LETTER FROM THE HOD
It’s almost time to wave goodbye to 2014 and welcome 2015!
The year has gone very fast with many challenges and great rewards.
Thank you to all students and staff who supported us faithfully throughout this year.
Allow me to say thank you and goodbye to Nomtika Mjwana our PR Intern; for two years. You’ve made an exceptional contribution to the department and we wish you the best with your future career.
To the students joining us as first years in 2015, enjoy your student life. Always remember to act responsibly and make the best of this learning opportunity. There is greatness in you. Unlock it.
For those traveling, be safe and enjoy the Festive Season.
The HIV/AIDS Unit wishes to once again acknowledge the tremendous support from the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS),[a programme of Higher Education South Africa
(HESA) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)], and its strategic partners the National; Department of Health (NDoH), Department of Women, Department of Social Development, USAID and PEPFAR partners, the German
Government, and many other stakeholders.
Without your support, this would not have been possible.
Melanie Marais Head of Department
You are encouraged to direct any HIV-related questions to the Health Promoter anonymously. They can be inboxed to the HIV/ AIDS Unit Facebook page or as a direct message on twitter. Please note that some of your questions may be published in this newsletter anonymously.
AppreciAting our stArs!
By ??????
On October 31, 2014, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Student Affairs Department showed appreciation to their volunteers and SRC members by hosting an exquisite, private event at the Fountains Hotel in Cape Town.
The event was collaboration between the Student
Counselling Department, the HIV/AIDS Unit and the Student Affairs department, which included arts and culture as well as the Student Representative Councils.
The HIV/AIDS Unit awarded their stars by recognising those who were active throughout the year and giving special awards to those who excelled. The winners are as follows:
cAtegory
Peer educator of the year
1st runner Up
2nd runner Up
Senior Peer of the year
1st runner Up
nomIneeS
Viwe Amanda Mashalaba
Mthetho Sisusa
Tembisa Bangani
Avuzwa Ngubo
Cedric Nzeki
2nd runner Up Babalwa Kepe
Peer educator role model of the year
condom Distributor Award (cPt)
Avuzwa Ngubo
Lwazi Masentse
condom Distributor Award (BLV) Zuko Langeni
Volunteer of the year Award
1st runner Up
Hlengiwe Mbanjwa
Simon Tshangela 2nd runner Up Luchulumanco Manco
young Leaders Award
Nomtika Mjwana 1st runner Up Tshepelang Sekonyela
WE would like to say, as the HIV/ AIDS Unit, that we appreciate the hard work that our students have put in and we hope to see them again next year should they come back! Congratulations to our wellgroomed leaders! Student AffAirS excellence
2014 Highlights!
this year has been a wonderful, insightful and great year for the HIV/ AIDS Unit; from changing the corporate Identity to activating the first Voluntary medical male circumcision in the Western cape.
Here are some of the wonderful and impacting times the HIV/AIDS Unit shared with their students.
P EER E D Excu R si O n
By nOMTiKA MJWAnA
On the 18th of October 2014, the HIV Unit Peer Educators and a few staff members embarked on a fun excursion on the Cape Town City Sight Seeing Bus Tour.
The purpose of the excursion was to provide the HIV/AIDS Unit the opportunity to give back and say thank you to the 2014 Peer Educators for their contributions made throughout the year.
The excursion also serve as a reflective activity for the Peer Educators and staff, allowing them to reflect on experiences in the programme over the past year and look at areas for improvement as well as adding to their personal development.
The Peer Educators have played a pivotal role in the
HIV/AIDS Unit reaching its strategic objectives this year, and this excursion was the ideal opportunity to affording them an experience which most of them have not been on before.
The excursion included an Open Top Bus sightseeing trip with a tour guide around the Cape Town Peninsula followed by lunch at Hout Bay.
The day was a great success and the Peer Educators and staff had a wonderful experience bonding with each other and having a good time.
H p Letter!
Students, this is our final edition and I would like to thank those of you that have made use of this service.
This is for all CPUT students and staff and I am always available to assist should there be any assistance required from me.
My job is to be there for you and answer your questions openly and without judgement, so do not be afraid to
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make use of my availability as a resource to you.
This is my final message for 2014 and a greeting to 2015 students. I will not dwell on much, but I have decided to share with you 5 most important facts should you be in a relationship or start engaging in sexual activity.
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ABStInence IS not BorIng nor IS It Wrong. It is a personal choice and is strongly encouraged because you are safe from pregnancy and getting infected with HIV. Never lose yourself for the benefit of someone else; you must be ready to do whatever you decide to.
ALWAyS cHeck tHe exPIry DAte on conDomS. It’s important and saves you the effort of having to check the date in the heat of the moment. Be sure to always update your ‘condom holder’ by keeping discs that are ahead of time.
DUAL ProtectIon IS key, LADIeS! The pill does not protect you from getting infected with HIV and the condom might break if not used correctly. Encourage your partner and yourself to learn how to properly use a condom and then be on the pill as well to prevent any chances of pregnancy.
coUPLe teStIng IS key! Get to know the person you are engaging in sexual intercourse with and get tested before anything else. Be open about your status (no pressure!) , and hey, be open about your sexual preferences as well.
tHIS one IS reALLy ImPortAnt: HIV IS not A DeAtH Sentence. You are not dying when you are diagnosed as positive. Take the appropriate steps.
Find someone you really trust to talk to, consult with a health promoter, like me, who is walking the same journey as you and take good care of your health!
I wish you all the best in your academic and professional life!
Keep fit and stay healthy!
Tips for firsT years
Hey there!! Well done for making it this far in your academic life.
Varsity is BIg, fun and the best place to learn more about what you really want in life, as well as to learn more about yourself. However, that process can be a bit overwhelming and stressful. So to avoid stumbling upon some obvious challenges, here are some tips on how to survive first year at varsity.
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You are going to meet really nice and interesting people with different ideas and interests. Do not conform. In whatever aspect, find what you are comfortable with and let that work for you.
People study in so many different ways and sometimes your way of studying might be completely different to the next persons. Assess your curricula by attending the first 2 weeks of class, Identify subjects which might need more attention and draft a schedule that will work perfectly for you and work according to that. Sometimes you will not commit, but always revert back to it.
Despite the friends you get to make at varsity, you also need to have people you will meet that have the exact same interests as you. Join the Peer Education program or Peer Helper…or even a church committee, but get involved because that way you will get to interact with other students and your leadership skills will improve tremendously.
Until you understand the university culture and what your goals are, do not say yes to anything proposed. Do not go out a lot, avoid uncomfortable situation until you get the grips! Don’t rush! If something does not interest you- you are not missing out on anything.
A lot of people will scare you and tell you about pressure and strict lecturers and temptations! Just chill! Take time to absorb and UNDERSTAND (not conform to) the culture. Then discover your position and then enjoy it. Varsity is an interesting jungle and amusement park that you should make the most of. Form relationships you can invest in and find mentors to guide you. You will be tired and cry every now and then, but it’s nothing but a rollercoaster on the way up!
iMPORTA n T c O n TA c T DETA i
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.
cPUt HIV/AIDS UnIt HeALtH Promoter
BonILe Peter
Bellville office
tel +27 21 959 6898/6828
Location (opposite Tabeisa Cafe)
cape town office
tel +27 21 460 4252/3
Location Administration Building 2nd Floor (opposite Applications Office)
Other Student SuppOrt ServiceS
cPUt DISABILIty UnIt
BELLviLLE
tel +27 21 959 6964
cAPE TOWn
tel +27 21 460 9071
email disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
CPUT’s new HIV/aIDS Services Brochure
The new Hiv/AiDs services
Brochures are now available in a student-friendly version.
it is being disseminated to all stakeholders through the Hiv/AiDs unit, orientation programmes, stalls at various campaigns, libraries and key point areas where staff and students can access it.
cAmPUS cLInIc
cAPE TOWn
tel +27 21 460 3405
Location Administration Building, Level 2, Room 2.900
BELLviLLE
tel +27 21 959 6403
Location New Library Extension, Ground floor
StUDent coUnSeLLIng
cAPE TOWn
tel +27 21 460 3237
email oliveran@cput.ac.za
BELLviLLE
tel +27 21 959 6182
YOUR HIV/aIDS UnIT
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.
Melani Marais
Melani-Ann Cook
Rene Williams
Sweetness Kola
Makhonza Boyce
MaraisMe@cput.ac.za
Peer Education Officer cookm@cput.ac.za
Admin Assistant Vanderwesthuizenr@cput.ac.za
Professional Nurse kolas@cput.ac.za
Mobile Wellness Unit Driver BoyceM@cput.ac.za
Bonile Peter Health Promoter peterb@cput.ac.za