Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its commitment to employee wellbeing through initiatives that promote holistic health, including financial wellness. The University’s Employee Health and Wellness Office, within the Human Capital and Transformation Department, recently hosted a successful Financial Wellness Day, providing employees with practical knowledge, expert advice and resources to help them make informed financial decisions that support both their immediate needs and long-term financial security.
Coordinated by Employee Wellness Practitioner Balanganani Makhema, with support from his colleague Nthabiseng Themba, the initiative recognised the strong connection between financial wellbeing, mental health, workplace productivity and overall quality of life. By bringing together leading financial institutions and service providers, the University created an accessible platform where employees could receive personalised guidance and improve their financial literacy.
Employees participated in one-on-one consultations and interactive discussions covering a broad range of financial topics, including budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, taxation, investments, insurance, home ownership and financial planning. The sessions equipped staff members with practical tools to make sound financial decisions throughout different stages of their lives while encouraging responsible financial planning for the future.
The event attracted several reputable financial institutions and organisations, including Sanlam, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Alexander Forbes, Old Mutual, First National Bank (FNB), SA Home Loans and Capitec. Their participation enabled employees to access credible financial information, professional advice and tailored financial solutions in a single setting, reinforcing the value of collaboration between the University and trusted external partners.
Speaking about the initiative’s significance, Makhema said financial wellness extends beyond managing money. “Financial wellness goes beyond managing money; it is about empowering employees to make informed financial decisions that support their present needs and future goals. At SMU, we recognise that financial wellbeing plays a vital role in reducing stress, improving productivity and enhancing overall quality of life. Through Financial Wellness Day, we are committed to connecting our employees with trusted financial experts, practical resources, and valuable information that will help them build a secure financial future. This initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy, informed and resilient workforce, and we look forward to expanding these wellness programmes to reach even more employees in the years ahead.”
The Financial Wellness Day was designed to improve financial literacy, provide employees with direct access to financial institutions and service providers, promote responsible financial decision-making and reduce financial stress that can negatively affect mental wellbeing and workplace performance. The interactive format also encouraged meaningful engagement, allowing employees to ask questions specific to their personal financial circumstances while exploring financial products and services that support long-term financial security.
Among those who attended was Legodi Mashiane from the Institutional Advancement unit within the Advancement and Communication Department. He described the event as informative, relevant and empowering. “The event provided employees with an excellent opportunity to engage directly with financial experts and gain practical advice on managing their finances more effectively. Initiatives such as Financial Wellness Day demonstrate the University’s commitment to supporting employees beyond the workplace and encourage staff to participate in future wellness programmes that contribute to both personal and professional growth.”
Looking ahead, Makhema reaffirmed the Employee Health and Wellness Office’s commitment to expanding wellness initiatives across the University. “The Employee Health and Wellness Office remains committed to promoting holistic employee wellbeing. Financial Wellness Day forms part of our broader wellness strategy, and we intend to continue expanding these initiatives by strengthening partnerships with financial institutions and government stakeholders, while introducing more workshops, awareness campaigns and wellness events throughout the year. Our goal is to ensure that every employee has ongoing access to the information and support needed to achieve financial security and overall wellbeing.”
Financial Wellness Day reflects SMU’s people-centred approach to employee wellbeing by recognising that financially informed employees are better equipped to manage life’s challenges, reduce financial stress and remain productive in the workplace. Through initiatives such as these, SMU continues to invest in the wellbeing of its employees while advancing its broader mission of fostering a healthy, informed and resilient university community committed to excellence in education, research and service.
By Dimakatso Modise
