Higher Health SA

[DAY 4 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

What does it mean to be an active citizen in the fight against Gender-Based Violence?

For Mthobisi Ndwandwe, a Higher Health Peer Educator from the University Of Zululand, the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) module within the Civic and Soft Skills Programme provided a new perspective on civic responsibility, accountability and the role young people can play in creating safer communities.

Reflecting on his experience, Mthobisi shares:

“Before this, I understood GBV as just something bad that happens, but the module opened my eyes to the broader causes, including power dynamics and social norms that contribute to it.”

He further explains:

“I learned that being an active citizen means taking a complete approach knowing when to help someone access support, speaking up against harmful attitudes and understanding that even small actions can make a difference.”



DHET
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Mimmy Gondwe
Nkosinathi Sishi
Motheo TVET College
Coastal KZN TVET College, Appelsbosch Campus.
Lovedale TVET College
Motheo TVET College - Thaba Nchu Campus
Motheo TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Stellenbosch University Equality Unit - Eenheid vir Gelykwaardigheid
Universities South Africa
University of Johannesburg
University Of Venda
Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Pretoria

[DAY 3 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

“The biggest lesson I have learned is that people are more likely to open up when you are closer to them.”

For Seribana Maryjane, a Higher Health Peer Educator from Vhembe TVET College (Makwarela Campus) being a Peer Educator has been about more than providing information; it has been about creating trust, building connections and supporting fellow students through their challenges.

Through her role, she has learned the importance of active listening, empathy and confidentiality, while helping students access the support services available to them.

Reflecting on her journey, she shares:

“Being a Peer Educator helped me become a better listener and taught me how important it is to support others without judgement. It also taught me responsibility and the value of confidentiality when students trust you with their experiences.”

Her story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest impact begins with simply listening, understanding and helping someone take the first step towards getting support.



DHET
Buti Manamela
DM Dr Mimmy Gondwe
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College Central
South West Gauteng TVET College
Thekwini TVET College
Goldfields TVET College ZA
Coastal KZN TVET College, Appelsbosch Campus.
Mopani TVET College
University Of Venda
The University of the Western Cape
University Of Zululand
Tshwane University of Technology TUT
Nelson Mandela University

[DAY 3 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

Today, Makukwe Livhuwani , a Higher Health Peer Educator from Vhembe TVET College (Makwarela Campus) reflects on her journey as a Peer Educator and the impact the programme has had on her personal growth and leadership development.

As Makukwe shares:

“Being a Peer Educator has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. It has taught me how to communicate with confidence, listen to others and support people without judging them.”

She further reflects on the skills he has gained through the programme:

“Through this journey, I have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and helping others make positive choices. Knowing that I can make a small difference in someone’s life makes me proud and inspires me to continue helping others.”

Her story highlights the important role Peer Educators play in promoting student wellbeing, leadership and positive change across the PSET sector.



DHET
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Buti Manamela
DM Dr Mimmy Gondwe
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Western Cape Community Education and Training College
Lovedale TVET College
Maluti TVET College - Harrismith 2025
South West Gauteng TVET College
Thekwini TVET College
Goldfields TVET College ZA
Ikhala TVET College
Umfolozi TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Mopani TVET College
Central Johannesburg TVET College
University Of Venda
The University of the Western Cape
University Of Zululand
Sol Plaatje University
Nelson Mandela University

[DAY 2 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

Peer Educators, Akhona Maphumulo and Sibabalwe Maqabuka from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) together with Higher Health Campus Care Worker Velisiwe Ngema, highlight why student mental health matters and the importance of seeking support when needed.

As Akhona Maphumulo explains:

“Mental health is emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It is not just about having a mental illness; it is about how you think, feel and act in your day-to-day life.”

Sibabalwe Maqabuka further emphasises the role mental health plays in student success:

“Mental health is important because it is basically the engine for everything; learning, relationships and personal growth.”

Velisiwe Ngema also encourages students to speak openly about the challenges they may be facing:

“If we encourage students to speak out about the mental health challenges they are facing, we can help create a better future for every student and for everyone.”

Students are encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing and reach out for support when needed. Free and confidential psychosocial support is available 24 hours a day through the Higher Health Crisis Helpline on 0800 36 36 36.



DHET
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Buti Manamela
Mimmy Gondwe
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
South West Gauteng TVET College
Thekwini TVET College
Lovedale TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
South African Union of Students
University Of Venda
Unisa - The University of South Africa
University of Johannesburg
Universities South Africa

[DAY 2 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

Africa Prince Mfanelo Bhengu, a Peer Educator from IYUNIVESITHI Walter Sisulu introduces today’s topic: Why Student Health Matters and Where to Access Psychosocial Support.

Sharing his perspective,Tholumusa Simelane, Peer Educator from IYUNIVESITHI Walter Sisulu highlights the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing:

“Mental health is a serious issue that affects how we feel, how we learn and how we connect with others. Being a student can be stressful and challenges such as anxiety, academic pressure and personal struggles can impact our focus, sleep and overall wellbeing.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through support systems such as Peer Educators, Residence Mentors, First-Generation Advocates and Student Counselling Units, students can access the help they need. Your health matters, and taking care of your mental wellbeing is an important part of your success.”

Higher Health supports students through a national network of Campus Care Workers and more than 15 000 trained Peer Educators across South Africa’s 26 public universities, 50 TVET colleges and 9 CET colleges, ensuring access to psychosocial support, referrals and wellbeing services when needed.



DHET
TUT Health and Wellness
Buti Manamela
Ramneek Ahluwalia
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Nkosinathi Sishi
SATVETSA Nec
University Of Venda
National Skills Fund
Vaal University of Technology
Universities South Africa
Lovedale TVET College
University of Johannesburg
Northlink College
Motheo TVET College
Western Cape Community Education and Training College
University of Pretoria - TuksAlumni
South West Gauteng TVET College
Maluti TVET College - Sefikeng

[DAY 1 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]

As part of our Youth Month campaign, Thelonious Ngwaneshwana Martin, a Peer Educator from Ekurhuleni East TVET College (Daveyton Campus) and an NC(V) Level 2 Electrical Engineering student, shares what Youth Month means to him.

“Youth Month is a reminder that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, we are solving problems, addressing challenges and holding our communities together right now.

As a Peer Educator, I am involved in organising events and promoting the Civic and Soft Skills Programme, which is QCTO-accredited at NQF Level 5 and developed in partnership with UNESCO, ensuring that no one is left behind. That is Youth Month in action.

To me, Youth Month is voice, responsibility and energy. But its true meaning comes from young people who are doing the work. Without youth in action, it is just a hashtag.”

His reflection reminds us that Youth Month is more than a commemoration. It is about active citizenship, leadership and young people making a meaningful impact in their communities every day.



DHET
Ramneek Ahluwalia
TUT Health and Wellness
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Nkosinathi Sishi
SATVETSA Nec
University Of Venda
Mimmy Gondwe
National Skills Fund
Vaal University of Technology
Universities South Africa
University of Johannesburg
Lovedale TVET College
Western Cape Community Education and Training College
Motheo TVET College
University of Pretoria - TuksAlumni
South West Gauteng TVET College
Maluti TVET College - Sefikeng
Northlink College

[DAY 1 OF YOUTH MONTH CAMPAIGN]:

Mmathabo Letsiane, one of our Peer Educators from Ekurhuleni East TVET College, Kwa-Thema Campus, shares her reflection on what Youth Month means to her:

“Youth Month is more than just a calendar date. It is a reminder that the youth of this country have always been at the centre of change. In 1976, young people my age, your age, marched to Soweto. They were fighting for the rights to learn, to be heard and to be treated with dignity. But many never made it home and they were students, just like us. So, let’s make Youth Month not just a date on the calendar, but 30 days of action.”

This reflection reminds us that Youth Month is not only about remembrance, but about responsibility carrying forward the courage of those who came before us through everyday action, voice and participation.



DHET
TUT Health and Wellness
Buti Manamela
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Mimmy Gondwe
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Motheo TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Western Cape Community Education and Training College
Lovedale TVET College
University of Pretoria - TuksAlumni
University Of Venda
University of Johannesburg
Universities South Africa