Nomsa Innocencia Tarabella-Marchesi recently posed a question to the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (DHET) regarding the health and wellness of students enrolled in institutions of tertiary education.
As a member of Parliament, Tarabella-Marchesi highlighted the rising concern in students making calls to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
Tarabella-Marchesi asked the Minister of the DHET, Blade Nzimande, what steps the Department has taken "to capacitate institutions of higher learning to deal with the crises; if not, why not; [and] if so, what are the relevant details in each case?"
The Minister responded, stating that the Department is aware of the surge in mental health calls, the disruptions and impact of Covid-19, as well as the number of suicides committed by students.
"Therefore, the Department is funding Higher Health to the tune of R20,604 million (2022/3); R27,530 million (2023/4); R28,440 million (2024/5) and R29,714 million (2025/6) to implement a comprehensive and integrated programme promoting [the] health and well-being of students and staff, additional to the allocated budget," reads the Department's reply.
Higher Health is a national entity that works on behalf of the DHET and under the governance of Universities South Africa (USAf).
The health and wellness concerns of South Africa's youth has been a point of focus since the pandemic began. The effects of Covid-19 on the mental health of students has been notable; many students have stated that their biggest challenge of remote learning has been coping with their mental health and struggling to remain motivated.
The stress of university and college, on top of the stress about the pandemic and the state of the world can create high levels of anxiety.
Higher Health has set up campus and community radio stations to engage young students routinely on matters related to specific Sexual and Gender Based Violence and mental health as a matter of priority, along with Higher Health's 24-hour toll-free helpline, which is available in all 11 official languages, reports the DHET.
The line offers health, wellness and psychosocial risk assessment toolkits for early screening, empowerment and referral related to gender-based violence, mental health, HIV, TB and other matters.
This year, over 14 000 students accessed the various Higher Health models of psychosocial support, continues the report.
"All universities and TVET Colleges have measures in place to raise awareness, offer guidance and advice and support students and staff through Campus Services and Student Support Services."
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
SADAG Contact Details
SADAG's contact details are as follows:
To contact their counsellor between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday, please call: 011 234 4837.
For a suicidal Emergency, please call: 0800 567 567.
SADAG's 24hr Helpline is: 0800 456 789.
