Breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering vulnerable women with food-cultivation and life skills
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SPECIAL
EDITION
Summer: Volume 13 – January 2022
Breaking the
cycle of poverty
by empowering
vulnerable women
with food-cultivation
and life skills
Sanele Rochelle Mntla (Marketing and Communication Officer:
UP COPC Unit) and Dr Ellenore Meyer (Informal Settlement
Health Project Manager)
O
n Monday, 27 September, the develop and test food production in the Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Pretoria (UP) (farming and animal protein), and was among the few speakers
Community Oriented Primary an educational kit that included who touched upon the topic of
Care (COPC) Informal Settlement entrepreneurship, food production empowering women through the
Health project, in collaboration with skills, (cultivation and preparation, development of agricultural and
and maternal and childcare). money management skills. She
the United Nations Children’s Fund
highlighted the importance of not
(UNICEF) and Future Africa, hosted The objectives of the project included only teaching women how to farm,
the launch of its project ‘Breaking the the exploration of the knowledge, but also how to conduct business.
Cycle of Poverty’ on the premises of the attitudes and needs of mothers,
Living Word Church in Pretoria East. caregivers and community health Other speakers included Dr Sunette
workers with a view to establishing Laurie, who spoke on farming with
The aim of the project was to food gardens and egg production vegetables and Marion Beeforth
promote female urban farming (food (laying hens) in the Cemetery View who, in collaboration with the final-
production) and transfer critical informal settlement, and developing year dietetics students, discussed the
health and social skills for health and testing information, educational importance of locally grown food and
and livelihood to the urban residents and communication material for healthy eating habits.
of the Cemetery View informal use in primary care and vulnerable
communities. Their efforts were Ms Rebaone Molebatsi emphasised
settlement.
facilitated by inputs from experts on the importance of life skills for a
health, nutrition, and urban farming. healthy family and business, and
To advocate and create a supportive Prof Este van Marle-Koster spoke
environment for vulnerable women, The principal project investigator, about keeping laying hens to provide
this research project made use of Dr Ellenore Meyer from the Family families with eggs as a source of
an action research framework to Medicine and COPC Research Unit animal protein.
1 Lentšu La Sechaba
Table of contents
Breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering vulnerable women with food-cultivation and life skills 1
Promoting lifelong literacy: Reading with the students is fun 3
Higher Certificate in Sport Sciences students do community engagement work: SPAR ladies race 5
The importance of occupational engagement as seen in the Daspoort Community 6
Community engagement research seminars 8
Drug prevention and health promotion for high school learners in Mamelodi 9
Students from two continents raise their own ‘banners for freedom’ 11
Hluvukani 2021: Our year so far... 12
Occupational engagement and community co-design with learners from the Mamelodi Pre-University Academy 13
The Lifting Dreams project 16
Better health begins at home 17
Building victorious women 19
University of Pretoria lifting dreams through sports partnership in Soweto 20
Future Africa at the University of Pretoria 22
Do I Really Understand what I’m Getting myself into? Stop and think! 23
The Feast of the Clowns & Trash-to-Treasure workshops 25
Contact details for the Unit for Community Engagement
Gernia van Niekerk, Manager: Community Engagement:
Dr Eugene Machimana, Senior Education Consultant: Community Engagement:
eugene.machimana@up.ac.za;
+27 (0) 12 420 5199; +27 (0) 83 687 0181
Albert Matlheketlha, Project Coordinator:
albert.matlheketlha@up.ac.za;
+27 (0) 12 420 4068; +27 (0) 82 908 3345
Londiwe Mahlangu, Community Liaison Officer:
londiwe.mahlangu@up.ac.za;
+27 (0) 12 420 2826; +27 (0) 76 523 2619
2 Lentšu La Sechaba
Promoting lifelong
literacy: Reading with
the students is fun
Dr Mia le Roux (Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria)
T
he Reading Day that was held Renata Eccles (fourth-year Speech- rhyme or a brief game focused on a
at Confidence College in the Language Pathology practical module particular story, which was then read.
Pretoria CBD on Friday, 15 coordinator in the Department of This was followed by various fun
October was aimed at inspiring Speech-Language Pathology and educational activities relating to the
learners to read and add meaning Audiology). different stories.
to texts in an interactive, enjoyable,
and creative way. This event Dr Le Roux and Dr Bernice Badal from The characters in the stories became
was organised by Dr Mia le Roux the Department of English at UNISA alive through drawings, crowns,
(Department of Speech-Language and chair of the Gauteng branch of cowboy hats, masks, and spider
Pathology and Audiology, University Litasa, attended the event at the school webs, among other things. In turn,
of Pretoria (UP), who is a board and participated in the activities. the school came alive with splashes
member of the Gauteng branch of Students from the Department of of colour flashing by as busy feet,
the Literacy Association of South Speech-Language Pathology and minds, ears, and hands moved to the
Africa (Litasa), in collaboration with Audiology facilitated the activities for rhythm and rhyme of the words.
Mrs Anélize van Eeden (principal the Grade RR to Grade 7 classes. The
of Confidence College) and Dr events per class started with a song, a continued on page 4
3 Lentšu La Sechaba
The principal, Mrs Van Eeden, said forgotten in the drive to improve the conduct hearing screening on more
that ‘the atmosphere was loaded literacy skills of Foundation Phase children from Confidence College
with excitement since the Monday learners. next year.
prior to the actual event’. However, the need to be competent
readers never stops; in fact, it This community engagement project
On Friday she wore a story character becomes more important as allowed the students from the
dress with drawings made by herself learners enter higher grades Department of Speech-Language
and painted by the learners. The staff and are expected to read and Pathology and Audiology to
and learners dressed up in costumes comprehend complex academic text. accumulate much-needed practical
that related to the specific stories that hours.
were read to the different classes. All This event organised by the Gauteng
those who participated agreed that it branch of Litasa is therefore seen as Dr Eccles observed that the
had been a highly successful event. the first of many, especially as the project had also given them an
principal of the school expressed opportunity to have fun during their
Dr Badal offered special thanks to the hope that the Reading Day will professional training, and that they
the principal and staff ‘who showed become an annual event. ‘were reminded of the reason for
us that growing up does not mean their hard work and the difference
that we need to forget that learning The students involved stated that they can make’.
is fun’. She continued to thank the one should never forget that literacy
participating students who had forms the foundation of academic Prof Jeannie van der Linde, head of
prepared and executed all the success. the Department of Speech-Language
activities with passion and dedication. Pathology and Audiology, concluded
They mentioned that participating with the following statement: ‘As a
She concluded by thanking the in the Reading Day at Confidence department, we strive to improve
sponsors of the event, the World College had been a privilege and the literacy of our children to ensure
Literacy Foundation (WLF), Sun Books working with the learners had that they have the capacity to excel
and Tobias, saying that the Gauteng been both exciting and rewarding. academically.
branch of Litasa was grateful to all The final-year students also
the key players who had made the conducted hearing screening on Book reading from an early age is one
event possible and looked forward 33 children with the support of of the best ways to improve literacy
to many similar events in the future. a master’s student in audiology. abilities in young children. Fostering
Dr Le Roux mentioned that the need The Department of Speech-Language a love for reading is therefore the
to foster lifelong literacy is often Pathology and Audiology plan to name of the game’.
4 Lentšu La Sechaba
Higher Certificate
in Sport Sciences
students do
community
engagement work:
SPAR ladies’ race
Gosiame Mokoka
(Higher Certificate in Sport Sciences Student)
O
n 3 October 2021, I accompanied a group of female in September 2021.We welcomed the opportunity to gain
students enrolled for the Higher Certificate in some experience in working at such events and help the
Sport Sciences to Johannesburg to assist with the community.
SPAR Woman’s Virtual Challenge that took place at Marks
Park Sports Club. We left Pretoria at 04h00 and arrived SPAR sponsors this event to encourage a healthier lifestyle
there at 05h00. The race started at 07h00. through exercise and also raises money for a very worthy
cause—the SPAR Woman’s Virtual Challenge—which is
Our duties included making sure that everybody wore organised to show the resilience and strength of women.
masks and that their hands were sanitised. After the race,
the runners were handed masks and their hands were Seeing women of all ages run this race was truly amazing
sanitised before they received their medals. and the overall experience was rewarding. We experienced
an exhilarating moment when Tadu Nare from Ethiopia
As part of this community outreach, we handed out food won the 2021 SPAR Grand Prix title for the fifth consecutive
parcels, gift bags and water after the race. We also guided year. Another highlight of the event was seeing a 90-year-
the elderly women who participated in the race to the old woman complete the race.
starting line and once they had completed their race, we
carried their SPAR gift bags and food parcels to where their We also met Bongiwe Msomi, the captain of the Protea
families were waiting for them. netball team, who told us about her new role as an athlete
ambassador for Africa.
Marlene Gunter, a sponsorships controller for SPAR,
had requested our assistance with this event as she was The event was inspiring and eye opening and showed us
impressed with the way we had helped her during the that one should never give up, regardless of how young or
University Sports South Africa (USSA) Netball Tournament old you are.
5 Lentšu La Sechaba
The importance of occupational
engagement as seen in the
Daspoort Community
Bandile Gazu and Christie Luyt (Occupational therapy students) and
Nthabiseng Ramodisa (Supervisor)
O
ne of the first things we of doing enables people to develop When people are not able to
are taught as occupational their own identities and realise their participate in necessary or meaningful
therapy students is that potential. Simply put, the activities activities for a prolonged period of
people are occupational beings, that one engages in play a vital role in time due to their circumstances,
and that participating in meaningful determining one’s purpose, identity, occupational deprivation occurs.1
occupations provides physical, and drive.
mental and social wellbeing. The act
continued on page 7
6 Lentšu La Sechaba
create their own leisure activities.
Thus far they have established
their own resident soccer team
that practices during the week,
constructed an outdoor twister
board, and made morabaraba game
boards and equipment needed for
duster hockey. We hope that since
they can participate in those activities
without our presence, the initiative
will be sustainable.
At the Holy Cross Old Age Home, we
are working closely with a member of
the staff with the aim of establishing
a sustainable programme of
activities that can be implemented to
stimulate and provide occupational
opportunities to the residents.
By explaining the importance of
occupational engagement and
providing a resource booklet
containing low-cost group activity
ideas, we hope that the elderly
residents will be able to continue
to participate meaningfully in the
activities that they choose.
Having the opportunity to work
in both of these communities has
convinced me of the importance of
occupational engagement as a core
principle of occupational therapy as
This can adversely affect both population groups spend their days it became clear that participation
physical and mental health, with in idleness as they are unable to in occupations has a direct
consequences such as a feeling participate in activities due to a lack impact on health, well-being and
that life is meaningless, despair, of resources and appropriate activity life satisfaction.
loss of skills, poverty, poor health programmes.
and social isolation.1 These are The feedback from group members
such dire consequences that the With nothing to do, they tend to has also been encouraging as they
World Federation of Occupational sleep during the day and many of have enjoyed the constructive leisure
Therapists has declared that the individuals report decreased activities and have reported an
engagement in occupations is not well-being and quality of life. They improvement in their occupational
only a need, but also a right.1 also suffer from depression due to balance.
the large amount of time they spend
While working in the Daspoort alone with their negative thoughts.
References
community, I saw that occupational As final-year occupational therapy
deprivation is present among many students, we have been working with
Abson, D. 2019. Occupational
different population groups. It these groups to promote sustainable
Deprivation. [Online].
affects not only the young men at means of occupational engagement.
Available at: https://
the Community Oriented Substance www.theothub.com/post/
Use Programme (COSUP), but At the COSUP site in Daspoort, we occupational-deprivation.
also the elderly at the Holy Cross have empowered the community [Accessed September 2021].
Old Age Home. Both of these members by encouraging them to
7 Lentšu La Sechaba
Community engagement
research seminars
Dr Martina Jordaan (Head: Community Engagement Research and
Postgraduate Studies, Mamelodi Campus)
T
he Mamelodi Campus has been organising • Conduct the data gathering
monthly seminars with the focus on community • Analyse the data
engagement research. Three experts in the field • Share research findings in the community and in the
who shared their expertise at the August and September academy
seminars were Prof Tim Stanton, Thandiwe Matyobeni • Take appropriate action
and Prof Diane Ceo-DiFrancesco.
His presentation is available on YouTube:
Prof Stanton’s presentation https://youtu.be/DzEVlbBGje4
focused on the ‘how’ of
community engagement Ms Thandiwe Matyobeni’s
research. As a Senior Engaged presentation focused on the
Scholar with Ravensong ‘how’ of digital storytelling. She
Associates, he consults on is the Programme Coordinator
service-learning design and of the Social Innovation Hub
development in Africa, Asia and and the Intsomi Reading
the USA. He was the founding Programme, two community
director of Stanford University’s engagement projects at Rhodes
Bing Overseas Studies University.
Programme in Cape Town (2008–2014), and assisted
Campus Compact in organising national faculty institutes She explained the process of
on curriculum development for service learning. He also developing a digital story and
coordinated The Research Universities Civic Engagement shared examples of digital stories developed by the
Network (TRUCEN), co-authored the online Research Social Innovation Hub.
University Engaged Scholarship Toolkit (1991–2013)
and served as an academic advisor and consultant to Her presentation is available on YouTube at:
South Africa’s Community Higher Education Service https://youtu.be/p2XzTHCczYY.
Partnerships (CHESP) programme, working with 12 South
African universities (1998–2018). Prof Diane Ceo-DiFrancesco
discussed the “how” of
He presented an overview of good practices, focusing photovoice research.
on engaged research and sharing valuable experiences
and examples of projects conducted by his students in She serves as Faculty Director of
South Africa. the Eigel Center for Community-
Engaged Learning and Associate
He concluded the seminar by discussing the following Professor in the Department of
seven steps for conducting community-based Classics and Modern Languages
participatory research: at Xavier University (USA).
• Find a partner and form the partnership
• Formulate the research question Her presentation is available on YouTube at:
• Explore research relevant to the community context https://youtu.be/vzQhaOGIuDg
and plan the research
8 Lentšu La Sechaba
Drug prevention and health
promotion for high school learners
in Mamelodi
Chrisne Roode (Fourth-year occupational therapy student, Department of
Occupational Therapy) and Marike Smit (Community work-integrated learning
supervisor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences)
Fourth year occupational therapy students with
Mr Sato at a high school in Mamelodi
O
ccupational therapy The fourth-year occupational substance use prevention campaign
students participate in their therapy students’ involvement in that was held at a high school in April
work-integrated learning the wider Mamelodi community has 2021, a COSUP client shared his life
placement at various Community story to warn the learners against
Oriented Substance Use Walk a mile in my shoes, the devastating effects of using
Programme (COSUP) sites. COSUP,
1
see what I see, hear what I hear, substances.
implemented by the University of feel what I feel. Then maybe you’ll
Pretoria’s Community Orientated understand why I do what I do. Till The impact of this event was such that
Primary Care (COPC) Research then, do not judge me the principal of another secondary
Unit is a community-based harm- (Unknown). school requested the students to
reduction programme2 for people share the same presentation at their
who use or have used substances, provided opportunities to facilitate school, where illicit substance use
especially the heroin-containing Health Awareness events focused was rife, which we presented on 15
drug called nyaope. There are three specifically on substance use October 2021.
COSUP sites in Mamelodi.3 prevention at high schools. At one
continued on page 10
9 Lentšu La Sechaba
Since the occupational therapy
students could not address the
entire school, the teachers chose
approximately 30 Grade 10 to 12
learners to participate. We invited
one of the COSUP clients, Mr Tshepo
Sato, who has walked many miles in
the shoes of a substance user, to be
the speaker for the day and to share
his life story.
As a resident of Mamelodi, Mr Sato
comes from a similar background
and context to the secondary school
learners and he shared his life story
in Sepedi, a language with which all
the learners were familiar.
Overview of the events of the day
The day’s activities started with a
practical illustration of how decisions
have consequences. Mr Sato then told
his life story. He had not prepared a
speech as he wanted to talk from his
heart. He was excited to share his
story with the learners, as he said he
was certain that he could help people. Occupational therapy was integrated
References
The atmosphere in the classroom into awareness campaign throughout
was electric as they listened to him. the day, for example, some of the
1. UP COPC Research Unit
His story made the learners aware games were designed to create
- Background | Article
of the devastating consequences awareness of the consequences of | University of Pretoria
that drug use can have on one’s substance use, for example that [Internet]. Up.ac.za. 2021
life and dignity. He emphasised smoking damages one’s lungs and [cited 15 October 2021].
how extremely challenging it is to ability to learn, or that substance use Available from: https://www.
rebuild one’s ‘name’ and regain the can be debilitating and can affect all up.ac.za/family-medicine/
respect of the community, as well other activities in life. Other games article/2081293/up-copc-
as the negative impact it had on his emphasised healthy lifestyle choices, research-unit.
relationships with family and friends. such as participation in physical 2. COSUP gives hope to substance
The learners were intrigued by Mr activities and building healthy users | University of Pretoria
Sato’s story and listened attentively. supportive relationships in order to [Internet]. Up.ac.za. 2021
When one learner asked him what [Accessed: 15 October
achieve your dreams.
2021]. Available from:
had motivated him to ‘quit drugs’, he
https://www.up.ac.za/news/
said that it had been his loved ones, We want to conclude by quoting
post_2699510-cosup-gives-
especially his children. He assured Mr Sato’s serious warning to the hope-to-substance-users.
them that COSUP was there to help learners: ‘You cannot get into drugs 3. COSUP | Article | University of
and explained exactly what COSUP and then quit it easily… If you start using Pretoria [Internet]. Up.ac.za.
does and how it contributes to the drugs you sign an agreement with the 2021 [Accessed: 15 October
community.2 devil’. We are grateful to have been 2021]. Available from: https://
part of an important event that has www.up.ac.za/up-copc-
After listening to Mr Sato’s story, the hopefully impacted the way young research-unit/article/2934203/
learners rotated between different people think about substances and cosup.
game stations in groups of five. the decisions they make.
10 Lentšu La SechabaStudents from two
continents raise their own
‘banners for freedom’
Dr Raita Steyn (Senior lecturer: Art Education)
Julia Bartlett Keabetswe Kodiseng
O
n 30 September 2021, students from Greece democratic election of 1994. Inspired by history, the students
and South Africa exhibited their artworks at used their banners as national, religious and sociocultural
a breath-taking exhibition titled Banners for symbols to express their own voices for freedom.
Freedom, which was held at the Pedagogical School of
the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUT), Greece. In the words of one of the reporters, Violeta Fotiades:
‘Freedom of expression, speech and thought and freedom
The project, which started as an online collaboration from any form of oppression, are some of the current ideas
between the AUT Theatre Department (Mr Stergios of the young people who “raise” their banners and give the
Proios) and University of Pretoria (UP) Art Education visitor hope for a tomorrow for a world without racism,
students (Dr Raita Steyn) during the COVID-19 lockdown that does not justify, nor conceal any form of violence’.
period, resulted in a highly successful exhibition.
The Greeks celebrate their liberation from the 200-year Plans are underway to bring the students’ artworks
Ottoman rule, while South Africans celebrate their liberation to South Africa in 2022 to be exhibited at the
from the yoke of apartheid, commemorating the first Javett Art Centre.
11 Lentšu La SechabaHluvukani 2021:
Our year so far...
Dr Louise Biggs (Senior Lecturer:
Veterinary Specialist - Hluvukani Animal Clinic)
guards and environmental monitors.
The recycling project has had a bit of
a dip due to some logistical issues
but this is still on the to-do list so we
H
luvukani Animal Clinic (HAC) Mr Seepane. They are invaluable and can get it back on track again. One of
clinic has remained active have had a huge and very positive our motto’s is we can’t preach one
and productive during impact on keeping consistency in health to our clients unless we live it
another difficult year. The client the clinic and helping it to grow. ourselves and be a positive example.
base has expanded, and this has
kept the students on their toes. The ability to provide consistency The wildlife has also been very
We have seen a definite increase in is something the animal owners accommodating this year on our
small animal cases, predominantly requested some years ago so to drive to work. As the first 7 km of our
dogs, which shows an overall have been able to achieve this goal drive are through the Kruger National
improvement in primary animal has been fantastic. As the students Park (KNP) we often have very special
health care for companion animals. only do a two-week rotation this sightings but lately the wildlife has
has been an extremely positive outdone themselves with stunning
This is a very positive and rewarding change and not only for the cheetah, leopard, lion, honey badger
change. The production and large clients but for the students too. and ground hornbill sightings to
animal work remain as busy as name but a few. And some stunning
ever. We have also managed to do Mr Justify Fakude and Mr Weshald sunrises too. I think this makes up
a few much-needed repairs at the Seepan have a vast amount of for our students having very early
clinic and are still working our way knowledge in many different spheres morning starts.
down a list. We have had some real and disciplines. They generously
challenges with water and electricity, share this knowledge on a daily We have made a lot of positive
but we remain determined to solve basis, and it has been extremely progress in the last few years despite
these problems. This is all in the hope beneficial to all of us. The clinic a lot of adversity, and we hope
to provide an even better service vegetable garden is another one of to continue to head in a positive
to our clients. We also have two the ongoing projects and we are able direction. It makes every minute
dedicated staff members working to share fresh produce amongst all of of our day worth it! Even when the
at the clinic, namely Mr Fakude and us at the HAC, including the security temperatures soar to 45 degrees!
12 Lentšu La SechabaOccupational engagement and
community co-design with
Mamelodi Pre-University
Academy learners
Elkebitso social hubs Phase 1 – Creation of ecobricks
Rienie Germishuys (Fourth-year student, Department of Occupational Therapy)
Kirstin Niebuhr (Interior Architecture master’s degree candidate, Department of Architecture)
Helga Lister (Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy)
Marike Smit (Community engagement student supervisor, Department of Occupational Therapy)
Dr Michelle Janse van Rensburg (Senior researcher, Community Oriented Primary Care [COPC] Research Unit)
C
ommunity engagement is work, we noted that although component of traditional African
defined as ‘the process of community members’ voices are cultures, and the use of storytelling
working collaboratively with considered in intervention and is a long-established tool to engage
and through groups of people programme development, there audiences from various sectors.2
affiliated by geographic proximity, remains a lack of unfiltered, first- Dr Michelle Janse van Rensburg,
special interest, or similar situations hand, directly shared information senior researcher at the Community
to address issues affecting the from community members, especially Oriented Primary Care (COPC)
well-being of those people’.1 from marginalised communities.
During our community engagement Oral histories are an important continued on page 14
13 Lentšu La SechabaResearch Unit, and Mrs Helga Lister, aims to design social storytelling community gardens and a spaza
lecturer in occupational therapy, hubs for the youth or learners marketplace for job creation.4
initiated the UNICEF-OHC (One attending the PUA in Mamelodi
Health for Change) interdisciplinary to enhance their development.4 The project aims to use the proposed
storytelling project to gain insight designed infrastructure as a means
into the lived realities of those From an occupational therapy point to promote the development of
living in vulnerable contexts. This of view, the project fits into the identity and a sense of belonging
information will be used to ensure occupational science framework and in the youth in Mamelodi, focusing
truly person-centred service considers the concept of occupational specifically on PUA learners.
delivery to marginalised individuals. injustice, which is defined as the denial Although initially conceptual in
of the physical, social, economic, or nature, all those involved hope
The project is based on the cultural resources or opportunities that this will become a sustainable
participatory action research process, needed to engage in meaningful intervention resulting in real change.
during which issues are systematically occupations (those things that are
evaluated from the perspectives and meaningful in one’s life). The youth The project’s long-term aim is the
lived experiences of the community in Mamelodi experience various creation of social hubs to provide
members who are most affected forms of occupational injustices, a real or potentially appropriate
by the issues under examination.3,4 such as poverty, inadequate avenue in the context of Mamelodi
This larger project involves, among educational resources and a lack for the sharing of stories.
others, youth from the Mamelodi of opportunities for recreation.3
Pre-University Academy (PUA). Since the final-year occupational
The focus of this article is on the The architecture research project therapy students at the University of
youth and the interdisciplinary could combat these occupational Pretoria are involved in the collection
work between occupational injustices by creating opportunities and authentication of stories in the
therapy and architecture. Kirstin and resources to facilitate storytelling project, they assisted
Niebuhr, a master’s student in participation in meaningful Kirstin with the implementation
interior architecture, asked the occupations.5 The project designs of some of the design ideas in the
question of how the developmental include a conversation hub for architecture project undertaken in
needs of identity and belonging of social participation with friends collaboration with the PUA learners.
adolescents in the PUA could be met and the community, a sports field, From March to June 2021, the
through co-designing a deployable a performance area for dancing PUA learners were involved in
(mobile/portable/make-shift) urban and singing, a storytelling gallery
structure or safe space. This project for art creation, storytelling walls, continued on page 15
14 Lentšu La Sechabaoccupational therapy groups with work integrated and bottles needed to start making the ecobricks.
learning (WIL) blocks 1 and 2 final-year occupational The aim was to make approximately 150 bricks. Due
therapy students. The learners were guided in the process to the large scope of the project, it is structured in
of self-discovery and were taught certain soft skills. three phases: ‘now’, ‘soon’ and ‘later’.7 The current
occupational therapy students are in charge of running
In September and October 2021, the third block the ‘now’ phase, which is the creation of the ecobricks.
occupational therapy students engaged the learners To continue through the phases, the project requires
in practically creating the designs in the project. They the involvement of a team, and thus hopefully in 2022,
started with the creation of the design Elkebitso, which will continue with JCP students, Community Oriented
means ‘every word, every talent and every person’. Substance Use Programme (COSUP) clients and more
Elkebitso is a collection of safe spaces created with eco- learners from the high schools involved in the PUA.
friendly infrastructure for the youth of Mamelodi to
gather and participate in meaningful occupations, which In conclusion, Elkebitso, designed within the interior
include, but are not limited to, telling stories, singing, architectural discourse, is an example of the creation of
dancing, art creation, sports and social interaction occupational balance, which refers to participation in all
that will enhance their personal development.4 areas of occupation (activities of daily living, e.g. dressing,
bathing, grooming; instrumental activities of daily living,
During the process of data collection, the PUA learners e.g. cooking, driving, cleaning; sleep and rest; education;
indicated the Mamelodi Campus as a space where they feel work; play or leisure; and social participation) as strived
safe. Elkebitso is designed to be situated along the wall on for by occupational therapists.5 The implementation
the Mamelodi Campus that is adjacent to one of the main of the Elkebitso project with the PUA learners is an
roads (Hinterland Road) and aims to extend the safe space example of how interdisciplinary collaboration is being
experienced on the Mamelodi Campus into the learners’ used for community engagement and development.
community. Permission for this still needs to be obtained.
References
The learners and the occupational therapy students
1. McCloskey. D.J., McDonald, M.A., Cook, J., Heurtin-
have started making ecobricks to be used to create Roberts, S., Updegrove, S., Sampson, D. et
a boundary for Elkebitso. Eco-bricks are PET bottles al. 2013. Community engagement: Definitions
(soft drink bottles) solidly packed with clean and dry and organizing concepts from the literature.
used plastic6 and offer a simple, low-tech solution Princ Community Engagem [Internet]. 2013;41.
to the overproduction of plastic in a community.6 Available from: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
communityengagement/pdf/PCE_Report_
The PUA learners engaged in five occupational therapy Chapter_1_SHEF.pdf
group sessions to start the creation of these eco- 2. Africa, F. 2021. Application for short term project
bricks. Before the sessions with the PUA learners funding. (See attached guidelines, 27, August).
commenced, the final-year occupational therapy 3. Nemakanga, M., Lister, H. & Senekal, R. 2021.
Community service-learning resource guide.
students engaged with Kirsten in an online meeting to
(May).
gain insight into learners’ interests, likes and dislikes.
4. Niebuhr, K. 2021. The story of the in-between
creating a sense of belonging and identity
The first session was focused on the creation of a through testing deployable learning in the urban
relationship between the new occupational interior. Dissertation.
therapy students and the PUA learners, and to 5. Schell, B., Gillen, G. & Scaffa, M. (eds.) 2014. Willard
establish what the learners understood about and Spackmans’s occupational therapy. 12th ed.
the project as they had been involved in various Philadephia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, a
group sessions with Kirsten during the year. Wolters Kluwer business.
6. Global Ecobrick Alliance. Introducing Ecobricks
The occupational therapy students also had to [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2021 Sep 22]. Available
implement community development and engagement from: https://www.ecobricks.org/what/
principles to ensure that the learners took ownership 7. Hamdi, N. 2010. The Placemaker’s Guide to
Building Community [Online]. London:
of the implementation of the project, which required
Earthscan Routledge. 1–272. Available from:
their empowerment and active participation.
https://www.routledge.com/The-Placemakers-
The learners had to create their own timeline for future
Guide-to-Building-Community/Hamdi/p/
sessions and set goals for each session. The sessions book/9781844078035
that followed were focused on collecting the soft plastics
15 Lentšu La SechabaThe Lifting
Dreams project
Claudio Pardal and LJ van Zyl
(Lecturer and Sports Practical coordinator)
participating in the programme are
provided with a healthy meal so
that no one goes home hungry. The
teams helping the children consist
of volunteers and include university
students and working professionals.
Lifting Dreams hopes to be able
extend its programme to more
schools and to buy more learning
materials. The various programmes
L
designed to assist learners include
ifting Dreams, a non-profit are calling upon us— the people of a food programme, the building
organisation based in South Africa—to offer our services of restrooms (which are needed
SOWETO, is dedicated to in communities and engage in the to improve hygiene in schools and
uplifting communities by providing education of our children. communities) and a soccer field, and
educational support in underserved the conversion of a storage room
schools and communities. The Lifting Dreams aims to make learning into a reading centre. However, this
Higher Certificate in Sport Sciences more enjoyable for children and to can only be achieved once additional
is part of the Lifting Dreams project help them realise their full potential. funding has been obtained.
and focuses on students completing Furthermore, the organisers aim to
their sports practical hours. spread a message of optimism and While Lifting Dreams welcomes
tear down the racial barriers that monetary donations, donations of
The programme was designed for have for so long caused divisions services and products are equally
children and aims at providing them in society. Above all, they hope to appreciated. All donations are
Photographs by: Sihle Magubane and Cait Schröder-Beneke
with the necessary resources to encourage children to be the best used directly for community and
enable them to improve their overall they can be, to pursue further educational development. Lifting
achievement. The organisers of the education and to return to their Dreams aims to make learning
Lifting Dreams project firmly believe townships determined to help bring fun and emphasises the fact that
that time invested in someone’s about change. a sound education can ensure a
future is the most important gift one better future for children, their
person can give to another. While Currently the organisation has communities and the country.
they believe that South Africa has a arrangements with local schools to The team is in the process of
bright future, they also recognise the utilise their facilities on Saturdays launching an additional project
need to enhance teaching to ensure to instruct children and assist them in Mamelodi, Pretoria, where the
a better education for our future with their schoolwork. At the end Higher Certificate Sport Sciences
leaders. In order to achieve this, they of each day’s activities, the children students will also be involved.
16 Lentšu La SechabaBetter health begins at home
Riana de Lange
B
etter health care outcomes are not achieved by engineering firm Zutari and the Industrial Development
spending more money, but rather from applying Corporation, a state-owned development financier.
an integrated approach that requires awareness Government, at the provincial level, is an integral partner
of the health care and social needs in communities, and in delivering sustainable socioeconomic benefits in the
effectively addressing them. A model called Community- most rural and impoverished regions in South Africa.
Oriented Primary Care (COPC), which focuses on starting
health care at the household level, is designed to do just that. Dr Suzi Malan from the COPC Research Unit in the
Department of Family Medicine at UP explained: ‘The
COPC, initially developed by the Department of Family Impact Catalyst initiative is a perfect example of how
Medicine at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been the private sector can accelerate impact in communities
successful in several municipalities countrywide and when resources are combined with government sector
was recently adopted and scaled by The Impact Catalyst efforts. Health care in the rural areas constantly suffers
(https://www.impactcatalyst.co.za/). from a lack of resources due to many factors, and the
concerted effort by the Impact partners to support
This initiative, founded by the mining giant Anglo the Department of Health with resources including
American, entails close collaboration with partners across training, IT and internet connectivity, goes a long way
sectors to bring about sustainable socioeconomic change towards creating positive spin-offs such as improved
on a regional scale. Besides Anglo American, others that relationships, connecting partners and better health
are on board are the mining company Exxaro, the Council literacy for individual community members’.
for Scientific and Industrial Research, World Vision SA (an
NPO with international experience in development), the
continued on page 18
17 Lentšu La SechabaDr Malan explained that the focus of COPC is to our goal of providing consistent, accessible and efficient
start at household level. The Department of Health health care to patients in the Thabazimbi sub-district’.
employs community health workers (CHWs) who
fulfil this indispensable role in their communities, Lesego Monnathoko, a counsellor at the Botshabelo
but they have limited training, resources are Crisis Centre for survivors of gender-based violence
scarce and they are often under-supported. and sexual abuse in Mogwase, confirmed that Kanono
For the past few years, UP has worked in different delivers much-needed resources and connects relevant
municipalities to support CWHs in the form of weekly people and institutions so that they can work together
integrated training sessions to complement the two and make a difference in their communities.
weeks of upfront training provided by the Department.
She added: ‘We strive towards a system of continuous The feedback received from Apostle Boitumelo Khonou
learning, mainly through clinical associates we hire. from St Catherine Hospice in Mogwase is equally positive
Clinical associates support the weekly learning sessions and, thanks to valuable information received from
and clinical services’. The scope of practice of a clinical Kanono on how the hospice and hospice workers can
associate lies between that of a nurse and a medical improve their services, they now collaborate better with
doctor. A three-year degree course for clinical associates the community clinic and community health workers.
is offered by UP, the University of the Witwatersrand and
Walter Sisulu University. According to Siyabinga Mfanasibili Mngomezulu, an
employee at Anglo Platinum’s Amandelbult mine, the
Approximately 100 clinical associates are currently initiative helped to keep him safe when he contracted
deployed at the various Anglo American mining sites and COVID-19 last year and was quite ill. He regularly
will in future also be employed at Exxaro mines. From phoned Kanono to ask questions about his condition
there, they build relationships with communities to help and was soon connected with a community health
assess needs, identify problems, offer advice and keep worker who kept an eye on him, visited him regularly
COPC managers updated on their work and progress. and made arrangements for the delivery of medication
and food parcels. ‘Mpho even helped me with a water
Currently 133 health clinics are involved and the training project installation where I live. We are still in touch,’
of close to 1 700 CHWs is envisaged, which means that an Mngomezulu said.
estimated total of 2.7 million people will benefit from the
programme. A spokesperson for UP’s Department of Family Medicine
stated that patients can, through coordinated care, be
Mpho Kanono is a clinical associate working in Northwest discharged to their homes where CHWs can attend to
and Limpopo. He previously worked with military their needs with regular visits. These workers are ideally
personnel and helped HIV and diabetes patients in placed to become aware of problems such as hunger
clinics, but when he was offered a job on a mining site at and malnutrition, or other social challenges. Health
the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he welcomed the professionals and community workers frequently
opportunity. Much of his work over the past 18 months communicate to discuss cases, treatment, progress and
has involved community testing and tracing, as well as aftercare.
educating people about COVID-19 and ensuring that they
are vaccinated. Accompanied by CHWs, he visits many Sister Mmabatho Tlhakola, outreach team leader at
homes to check on patients. the Mogwase Community Health Centre (CHC) and a
registered nurse, confirmed this: ‘The CHWs under my
Mr Kanono also works with NGOs, centres for substance supervision and I cherish the support received from
abusers, victims of gender-based violence, church Mpho Kanono, which is especially helpful when we do
institutions and tribal leaders to facilitate communication house visits and can discuss cases afterwards. He is
and build collaborative projects. The feedback from the very passionate and committed to community work and
community services with which he liaises is positive and always shares valuable insights’.
proves the sustainability of the initiative.
Some of the areas already benefiting from the COPC
According to Dr Pertunia Kupa from Thabazimbi Hospital, programme include Namaqua, Kimberley and Kathu
clinical associates such as Kanono at the Amandelbult (Northern Cape); Parys and Kroonstad (Free State);
mine, have helped to assure successful COVID-19 Nkangala and Gert Sibande (Mpumalanga); Thabazimbi,
vaccination drives. ‘Their work helps to strengthen public- Polokwane, Mogalakwena, Steelpoort and Burgersfort
private partnerships as we continuously strive towards (Limpopo); and Bojanala district (North West).
18 Lentšu La SechabaBuilding victorious women
Gloria Khoza (Co-CEO and Executive Director of Keep That Gold Shining)
D
espite the challenges faced at house Commercii (Faculty of at Makhosini Combined Secondary
as a result of the COVID-19, Economics and management School and Tswaing secondary school.
Keep That Gold Shining (KTG) sciences). Her drive to lead this
always finds a way to add value to project was inspired by the following A project event was held at Makhosini
community service. Gloria Khoza, words: ‘If we want our women to come in Soshanguve on 7 August 2021.
a vibrant and outspoken student out victorious in all fights they come Vibrant women in leadership who
from the University of Pretoria across, we have to support them’. understand what it means to empower
who is currently studying towards young females were invited as guest
completing a BCom (Accounting She is a born leader, passionate about speakers.
Science) degree, coordinated a giving back to the community and
project to provide sanitary pads always willing to offer her support to They touched on various topics
to high school girls in need. those in need. relating to young females, including
relationships, women empowerment,
Gloria is the Co-CEO and one of Although Keep That Gold Shining and leadership, what it means to be a
the executive directors of KTG, (KTG) does not have a regular woman, challenges faced in achieving
former treasurer of the Golden Key sponsor for sanitary pads, they make success (in business and academically),
International Honours Society (UP sure that every year in Women’s and being your authentic self.
Chapter), Financial Accounting tutor Month they provide a two-month The purpose of this project was
at Teach Me2, former treasurer supply of sanitary pads to high not only to donate pads, but also
of House Asterhof and current school girls in need. The project to encourage and empower young
community outreach manager targets over 230 Grade 12 learners township females.
19 Lentšu La SechabaUniversity of Pretoria lifting
dreams through sports
partnership in Soweto
Phaphama Tshisikhawe
development challenges by linking
the research and teaching skills of
staff and students to the specific
needs of the diverse communities.
‘Giving back to the community is the
essence of progressive leadership and
community development projects.
Such initiatives are utilised to address
community challenges and provide
opportunities to communities
that are often excluded. The HCSS
community engagement resonates
with Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) which intend to raise
awareness of global developments in
education, sustainable communities,
health, and wellbeing. I am proud of
the students’ commitment and the
great work they did,’ said Leepile
Motlhaolwa, HCSS Lecturer.
HCSS Students also got an
opportunity to visit Lifting Dreams
Soweto gym, which operates out of
the front yard of defending South
African Weightlifting Champion
Khati Mabuya’s mother’s house.
Lifting Dreams Soweto offers free
N
weightlifting training for children
ever underestimate what a Through this outreach, more aged 9 to 17. Mabuya shared with
simple gesture can do. ‘It is than 200 learners at Thusanang students how he started the club in
the little things that you do Primary School in White-City got an 2019 with his brother, Katleho, to get
that make a big difference in other opportunity to interact with Higher children off the streets, drugs and out
people’s lives’. This was the view Certificate in Sports Sciences (HCSS) of trouble to teach them discipline
of LJ van Zyl, a Lecturer and Sports students from the University of and perseverance.
Practical Coordinator, at an outreach Pretoria, who on the day assisted
in Soweto where the University with tutoring, homework and later ‘I wanted to build a gym which was
of Pretoria partnered with Lifting engaged in physical activities, which going to be a place of safety for the
Dreams, a non-profit organisation included a variety of games. The HCSS kids,’ says Mabuya. ‘A space where
(NPO) that aims to build healthy community engagement initiative is they can gather together after school
communities through sports and aligned to the University of Pretoria and do their homework and train’.
academics. strategic objectives in addressing
continued on page 21
20 Lentšu La SechabaSoon after starting the club, the due to COVID-19 regulations, the back. ‘Today I learned that we rise
Mabuya met Hein Badenhorst when youngsters train on alternating by lifting others. I feel proud to have
they turned up at a weightlifting days. Lifting Dreams also focuses on contributed my time to a worthy
competition with 14 youngsters from improving academic outcomes. All cause, helping these kids with
Soweto. Badenhorst introduced the members have to get a minimum of homework and also bringing smiles
club to British weightlifting Olympian 60% at school, and if they don’t they on their face with the fun games we
Sonny Webster, who helped them have to do a set of squats for every played was heart-warming. I wish to
raise funds. With their help and percentage point they missed,’ said do more moving forward,’ she said.
donations from the National Hein Badenhorst.
Federation of Weightlifting and LJ van Zyl added that the task
My Fitness gym, the club now has Nombuso Khoza, a Higher Certificate team will continue to engage
functional equipment. in Sports Sciences student indicated with Lifting Dreams to forge a
that visiting the school and they gym solid partnership. ‘We believe in
‘Currently, the club trains 60 has taught her a lot about giving the power of sport to transform
youngsters and their biggest lives. This partnership aims to
problem is a lack of space. They can promote positive development
only accommodate 20 at a time. through physical activity. I foresee
With schools being on rotation a lot of our students benefiting
greatly from this partnership as we
vigorously promote a community
engaged scholarship, life skills and
sport-based youth development,’
concluded van Zyl.
21 Lentšu La SechabaFuture Africa at
the University
of Pretoria
Post Graduate Residence: Applications for 2022
F
uture Africa is a flagship institute services providing full access to
of the University of Pretoria e-resources and repositories,
located on the university’s and regular onsite assistance.
Hillcrest campus. The campus offers
a tranquil, yet modern environment Many shopping centres are
away from the busy Hatfield centre. conveniently located in close vicinity
of the campus, and residents can
The postgraduate residence at Future choose from an array of restaurants
Africa offers accommodation for in the area. The campus is also in
post-doctoral fellows, researchers, close proximity of the UP Sports
PhD, and master’s students as well Centre, Student Gymnasium, High
as visiting scholars of Future Africa. Performance Centre, Hillcrest public
swimming pool and the Hatfield
The residence offers bachelor Gautrain station. A scheduled bus
apartments, communal kitchens and shuttle service is available to residents.
dining spaces, and a fully equipped
laundry. The rooms have an open Residents are required to sign a
space design, each with a study area rental agreement that is subject
and an en-suite bathroom (shower). to annual renewal. A code of
The amenities at Future Africa include conduct and house rules apply.
a dining hall for residents who prefer
not to self-cater. The dining hall Access information about the Future
For added information,
provides breakfast, dinner, and other Africa Campus here: https://www.
bookings and payment
meals subject to a pre-order system. futureafrica.science/index.php/
enquires please email:
campus/post-grad-and-academic-
reception@futureafrica.science
Future Africa also hosts a fully residence and apply online: https://
equipped Research Commons www.futureafrica.science/index.
with 24-hour access, and library php/form/residence_application
22 Lentšu La SechabaDo I Really Understand what
I’m Getting myself into?
Stop and think!
Elaine van Wyk, Thabang Rameetse, Bianca Henderson, Phindile Mokomane, Qukeza Nokele, Marni
Grobler (Fourth year students from the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Healthcare
Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences)
Dr Michelle Janse van Rensburg, Senior Researcher, Community Orientated Primary Care (COPC)
Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences (Work-integrated learning fieldwork supervisor)
T
he Occupational Therapy Department from the COSUP in Atteridgeville presents regular substance use
University of Pretoria has been working closely with prevention and awareness days in the community. One
some of the Community Oriented Substance Use particular school identified for an awareness day was
Programme (COSUP) sites across Tshwane. COSUP is a the Olievenhoutbosch Pre-Vocational School, as they
programme that aims to provide effective community- have reported substance use among learners. The social
based support for people who are affected by or who worker from COSUP Atteridgeville asked the occupational
use harmful substances. Its focus is on prevention therapy students to assist in the presentation of the
of substance use, harm reduction for people who awareness day at the school, along with two COSUP
use drugs (PWUD), improving health and restoring service-users and the COSUP peer educator (who has
the functioning of PWUD, and, ultimately, reducing previously used drugs and now works for COSUP to
the social destruction of harmful substance use.1 educate and inspire PWUD).
continued on page 24
Occupational therapy students providing information to learners
23 Lentšu La SechabaThe principal of the school welcomed the team and The learners retained the information well and could
explained that the school specialises in the following pre- recall the mnemonic for drugs, namely: ‘Do I Really
vocational skills: needlework, hairdressing, consumer Understand what I’m Getting myself into? Stop and think!’
science and mechanical science. This is important to All of the posters were left at the school and enough
note, since these are occupations that can be used copies were made for each class as a constant reminder
in future intervention opportunities at the school. of the harmful effects of drugs, not only on health, but on
quality of life. The day ended with the principal reporting
After orientation, the occupational therapy students that she felt the session was a massive success and the
had the opportunity to address the learners. Initially, occupational therapy students and COSUP team should
the learners seemed disengaged and not interested definitely return to the school to continue encouraging
in the session. In order to encourage participation, the learners to live their best lives.
the students played some music and asked learners
who wanted to dance for the rest of the group.
References
This proved to be very successful as the learners cheered
each other along and it created an opportunity for them 1. Mosweu R. (2021). COSUP gives hope to substance
to become comfortable with the session. The students users | Article | University of Pretoria [Internet].
then facilitated another fun icebreaker to encourage the Up.ac.za. 2018 [cited 9 June 2021]. Available
learners to listen to information and to get their attention. from: https://www.up.ac.za/up-copc-research-unit/
article/2934203/cosup
The occupational therapy students provided education
about the physical dangers of substance use, using
posters as visual aids. It was apparent that the learners
weren’t aware of some of the effects that the use of
substances can have on your body. The COSUP team
shared valuable insights on why it is harmful for
developing brains to be exposed to harmful substances.
Learners were encouraged to rather never start, than
to experiment with substances and regret it later.
The team explained how substances can negatively
influence learners’ lives at their current age, how
substances can ‘rule’ their lives, how substances have
ruined lives, and named withdrawal symptoms. Learners
were warned that the school has the right to suspend
or expel them when in possession of drugs or if they’re
found using harmful substances. ‘There is nothing you can
gain by using substances’.
The social worker explained what COSUP is, where it is
located in Atteridgeville and how it’s a ‘no-judgement’
space where one can receive advice, support, treatment
and counselling for free. She invited them to visit the site
if they want more information regarding substances or if
they are already using and want to receive counselling or
start with harm reduction intervention.
The occupational therapy students then tested whether
the learners had focussed during the session by asking
them 10 questions related to the information given.
When someone was able to answer the questions,
they were rewarded with a sweet. This worked well
since the ‘testing’ was fun, and the sweets acted as
motivators for learners to answer the questions. COSUP Social worker addressing learners in Atteridgeville
24 Lentšu La SechabaYou can also read
