CPUT VOOMA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
The second round of the Vooma vaccination campaign saw close to 2 000 people receiving their vaccinations at pop-up sites on the various campuses as well as the Vaccination Centre in Bellville.
The Centre Manager Benjamin de Waal said 1 992 people were vaccinated including 813 at the pop-up sites and 1179 at the Bellville centre. He said much of the success of the campaign hinged on the efforts of Melanie Swanson, Head of the HIV/ Aids Unit, and their team of peer educators. The campaign was also supported by the Central SRC. Swanson said that as the head of the HIV/AIDS Unit, she coordinated all the off-campus Vooma vaccination drives to ensure the successful execution thereof.
“The HIV/AIDS Unit team, including peer educators, played a key role in terms of the social mobilising of students to participate in the vaccination programme. We used a similar model we had used in the past for the HIV testing and health screening at our campuses and campus residences. This has proven to work well in the past as well as now for the
vaccination drive.” She added that the HIV/AIDS Unit has also played an important role in terms
of PPE (personal protective equipment) supply and monitoring compliance thereof.
LETTER FROM THE HOD
Dear Students
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you, our first-year students who made it to university. Always remember your main purpose for being here and that is to obtain a qualification and make yourselves and your family proud. Strive towards always giving your best. Attend all your classes and give your best with every assignment. Get involved in extramural activities such
as sport, arts, culture etc. Have fun, lots of fun but let it be responsible fun. Make wise lifestyle choices while being here. Speak out against all forms of gender-based violence. Be an encouragement for one another. One of the most rewarding experiences is to proudly wear your graduation gown at the end of your studies. On that note, I wish to congratulate the class of 2021 for successfully completing your studies. The world is now your oyster. Remember to make use of our services such as Health Screening, Mobile Wellness Services, Student Counselling and Academic Support, services that are absolutely free and at no cost to you as our students. Best wishes with your assessments and remember to be safe out there. Continue to wear your masks, sanitise your hands regularly, avoid crowded spaces and importantly, get yourselves jabbed at your nearest Covid-19 Vaccination Centre.
Introducing the new PR
My name is Siphelele Maseko, and I am the new Public Relations Intern.
As the new PR intern at the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit my goal is to grasp every opportunity I get with both hands and use it to grow. My sole purpose is to one day be the best public relations practitioner through working very hard in achieving my set goals. I am very fond of working with people and
helping where I possibly can, sharing effective and efficient communication with people. With that I believe that the CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit will equip me with the skills to become the best communicator in the PR field. Through my journey of studying PR, I have realized where my passion lies and that is in working with people and growing in the field of Public Relations so I can be impactful to the world.
2022 Peer Education Programme
BY NTHABISENG MAAKE
Getting to know peer educators for the year 2022 in style was refreshing. Setting expectations from both the office and the peer educators was the mandate of the day. It was an interesting day filled with getting to know each other through fun games and creating memories.
Senior peer educators brought motivation to the new entry peer educators based on their previous experiences. Peer educators were informed about the 2022 Award Ceremony and reminded about submitting logsheets of their activities as well as given guidance how to do so.
aspects of life.
It was my first time having to be an MC for such an educational session. This was a great way to start my year with that kind of energy and
I enjoyed how the peer educators were engaging and showing enthusiasm. That alone gave hope that the year 2022 for the peer education programme is going to be great and promising with reaching and educating as many students as possible.
2022 PEER EDS TRAINING
CPUT 2022 VIRTUAL OPEN DAY
BY NTHABISENG MAAKE
Getting to be one assistant for the day on HIV/AIDs unit room was a great opportunity and experience.
We often think the most flowing conversations are those of face to face, but the experience was just a reminder that we can still reach as many people as we would or even more when online.
It was fascinating to see how everything was integrated and how all the required
information was easily accessible in just multiple clicks.
Amongst the video that was explaining what the unit does, on top you could also find previous newsletters and the service pamphlet. The experience was breath taking as you could also see the webinars taking place at the same time from different faculties.
The First CPUT virtual day was a success, and the experience was great.
YOUNG WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WEBINAR
I AM, MY SISTERS KEEPER
BY NTHABISENG MAAKE
The topic decision was based on having to spread awareness as to how women can empower each other.
It does not only have to be your immediate sisters that you look out for but also just any women out there. It was to also reflect on ways that as women we can keep and encourage each other.
We invited Nthabiseng J Maake who is a philanthropist and owns an NGO that focuses on giving a platform to and helping single mothers with basic needs. This is how she keeps her sisters.
We also invited Ntombi Botha who is a published author of the book “a seed grown into a flower” which is her journey of unlashing into the confident being she is today and that is her way of looking out for a sister based on her personal story.
There are different ways that women can look out for each other, and this webinar was all about that.
The reflection we got from the attendants was that the webinar really gave them the energy to go out there and empower other people in every way they could
because they learned that there are no limitations to helping the next person. We are our sister’s keeper.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PEER ED GRADUATES
Roundy Kwakhanya
Nthabiseng Ponto
Mumsy Nomvelo Mahlangu Nikita Temere
PEER EDUCATOR’S
Peer Ed shares on the topic leadership and personal development
My name is Keorapetse Mokgadi, a third-year student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I am currently pursuing my Diploma in Tourism Management. On the 11th of May 2022, I had a group discussion with number of students together with my colleague Ms. Promise Malesa. The topic was about Leadership and Personal development.
Personal leadership, in my opinion, means being able
to work efficiently without being pushed, meeting your own deadlines, and managing yourself well enough to get the task done. We had 61 students in attendance, and I’m happy to report that 50 of them signed the attendance sheet, the participants contributed their thoughts, and they also had an opportunity to ask questions. One of our participants responded on what she thinks what leadership and personal development means? Her response was: “I think leadership development is a process that involves active involvement of a person in everything that’ll later benefit their leadership skills. Like being part of Peer Education.”
Keorapetse Mokgadi Diploma in Tourism Management
Mental health is essential throughout life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and beyond. Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being all contribute to our mental health. It has an impact on how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices.
Mumsy Nomvelo Mahlangu Advanced diploma in Construction Management
DISCUSSIONS
STUDENT PREGNANCY
As a student my reflection on this discussion can be summarized in one word: Informative.
Overall, females who is currently pregnant are finding it extremely challenging to juggle student life along with pregnancy.
I therefore find it encouraging to see the CPUT HIV/Aids unit and Peer educators taking initiative to assist students facing these challenges.
Kareema Smith MEng Chemical Engineering
DON’T BE A JOKER, WRAP YOUR POKER
My name is Gloria Ledwaba. I’m a second year Agriculture student in Wellington and a peer Educator in the year 2022. My topic:” Don’t be a joker, wrap your poker”. Teaching students about sexual activities
does not put them to wanting to have sex but helps to build their lives and strengthen their knowledge. It helps students make right choices about their future.
Gloria Ledwaba Diploma in Agriculture
Peer educators assist at the CPUT GRADUATION
We often hear people using quotes such as “Education to a black child means service to Africa” I was rather blessed to attend the education faculty (the mother of all professions) graduation ceremony. The mood in the room was on another level. Seeing parents that happy made me realize that I owe that to my parents, in fact I owe that to myself. Seeing parents who never entered doors of institutions of higher learning, singing, and ululating celebrating the success of their kids is priceless. I took two things from that graduation ceremony. That in life you have two choices to either make or not to make it. The choice is totally up to you. You can choose to stay at home and complain or get up and make something out of yourself. And it’s safe to say being admitted into an institution of higher learning is the first step. I also learned that it is not about how you start your journey or how long it takes, but it is about finishing at the end.
As a second-year student, I was really inspired to see the results of hard work. I must say, after seeing all those graduates celebrating their achievements, it really triggered me to put more effort into my schoolwork. Education is beautiful. I am grateful for the opportunity to be in the ceremony. It did make a difference; I saw what hard work yields.
I came, I saw, and I was inspired. “It always seems impossible until it’s done” SIKHULULIWE
XIHUNGAS
Great joy comes in knowing that one can break through all sorts of difficulties and fulfill their heart’s greatest desires through giving so much of themselves when it comes to the goals they want to achieve in this lifetime. “
It was a joyous day fulfilled with love and happiness, I don’t know how many times I clapped my hands because wow they deserved it and the earned it. I saw bright faces and that moment I pre distant myself wearing the graduation gown and as a means of manifestation. I was very owned to witness people’s hard work finally paying off.
To me it came as a blessing to say Kwena in the next years you will be here on the very same stage you saw previously on the graduation festival, that the opportunity was offered by the CPUT HIV UNIT. So, if that is not God, what or who is God for me. What if God is the source, the inspiration, to be found in acts of: Compassion. Kindness. Justice. Forgiveness. Peacemaking. Gratitude. In those moments when I do those things or experience those things or see those things, there is God. Family and Alumni came together, and God was with us. I wish nothing but all the best in their future endeavors. CPUT April 2022 Graduations made fun.
KWENA
SIYAKHOLWA LLOYD
We had an online discussion on “People living with disabilities” and conducting this discussion was one of the most eye-opening routes of many lessons I ever took.
I got to understand and learn more about people living with disabilities and how they should be treated and handled by the society.
People living with disabilities are humans too and should be treated and considered as such in the society.
AKANI BILA
I have been enjoying being a peer educator for the HIV/Aids Unit, and if I was to do it again, I’ll do it repeatedly.
Former peer ed NAMHLA shares her experience on the Peer Ed Programme
I joined the Peer Education program in 2017. Seeing the poster that invites the students to apply towards the end of 2016, I was so excited, thinking this is the program for me to continue where I left off with the Love Life Peer education program in high school. In 2016 I was not myself; I did not participate in any program other than volunteering in one organization. When I was accepted to the program the first day of training, I felt belonging, it was a life changing experience, I was seeing myself in other Peer educators.
When Nathan Kayser the Peer Education Officer in our time told us about what is expected from us as Peer Ed’s, and what are the programs to be done over the year, I was so excited, my peers from Mowbray campus were as excited, and we already had ideas for our programs/events. On campus and in residences we were always visible, I remember how I could share the information on HIV/AIDS and always making sure there are condoms are always available.
I felt alive in doing everything from group discussions, recruitment for testing, outreach programs, organizing and hosting events, and I knew I am living my purpose which is to serve, and I joined other student programs such being a class rep, part of the feeding scheme, chairperson of the residence community, and with all of that I was excelling in my academics, and the skill of time management is what we were taught in our training as Peer educators. It was so fulfilling when we are on campus and residences and students approach us and ask questions and state their appreciation of the program and wanting to be part of it, and it was so rewarding when we were at the Awards ceremony of the program which all the peers Ed’s look forward to. As the Mowbray campus group, we were awarded as Agents of Change of the year.
Through this program we were a family we are still in touch to this day; I would like to express my gratitude to our former Officer Mr. Nathan Kayser who created a safe environment for us. I have always believed that reaching out for help is a sign of weakness, but in a time in 2018 where I found myself lacking strength, he was the first person I reached out to and being vulnerable and he and the HIV/AIDS Unit came together and assisted me, and I will forever be grateful to every team member of the Unit, Mr. Makhonza for being our father to this day, Melanie for being such an inspiration and a good leader, and the current team for keeping the program going.
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS
As 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.
HIV/AIDS UNIT
Cape Town +27 21 460 4252/3
Bellville +27 21 959 2868
Wellington +27 21 864 5268
DISABILITY UNIT
Bellville +27 21 959 6964
Cape Town +27 21 460 9071
disabilityunit@cput. ac.za
www.cput.ac.za/hivaids
National AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
Lifeline 011 725 2001
SANCA
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Depedence 086 17 2622
Rape Crisis 021 447 1467
SADAG
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group 0800 567 567
CAMPUS CLINIC
Cape Town +27 21 460 3405
Administration Building, Level 2, Room 2.900
Bellville +27 21 959 6403
New Library Extension, Ground floor
YOUR HIV/AIDS UNIT
STUDENT COUNSELLING
Cape Town +27 21 460 3237 oliveran@cput.ac.za
Bellville +27 21 959 6182
We 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 & TB while studying at CPUT.
Melanie Swanson Head of Unit
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING AN HIV SUPPORT GROUP?
Contact Melanie Swanson maraisme@cput.ac.za
Compiled by Siphelele Maseko
Design by Bridgette Hunt
+27 21 460 4252 MaraisMe@cput.ac.za
Rene Williams Administrator williamsr@cput.ac.za
Makhonza Boyce Mobile Wellness Unit Driver BoyceM@cput.ac.za
Lusanda Naki Counsellor mangelel@cput.ac.za
Siphelele Maseko PR Intern masekos@cput.ac.za Reception
+27 21 460 4253
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE HIV PEER EDUCATION PROGRAMME?
Hivunit@cput.ac.za