Postgraduate nursing students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) have strengthened community healthcare through an integrated mental and occupational health initiative for South African Police Service (SAPS) members, demonstrating the university’s commitment to holistic healthcare education and service to society.
Held recently at the Polisie Rondawel in Hesteapark, Akasia, the event brought together students pursuing postgraduate diplomas in Mental Health Nursing and Occupational Health Nursing. Guided by their lecturers, Dikeledi Maphake and Dr Lorato Manyeneng, the initiative coincided with World Mental Health Day and promoted awareness under the theme “Lived Experiences | Real Voices | Real Change”.
The programme began with a five-kilometre awareness walk, with participants wearing shades of green. Led by programme directors Sabelo Tshabalala and Nokuphila Nhleko, the walk set the tone for a day focused on improving awareness, encouraging early intervention and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Mental Health Nursing students delivered presentations on suicide prevention, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. SMU senior lecturer Dr Sophy Moloko also addressed the importance of mental health, highlighting the need to recognise psychological well-being as an essential component of overall health.
The event’s central feature was a combined mental and occupational health screening session, enabling SAPS members to access health information and assessments in one place. Mental health awareness was complemented by practical occupational health services tailored to policing’s physical and psychological demands.
“This collaboration is about treating the whole person,” said Maphake. “You cannot separate a police officer’s mental well-being from their physical health, or from the demanding nature of their work. By bringing these two specialities together, we are demonstrating a model of care that is truly holistic.”
Occupational Health Nursing students conducted baseline health checks under the “Know Your Numbers” initiative, screening participants for blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, blood glucose, cholesterol and body mass index. The screenings included guidance on healthy ranges and how to prevent chronic conditions..
Reflecting on the learning experience, Tintswalo Mtshali said the initiative provided an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while developing essential professional skills. “Being part of this programme allowed us to put our theoretical knowledge into practice and engage directly with a community whose occupational demands often place them under considerable physical and psychological pressure. We gained valuable experience in health screening, health education and interdisciplinary collaboration, while recognising the importance of delivering compassionate, patient-centred care,” said Mtshali.
Recognising the physical demands of law enforcement, students also educated officers about musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain, neck strain, shoulder problems and knee pain. They discussed preventive measures such as correct lifting techniques, ergonomic adjustments, regular breaks and appropriate personal protective equipment.
The programme further included a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration to equip officers with essential life-saving knowledge. As first responders, SAPS members were guided through the basic steps of checking responsiveness, calling emergency services and performing chest compressions while awaiting assistance.
Additional sessions addressed noise-induced hearing loss, including the importance of hearing protection, and breast cancer awareness. Participants received information about early detection, recognising warning signs and the importance of regular self-examination.
SAPS members welcomed the initiative, particularly the convenience of accessing mental and physical health information and screening services at one venue.
Through this initiative, SMU’s postgraduate nursing students demonstrated how specialised clinical training can translate into meaningful community service. By equipping police officers with practical health knowledge and promoting a holistic approach to well-being, the university continues to advance its mission of excellence in health sciences education, innovative practice and improved health outcomes for the communities it serves.
By Tumelo Moila
