems in children,” he said. “By empowering teachers at this level, we are investing in a stronger, mentally healthier society.”
Adding a clinical perspective, Dr Sefala Gabriel, a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the School of Medicine at UL and the Department of Health in Limpopo, reminded attendees that mental health encompasses more than just the absence of illness.
“Mental health includes physical, psychological, and social well-being,” he stated. “Often, we wait until someone is diagnosed before we pay attention, yet signs of distress appear long before that. Ignoring these signs can lead to depression or even suicide. If those around you begin to worry, that’s when support should start.”
Ntjebane Manamela, Campus Manager, Capricorn TVET College, emphasised that partnerships with UL to enhance student well-being through collaboration should be encouraged.
“Our partnership with UL continues to flourish,” he remarked. “Together, we are creating environments that promote mental wellness alongside academic success. This collaboration demonstrates how institutions can unite for the benefit of students.”
The commemoration also featured a poignant performance by UL Performing Arts students, whose stage drama portrayed the emotional struggles faced by young people and encouraged help-seeking behaviour. Their performance challenged stigma and inspired the audience to approach mental health with compassion and understanding.