Fourth-year Occupational Therapy students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) are strengthening community-based support for people living with disabilities through caregiver training at Kungwini Welfare Organisation in Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East.
Four students, namely Neo Mathabe, Jessica Tsie, Otshepeng Letsoalo and Sphelile Mohlala, are currently completing their psychosocial block at the organisation, focusing on promoting independence, meaningful participation, and empowerment among residents with disabilities. The initiative forms part of their practical training, allowing students to apply their professional knowledge in a community setting while contributing to improved quality of life for residents.
The training placed particular emphasis on helping caregivers understand how to provide support without unnecessarily taking over activities that residents can perform themselves. “Our presentation explored what Occupational Therapy is and the important role it plays in supporting individuals to participate in meaningful everyday activities,” said Neo Mathabe, a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at SMU. “We also discussed the shared roles of residents and caregivers, emphasising that while support and assistance are important, residents should be encouraged to do as much as they can do for themselves.”
A central focus of the session was addressing the potential effects of over-assistance. Although caregivers may provide support with the best intentions, doing too much for residents can unintentionally reduce opportunities to practise skills, make choices and participate actively in daily life.
The students encouraged caregivers to assess each resident’s abilities and provide the appropriate level of assistance. This includes allowing residents time to attempt tasks, observing their abilities, providing appropriate prompts, and adapting activities or environments as necessary.
“Occupational Therapy looks beyond simply helping someone complete a task. It is about identifying abilities, removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in their everyday lives,” said Lebogang Lefine, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at SMU.
The students also highlighted the role of Occupational Therapy in promoting independence and participation in self-care, leisure, social, spiritual and other meaningful activities. Occupational therapists can assess functional abilities and recommend appropriate assistive equipment, including wheelchairs, to enhance mobility, comfort, safety and participation.
The training further addressed the importance of maintaining residents’ existing abilities and preventing unnecessary dependence. Caregivers were encouraged to support residents in developing confidence and skills rather than completing tasks on their behalf.
“Small opportunities to participate can make a significant difference in a person’s confidence and sense of ownership,” said Jessica Tsie, a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at SMU. “Our role is to help caregivers recognise what residents can do and support them to achieve as much independence as possible.”
Guided by the principles of inclusion, ownership, lifelong learning, empowerment, and self-help, the session fostered an environment in which residents can make choices, develop skills at their own pace, and participate meaningfully in their communities.
The collaboration also reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. Occupational therapists work alongside caregivers, nurses, social workers and other professionals to provide holistic support that responds to residents’ individual needs.
A representative of Kungwini Welfare Organisation, Corlia Schutte, Occupational Therapist, welcomed the engagement and highlighted the value of strengthening caregivers’ knowledge and practical skills to support residents.
The SMU students will return to Kungwini Welfare Organisation for a second caregiver training session. The follow-up engagement will provide an opportunity to reinforce the principles discussed and further equip caregivers with practical strategies for promoting independence and participation.
The initiative demonstrates SMU’s commitment to experiential learning that connects health sciences education with community needs. Through initiatives such as this, the University equips future healthcare professionals to translate academic knowledge into practical interventions that promote dignity, inclusion, independence and wellbeing.
For SMU, the engagement represents more than a practical training exercise. It demonstrates the University’s broader contribution to developing compassionate, skilled and community-responsive health professionals who can help transform health and wellbeing through excellence and innovation.
By Tumelo Moila
