LETTER FROM THE HOD OF THE HIV/AIDS UNIT
Dear Students
The year has just started and we are heading towards the second semester at quite a speed. Firstly I want to congratulate you for making it this far! I am certain your family must be very proud of you and looking forward to the day you graduate.
If you had to look back at what the past two years offered, what would you reflect on? If not yet, this is a good time to reflect on your achievements, challenges and maybe finding some newfound friends
I guess one would want to see what we’ve gained, perhaps what we’ve lost and most of all, what we’ve learned from life’s challenges Remember challenges are not there to destroy you but rather to build and grow you.
Continue on pg 2
LETTER FROM THE HOD OF THE HIV/AIDS UNIT
Continued from pg 1
As a first year student, you might have encountered difficulty to adjust to student life beyond high school. You might have learned that much depend on how much you are willing to put in your studies While you are all warmed up for this year, focus on the importance of taking care of your physical, mental and social health.
Let us listen to how our bodies communicate with us and respond accordingly. In other words, whether we are exhausted, thirsty, hungry, cold, or warm, it is important to respond to those needs When we feel overwhelmed by academic pressures, respond, and seek support that is available right at our doorstep on campus My encouragement for you is to use every development opportunity that you get here at the institution.
Determine what values are necessary to help you grow in your respective courses and in many cases careers as graduates. Life is a gift, life is precious. Seize every moment, every day. Make use of our wide range of health care and support services.
Enjoy this edition of our newsletter Hope to see you joining one of our vibrant programs such as the peer education program I wish you well for the rest of the year! Take care.
Wishing you a joyful and restful recess Take this time to recharge and spend quality moments with your loved ones
MELANIE SWANSON
2024 Peer Educators Jumpstarted the year with Training
BYTANDILENDOYISILE
Junior and senior peer educators joined the two-day peer education training at Bellville campus on the 11th and 17th of February 2024. The training aimed to enlighten peer educators about the peer education program and to fully equip them for their roles this year.
During the training, the Peer educators were first acquainted with their Peer Education Officer, Nonhlanhla Ndabeni, the rest of the HIV/AIDS Unit team, and with each other. They learned about their new roles such as initiating health and wellness-related discussions on all CPUT campuses and in residences, and educating students on topics such as HIV, sexual health, safer sex practices, consent, hygiene etc. They were given guidance on facilitating these discussions in a way that is both educational and engaging amongst the students.
Representatives from the external partners namely; WITS Reproductive Health Institute, Rape Crisis, and Ilitha Labantu shared about their activities and ways in which peer educators can support their peers in raising awareness of various health, wellness and social ills that affect their peers within the CPUT community. Students were also trained on personal and leadership development, and how the Peer Education Officer monitor and evaluate the program.
How do we reward peer educators?
We do this in various ways including developing leadership soft skills, facilitation skills, public speaking skills, interpersonal skills, and problem solving skills. These are all very important skills that are relevant in our world today. Amongst others, we promote a culture of innovation and technology in this rapidly changing world.
Through informative sessions and engaging dialogues, peer educators did not only learn about their roles and responsibilities, but also established connections with their peers, paving the way for teamwork in making positive changes on campus.
Nonhlanhla Ndabeni, our Peer Education Officer, summed up the training beautifully with this quote: “When you learn, you also teach, and when you teach, you keep on learning.”
The peer educators have already begun to make their mark on campus by engaging in discussions that challenge norms surrounding topics such as HIV, GBV, mental health all while promoting safe sex practices through the distribution of condoms in campuses and residences. We're excited to see what else they have planned for the year ahead!
2024PEEREDTRAINING
Peer Educators’ experiences on the Peer Education Training
My name is Lunga Mehlo. As a senior peer Educator , training is something I already did last year but I just can't get enough of it I enjoyed this year’s training because I got to meet junior peer educators with diverse personalities and backgrounds The training is truly remarkable because it brings us together and also our knowledge and skills are enhanced It equips us with fundamental tools to work with students, ensuring a confidential and non-judgmental environment. Most importantly, it helps us understand each other better.
I am Calvin Kwinika, a Junior Peer educator for 2024. I enjoyed the training it was a great experience I learnt so much, I got to ask questions and rectify the norms that I thought I knew I am not a really a shy person, so it was easy to flow and blend in with the other peer educators We had many exciting discussions and overall it was nice communicating with people, especially my peers. I would encourage joining the peer education program to mostly those students failing to make friends at Uni. I enjoy it and will continue with it.
2024 CPUT OPEN DAY BUZZ!
BY TANDILE NDOYISILE
The CPUT Open day took place on Saturday, the 11th of May 2024 at Bellville Campus There was a buzz of activities as prospective students checked out the various courses offered by the university and learned more about the support services offered by CPUT. The HIV/AIDS Unit among other DSA departments, displayed their resources on the day.
The peer educators mobilized the learners to visit the HIV/AIDS Unit’s exhibition stall which was filled with informational posters up on the wall and brochures on its services including, HIV, sexual health, mental health, GBV, etc.
The peer educators went on to educate the learners on the services and its programs including the peer education program, informing them about what it means to be part of a group of young people making a difference on campus.
The peer educators also talked about making smart choices about things like health and wellness- related risk reduction , alcohol and drugs and many more. They were kept entertained and engaged with fun activities such as condom demonstrations and quizzes based on the information shared. Winners of the quizzes received exciting prizes like Higher health branded T-shirts and other giveaways
On the journey ahead, they can rest assured knowing that the HIV/AIDS Unit is ready to support them every step of the way. We hope to see them next year and possibly see them join the peer education team in making a difference within the CPUT community!
REFLECTING ON THE 2023 PEER EDUCATORS’ AWARD CEREMONY
BY TANDILE NDOYISILE
The CPUT HIV Unit hosted the annual Peer Educator’s Award Ceremony on Friday, 29 September 2023 at the Granger Bay Hotel school This special event recognized and rewarded peer educators for their hard work and important contribution to the HIV/AIDS Unit's programs The theme of the awards was “Night of Elegance” and it was oozing with elegance from start to finish!
Nthabiseng Maake and Siphelele Maseko, both former interns of the Unit, were the hosts of the awards. They stepped into their roles as the evening's hosts with enthusiasm and set the tone for an unforgettable evening, making sure that all guests had a fantastic time and felt the magic of the "Night of Elegance."
Guests were in for a treat as Abishel, one of the peer educators, took the stage and had everyone on their feet with his energetic performance, creating a memorable night for all.
CPUT's esteemed staff members presented the awards, and the winners were as follows:
Senior Peer Educator Of The Year
Winner: Lerato Patience Segonote
1st Runner Up: Sanelisiwe Ndzo
2nd Runner Up: Dawner Tromp
Junior Peer Educator Of the Year
Winner: Tokologo Mashabela
1st Runner Up: Lunga Mehlo
2nd Runner Up: Sifiso Nondwele
Condom Distributor of the Year
Winner: Tokologo Hlabirwa Mashabela
1st Runners Up: Sifiso Nondwele and Danwer Tromp
2nd Runner Up: Vuhluri Motileni
Most Discussion of the Year
Winner: Lerato Patience Segonote
1st Runner up: Tokologo Mashabela
2nd Runner up: Kwena Mapuma
Social Media Influencer of the Year
Winner: Liyema Solaka Krwece
1st Runner Up: Lunga Mehlo
2nd Runner Up: Sanelisiwe Ndzo
Change Agent of the Year
Winner: Mutshidzi Ritshidze Mbedzi
1st Runners up: Omphile Maphothoma and Dominica Welsh
2nd Runner up: Bontle Mmonwa
Role Model of the year
Lerato Patience Segonote
Sanelisiwe Ndzo
Somila Zonke
Peer Mentor of the Year and Campus leader of the Year
Kwena Etmond Mapuma
Campus of the Year
Bellville Campus
(Peer educators: Kwena Etmond Mapuma and Lerato Patience proudly pose with their awards, a testament to their hard work and dedication. On the left is the Dean of Student Affairs, Ms Tyolwana and on the right is Dr Maleka, former Peer Education Officer )
Here is what some of our peer educators said about the awards: “An award recognising your talent is an honor and that matters to me" said our 1st position award winner for social media Influencer of the year Liyema Krwece Sifiso Nodwele walked away with 3rd Position Junior Peer Educator of the Year and 2nd Position Condom Distributor of the Year. This is how he felt after receiving the awards: "I am very grateful and humbled by the recognition these awards represent They serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment and tireless effort I've poured into my role as a Junior Peer Educator within the HIV/AIDS Unit.”
To our remarkable peer educators, thank you for your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts in promoting health and wellness within our community Your commitment to making a positive difference does not go unnoticed.
This year we will be hosting the 2024 Peer Educators Award Ceremony, once again in style!
CPUT students empowered through a sexual health campaign
BY TANDILE NDOYISILE
The Division of Student Affairs of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) wrapped up a successful campaign that focused on sexual health education amongst the students. The campaign happened from 10 April to 6 May, led by the Student Counselling, HIV /AIDS Unit, Campus Health and, Disability Unit in collaboration with various NGOs, namely; Marie Stopes, Wits RHI, Mina Cup Foundation, NACOSA, Rape Crisis, NORSA, At Heart, Triangle project and Ke-ready. They reached large numbers of students.
This initiative aimed at educating students, empowering them to make informed decisions, and promoting preventive measures against sexual health risks. The events showed off with exhibitions, a Wellness Mobile services, and fun activities such as quizzes on sexual health led by the students in peer support positions. This helped students to get involved and interact on this topic, making it easier to learn about sexual health in different and interesting ways
Despite some challenges like the weather, the campaign achieved its goals across Bellville, District Six, and Wellington campus Feedback from students showed that the campaign made a difference, with many students being more confident and knowledgeable about sexual health decisions and risk reduction strategies. They also learned more about the existing services offered by the Division of Student Affairs.
This kind of campaign highlights the importance of education and empowerment in promoting student well-being within the University Such initiatives not only inform students but also empower, shape healthier attitudes and behaviors among students Our division is of the view that students are here to learn and have fun in a responsible way.
How can you participate:
Know your HIV status.
Know your health by checking your blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Practice safe sex through the correct and regular use of a condom.
When sexually active and afraid of unplanned pregnancy, visit your nearest campus clinic for free contraceptive services.
If you present with sexually transmitted infection symptoms, visit your nearest campus clinic.
Visit Campus Health if you are living with HIV to get on antiretroviral treatment.
FIRST THINGS FIRST HEALTH SCREENING CAMPAIGN
BY NTHABISENG MAAKE STUDENTSPUTTHEIRHEALTHFIRST
BYTANDILENDOYISILE
The HIV/AIDS Unit team in collaboration with partners; KeReady, NORSA, WITS Reproductive Health Institute (RHI), and TB HIV Care, launched the 2024 "First Things First" campaign in February this year and wrapped up on the 10th of April.
The First Things First project is a Higher Health-funded campaign that has been around for over 15 years. It is one of the most successful Mobile Wellness health screening campaigns at CPUT This campaign goes out to mobilize the students in numbers to put their health first and know their health status.
The services provided in this campaign include HIV screening (getting to know their HIV status), blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, sexually transmitted infections screening and many more KeReady provided COVID-19 and Flu vaccines across campuses. Contraceptive and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services were also included in this campaign.
The teams made their way to all CPUT campuses (Bellville, District 6, Wellington, Mowbray, Granger Bay, and Tygerberg). Following this, they extended their reach to CPUT-owned and leased residences across these campuses, reaching students after class and in the evenings
During this campaign, the teams demonstrated a remarkable commitment to student health and wellness. They did more than just provide healthcare services, they also taught students about health risk reduction strategies.
By combining healthcare services with education and awareness-raising initiatives, the FTF campaign aimed to address health needs and created a lasting impact on the student community's overall wellness
Continued from previous page
The main goal of the FTF campaign is to promote proactive health behaviours and empower students to take charge of their health By offering a wide range of health services, the campaign aimed to foster a culture of health consciousness and encourage students to prioritise their wellbeing.
Over 3500 students participated in this campaign, and we want to thank every student who participated and in particular our student leadership who always stand behind us with their support.
Remember, when living with HIV infection, you must be on antiretroviral treatment for life. Should you experience any difficulty in this area, visit your nearest Campus Clinic regarding your treatment or Student Counselling for emotional support Living with HIV infection is like any other chronic condition that is manageable and treatable.
To avoid unplanned pregnancies, visit your nearest Campus Clinic for free contraceptive services
These dedicated teams will make their way back to the campuses and residences during the second semester, so watch this space!
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR PEER ED GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PEER EDUCATION OFFICER, NONHLANHLA NDABENI. SHE IS TRULY AN INSPIRATION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE TO THE PEER EDUCATORS.
Nhlanhla Skosana
Siyabulela Baba
Vusani Madzaga
PEER ED DISCUSSIONS
Peer discussions are a cornerstone of effective learning. They allow us to move beyond simply absorbing information and actively engage with the material By sharing our perspectives and experiences, we can gain deeper understanding, challenge assumptions, and solidify our knowledge. These conversations allow us to navigate sensitive topics in a safe and supportive space. By sharing experiences and honest questions, we can challenge misinformation, build comfort with our bodies, and develop healthy attitudes towards sex and sexuality
Of course, peer discussions aren’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, feeling hesitant to speak up in large groups, shyness or differing viewpoints can create obstacles. However, I learned that simply asking clarifying questions can be a great way to participate and encourage others to do the same. Also respectful debate is healthy, but sometimes disagreements can get heated. In these situations, I’ve found that actively listening to others’ perspectives and focusing on finding common ground can be very productive.
I vividly recall a discussion we had about Have Fun Play Safe, a powerful moment arose when a first-year student expressed concerns about male condoms potentially causing discomfort or friction for their female partner. This question sparked a constructive conversation on proper condom usage, lubrication, and open communication between partners to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved, including even funny anecdotes related to using protection. By openly discussing these topics, we were able to dispel myths, promote responsible sexual behaviour, and ultimately, empower everyone to make informed choices for their sexual health
Peer discussions have significantly contributed to my development in many ways. The need to articulate my thoughts clearly and listen actively has honed my communication skills, encouraging me to be more open and comfortable communicating about sexual health. Seeing my ideas valued by peers has boosted my confidence in expressing myself in academic settings. Overall, peer discussions are a powerful tool for learning and growth I encourage everyone to actively participate and share their voices!
(Peer Educator, Zanentsikelelo Sigcawu)
PEER EDS’ DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
My name is Xoliswa Mngadi. I am a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering, and I am a Peer Educator for the year 2024.
In our peer discussions, we informed students about important topics like sexual health, GBV, consent and many more other critical topics that affect students.
We had a very productive and informative discussion on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) at Freedom Square residence We gathered a group of students in the common room and began by talking about why practicing safe sex is crucial. We emphasized that using condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancies. It was a successful discussion, and it was rewarding to see our peers leave with a better understanding of safe sexual practices and the resources available to them
Hello, my name is Onke Rayi, a third year PR student.
On the 18th of April, my fellow peer educators and I visited NMJ residence to have a discussion focusing on the importance of consent, hygiene and condom demonstration following after During the discussion, my fellow peers and I opened the floor for students to share their ideas on each topic, this helped clarify any vague ideas about consent, hygiene, and condom use
The discussions we have as peer educators are very important because they provide an open space for students to share and receive knowledge on topics such as HIV, safe sexual health, and more. We strive to continue to be a positive influence in conversations that affect us students.
My name is Lean Madikizela, a second-year student in Agricultural management.
On the 13th of April 2024 we had a discussion on “safe sex”. We were educating students about how to know that they are not practicing safe sex, what happens when a person does not practice safe sex and how to use male and female condoms Our findings revealed that most students were unfamiliar with how to use female condoms and were unaware of the importance of practicing safe sex
We believe that the discussion helped students to know about the importance of safe sexual practice for their well-being. Additionally, women who use female condoms should be seen not as individuals who love sex, but as those who prioritize their health and well-being.
As a peer educator I believe in sharing the knowledge of health and wellness that I have been taught to students, enabling them to take right decisions that will help them in the near future
PEER EDS’ DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
Hello everyone My name is Karabo Malatji, a third year student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I am currently pursuing my diploma in Environmental Management. I am thrilled to share with you the highlights from our recent discussion on pride rights which I hosted with my fellow peer educators on the 27th of April, 2024. We had about 30 students and they were all happy to have attended the discussion One of them even said "I am grateful that I decided to attend this webinar because it was very informative I for one, did not know the difference between sexual orientation and sexual expression but now I know ”
In the discussion we emphasized the university's commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and love. By working together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, the university can continue to provide a world-class education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life
Celebrating Pride Rights alongside Freedom Day sends a powerful message that the university is committed to fostering an environment filled with freedom of expression, acceptance, inclusion, and love for all.
Things to remember :
YOU CAN NEVER ASSUME ANOTHER PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION:
• Some people may regularly have sex with others of the same sex, without seeing themselves as lesbian or gay or bisexual (whether due to cultural, religious or personal reasons);
• Gender identity/ presentation has got nothing to do with being lesbian or gay Most lesbian women consider themselves as women and, similarly, most gay men consider themselves to be men;
• Do not assume that when a man is feminine and subscribes to certain female gender roles that he is gay, or when a woman is masculine and subscribes to certain male gender roles that she is lesbian.
GENDER ROLES DO NOT DEFINE SEXUAL ORIENTATION:
• Being transsexual has got nothing to do with being lesbian or gay Transsexual people can be heterosexual, lesbian, gay or bisexual;
• Intersex is a biological variant and NOT a sexual orientation, nor does it refer to sexual behaviour.
(ObtainedfromCPUTstudentguide,Page39,Availableat:https://www.cput.ac.za/storage/library/pdf/ebooks/student roadmap web.pdf)
CPUT POSITION STATEMENT ON INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE TO GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)
ADDRESSING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE MYTHS
Some of the myths associated with gender-based violence (GBV) include:
Victims of GBV provoke the abuse through their inappropriate behaviour.
Most women are abused by strangers
Women are safe when they are home
GBV happens only to poor and marginalised women.
GBV is not common in industrialised countries.
Men cannot control themselves, violence is simply a part of their nature.
Regarding each of the above:
1: Blaming the victim has the potential to cause more harm to a survivor of violence.
2: Most women who experience GBV are abused by people they know; often the perpetrators are those they trust and love
3: GBV happens among people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and genders
(ObtainedfromCPUTstudentguide,Page67,Availableat:https://www cput ac za/storage/library/pdf/ebooks/student roadmap web pdf)
JuniorPeerEdBIANCAsharesher experienceonthePeerEdProgram
By Bianca Nokuthula Masangane
I am young, enthusiastic, and an aspiring Real Estate student who’s life has been forever changed by the institution’s Peer Education Program
Upon joining the Peer Education Program, I was a typical university student who went to class, went home to eat and sleep, and filled my weekends with books and movies, always longing to do something more meaningful with my time
The Peer Education Program has immensely helped develop my character through the training workshops that prepared us for the work we are yet to do as peer educators. Like the Program itself, I hold strong values and beliefs in helping surrounding communities and understanding the situations of those around me
As someone originally from an underprivileged community the program has helped me to understand how to not be ignorant when it comes to sexual practices and mainly now I have unlimited resources for where to get help for people as well as myself should I need it.
Since joining the program I have developed a level of confidence to educate people more on safe sexual practices in order to protect themselves and possible future partners. I found a community from the Peer Eds and it has also put me in a position to initiate more talks to understand what it is that my peers are struggling with
Being part of the peer education program has not only taught me valuable skills and knowledge but has also introduced me to amazing people who have become my friends The experience has been enriching, both personally and socially, and I am very grateful.
SeniorPeeredTOKOLOGOshareshis experienceonthePeerEdProgramme
By Tokologo Mashabela
My name is Tokologo Hlabirwa Mashabela, a dedicated peer educator from CPUT, studying Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. I joined the Peer Education training program in 2023. In my journey as a peer educator, I have learned a lot about HIV/AIDS, sexual health, and TB I am passionate about making a positive impact and increasing the safety of my fellow peers. This includes assistance at HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, providing information on safe sexual practices, and overall well-being.
As a peer educator, I actively engage in various activities, one of which is facilitating discussions I find campus and residence discussions particularly fulfilling as they provide me with the opportunity to engage with students through addressing healthrelated concerns and challenging norms In my role as a Peer Educator, I also have the important responsibility of distributing condoms both in residences and on campus. This role goes beyond distributing condoms; it involves educating my peers about safe sex practices, emphasizing the importance of using protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and promoting awareness about sexual health in general. I appreciate this responsibility as it allows me to encourage responsible behavior among my peers
Through the Peer Education program, I have also actively participated in leadership workshops, which taught me communication skills and effective strategies for leading others This led to me proudly earning my leadership certificate from the Leadership Academy.
To show that my dedication to the program paid off, I was recognized with awards at the 2023 Peer Ed Awards I got awards in the category of junior peer educator of the year, condom distributor of the year, and most discussions of the Year.
This year, I've been chosen as the leader of the Bellville peer educators I've embraced this role wholeheartedly, taking the initiative to communicate and connect with resident house parents in Bellville.
I requested permission to hold discussions and engage with students. I consistently update resident house parents about residence events, and effectively bridging the gap between them and the students This has significantly boosted my visibility among the res parents, RSAs and the students. Some students have even approached with interest of getting involved in the program so that they can make a difference on campus as well
One of my highlights as a peer educator was appearing on SABC 2's Hectic NINE9. I got the opportunity to share my experience as a peer educator and advocate for peer education on live TV. I have also enjoyed participating in community outreach programs, engaging with the broader community and spreading awareness beyond campus
My journey reminds me that small actions can create significant ripples of positive change, and as we always say "be the change you wish to see and once a peer educator always a peer educator."
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS YOUR HIV/AIDS UNIT
the HIV/AIDS Unit, we are committed to ensuring that our readers know where to seek help when needing assistance with daily life challenges. Below is a list of important contact details.
are here to ensure that students and staff members make informed decisions on their holistic health care and lifestyle. We are committed to providing a safe learning and working environment to protect you from becoming infected with HIV, STI &
mangelel@cput.ac.za
