“Neglected and Mistreated” by campus health

by | May 5, 2025 | News

University students in South Africa, like their counterparts globally, experience substantial mental health issues characterised by high levels of psychological distress and limited access to professional help. 

  • A nurse allegedly dismissed a student experiencing depression, advising that more sleep would resolve her condition.
  • A student having an anxiety attack was allegedly scolded by a nurse while seeking help.
  • The Centre scheduled additional sessions for the student to resolve the matter, but she never showed up.

The student raised serious concerns about the quality of mental health support provided by Wits Campus Health and Wellness Centre.

“Sister Simangele Sitoe told me I was lazy and dismissed me with sleeping pills and antidepressants,” the student said.

Only after filing a complaint with a former intern named Karabo Molefe, was psychiatric assistance made available.

However, the issue continued in 2025. During an anxiety attack, the student returned to the Centre, only to be scolded by another nurse, Sister Ntombi Dantjie. “She shouted that she’s been a psychiatric nurse longer than I’ve been alive and that I was wasting her time”, the student alleged.

Wits’ Campus Health And Wellness Centre – Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula

Wits Vuvuzela reached out to both psychiatric nurses. Dantjie was unavailable for comment.

However, Sitoe denied the allegations, “I only interacted with the student once, after the first session, she decided that she does not want to interact with me ever again. After we referred her to another doctor here at the centre, the student would not avail herself and she did not come to collect her medication.”

In response, former intern, Molefe said, “The student came to me and complained about Sister Sitoe. I proceeded to book her multiple times to get assistance and sort out her issues with the nurse, but she never came.”

The head of department is currently not in the country to comment, standing in for him Mr. Brian Jele, the Primary Health Care Nurse at the Centre said: “There is a suggestion box available to all our patients here at the Centre, if any student has an issue, they have a right to voice out their matters, write everything down and put it in a box and everything will be investigated”.

Mr. Jele added, “When Mr. Ntshabele returns on Monday, I will report the matter to him and proper investigation will be conducted from there.”

FEATURED IMAGE: The Campus Health and Wellness Centre’s working hours. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula

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REVIEW: Big Zulu’s Icala Le Mpumelelo is an emotional rollercoaster

by | Apr 19, 2025 | REVIEWS

The multi-award-winning artist continues to prove that he has mastered the art of capturing his listeners’ emotions with his sound. 

Since debuting in 2018 with his album “USHUN WENKABI”, Big Zulu’s versatility has made him one of the most complete creators in South Africa’s music industry – and his latest offering is one worth listening to.  

 Big Zulu’s fifth studio album, ICALA LE MPUMELELO dropped on April 11, 2025, featuring several artists including Shwi Mntombazane, Nkosazana Daughter, Zakwe, Siya Ntuli, Zeh McGeba, Zee Nxumalo, Aymos, Maseven, Emtee, Toss, Sir Trill, Xowla and Zakwe – on songs ranging from hip hop to afro pop. 

Big Zulu’s music is the kind that one effortlessly falls in love with. After listening to the album only once, I was captured and able to pick the tracks that stand out the most.  

Unlike some artists who make music based on trends, Big Zulu invests in making music that has a message, resulting in longevity of his work because what he sings about is relatable. 

In the album’s opening track titled “ICALA LE MPUMELELO” the artist tells a story that many in South Africa relate to – raised by a caring grandmother who worked as a maid to provide food on the table, taught him survival skills, then succeeding against all odds.

 “MTHULISE”, “MINA NGEDWA” and “MBALI YAMI” demonstrate the artist’s consistent devotion to love songs. Track 2, MTHULISE, stands out as an emotional and sad song. The artist sings about the challenge of being in a relationship with someone who is an orphan because when they cry, you also cry.  

Big Zulu takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster – from sadness to feeling like turning up in a club with friends vibing to “iNkululeko”, a rap track featuring Toss & Sir.  

In a song already released in March, “ABAZAZI BAFUNANI” featuring Emtee, Big Zulu appears to have turned their rivalry into a beautiful collaboration.  

This is certainly an album worth listening to. 

Vuvu Rating 7/10

FEATURED IMAGE: Big Zulu’s album cover. Photo: Big Zulu‘s Instagram

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