Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is continually reaffirming its role as a catalyst for societal change. The Nursing Science Department recently commemorated International Mental Health Day with a transformative outreach to the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre (SSCC). By focusing on “Mental Health at Work,” SMU demonstrated its commitment to addressing critical societal challenges, providing support to both vulnerable communities and the professionals who care for them. This initiative attests to SMU’s mission to educate and empower, driving meaningful impact through health-focused solutions.
The visit to the SSCC was not only a symbolic gesture but a critical intervention in an environment where staff face significant emotional and psychological pressures daily, caring for children in conflict with the law. Led by psychiatric nursing lecturer Dikeledi Maphake and fourth-year nursing student Ntsako Makondo, the visit centred on raising awareness of the mental health challenges inherent in such high-pressure workplaces. As Maphake noted: “It was vital for us to come here and create a space for workers to openly discuss their mental health challenges, offering support where it’s needed most.”
This initiative was driven by SMU’s ethos of combining academic excellence with tangible community engagement. Students from the Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art (BNSA) and Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNAM) programmes attended the event, engaging directly with the SSCC staff and the children they care for. The students shared practical strategies for managing stress and mental wellness, promoting a culture of self-care in the workplace.
Moreover, SMU’s engagement extended beyond the staff. The nursing students interacted with the young residents of the SSCC, many of whom struggle with mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. These conditions are often overlooked, but SMU’s intervention highlighted their significance, particularly in children facing legal and social difficulties. By offering insights into managing these disorders, the students reinforced the importance of mental health care in both personal and professional development.
Fourth-year nursing student Keletso Ngoetjane reflects on the impact of the visit: “The initiative wasn’t just successful; it was transformative. It allowed us to connect on a human level, opening up important conversations about mental health and creating a space of mutual support and understanding.”
This initiative underscores SMU’s broader mission—to produce healthcare professionals who excel in their fields and actively contribute to societal well-being. The event’s success was bolstered by the support of sponsors such as Cardiomed, Old Mutual, Metropolitan, and PEP Store, who provided essential items, including water, soft drinks, comfort packs, and sanitary towels. Nursing Science students further enhanced the sense of care and community by gifting goodie packs to the SSCC staff and children.
For Sister Tshuma, Acting Operational Manager at the SSCC, the visit was deeply appreciated: “We are truly grateful for the mental awareness programme provided. The health education, donations, and overall support have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with SMU.”
The event represents more than just a one-off International Mental Health Day celebration. It is part of a sustained effort by SMU to foster long-term collaborations with the SSCC, creating scholarly community engagement opportunities that will benefit staff and children alike. Through these partnerships, SMU is helping to address mental health issues early, potentially preventing behavioural problems and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
As Dr Mokoena-de Beer of the Nursing Science Department aptly concludes: “Mental health is the cornerstone of a productive life. By prioritising it—whether for ourselves or others—we have the power to transform lives, create healthier communities, and build a brighter future for all.”
In all its endeavours, SMU is a university committed to educating future leaders and actively contributing to solutions for South Africa’s most pressing societal challenges.
