Those living with the misunderstood condition face social stigma and a lack of support in public clinics and hospitals.
Wits students and mental health experts gathered to challenge the stigma and silence around bipolar disorder.
The event revealed that there are serious shortages of mental health resources in South Africa’s public healthcare system.
Personal testimonies from people living with bipolar highlighted why breaking the silence must go hand in hand with upholding their human dignity.
The extreme highs and dark lows of bipolar disorder often make for an isolating experience of living with this condition. To break the silence, Wits Pathology Society brought together students, experts, and advocates to tackle stigma and talk about the challenges of treating this mental illness.
At the event held on Thursday, May 15, experts emphasised that talking about the impact of bipolar disorder is important, but the way we do so also matters.
Dr Vinola Poliah, a psychiatrist at Sterkfontein Hospital and Akeso Crescent Clinic, stressed that using words like “crazy” or “unstable” to describe someone living with bipolar is not only hurtful but also reinforces negative stereotypes.
Another issue that was raised is the limited access to mental health services in South Africa. There is a shortage of psychiatrists, especially in the public sector. Poliah said, “twenty percent of South Africans will experience a depressive disorder at least once in their life.”
“The most frightening statistic of all for me is that twenty-three South Africans attempt or commit suicide every day, and with bipolar disorder we have the highest rates of suicide.”
Many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder struggle to access a mental health professional in times of crisis or to receive ongoing support, such as therapy and sometimes costly medication, which may worsen their experience of living with this condition.
“I have been to hospitals where I can sit an entire day and wait with a person needing psychiatric assistance,” said Mary-Anne Dobrovic, manager at the South African Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorders Alliance.
“There are just too many patients for the number of doctors. Our doctors in most of the clinics and government hospitals are overrun,” she continued.
The event also provided a safe space for people living with bipolar to share their experiences. Theuns Lombard, a former army nurse and paramedic, shared his story of being diagnosed with bipolar hypomania more than twenty years ago.
He made a point to emphasise that this disorder is not his identity. “I have bipolar disorder, but I don’t suffer from it. I am not suffering. This is a diagnosis, it doesn’t define me,” he said. Monthly counselling sessions and periodic checkups with a psychiatrist to tweak his medication as needed, help keep Lombard more balanced.
The event challenged the idea that bipolar is about mere mood swings. It’s a serious condition that deserves real support, not just sympathy. Change starts with how we speak, but it can’t stop there. It must reach the healthcare system, meant to effectively care for those living with the disorder.
FEATURED IMAGE: An estimated 20% of South Africans experience a depressive disorder at least once in their lives, with bipolar affecting 4% of the population. Graphic: Mbali Khumalo
Wits students may be at risk as non-students reportedly gain access to campus through university buses, exposing a security loophole in campus security.
A growing security loophole in the Wits bus system could endanger thousands of students who use it.
Over 30 non-registered students removed from buses in recent weeks.
Wits CPS is actively working on long-term solutions to close the loophole and restore full safety for all students and staff.
Inter-campus buses are meant to be a safe and convenient way for Witises to get around daily, but lax security controls have raised concerns about access and safety.
Despite millions spent on biometric security systems at access points across campuses, unauthorised individuals have reportedly entered Wits `University premises through the buses.
Sylvan Guingohn, Crime Prevention & Liaison Manager at Wits Campus Protection Services (CPS), confirmed “approximately 35 individuals who were not registered Wits students were removed from buses in recent weeks.”
This has sparked alarm among students, particularly as these buses travel between five Wits campuses and two public stops outside campus to load and offload students, including Rosebank mall on weekends.
“It’s rare to find a security guard on the bus,” said Mpho Mphateng, a second-year Bachelor of Education student. “Mostly, it’s just the driver. It would be best if someone was there to check our student cards all the time. We don’t completely feel safe.”
Campus Protection Services acknowledges the concern. Mr John Sibisi, Deputy Director of CPS, responded to questions by noting that officers are sometimes deployed to buses, but not consistently.
“CPS conducts random deployments of officers on buses informed by crime and incident trends. While we may not always have officers in every bus, our strategy is always guided by current security risks,” said Sibisi.
He further confirmed that CPS is actively working with service providers to implement a permanent access control system that will ensure only authorised students can use the bus service. However, this solution may take time to roll out.
“Meanwhile, we continue to run safety awareness campaigns via house committee meetings, libraries, and VOW FM to sensitise students about safety precautions,” Sibisi added.
Wits CPS has urged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their 24-hour control room at 011 717 4444 / 6666, or directly to security staff on campus.
FEATURED IMAGE: Photo of a Wits Bus. Photo: Phenyo Selinda
Wits university celebrates academic brilliance, inspiring a culture of achievement and innovation.
The awards as a platform for networking, collaboration, and enhancing Wits’ reputation for academic excellence.
Fostering a culture of promoting shared values among students.
Recognition and rewarding students with exceptional academic performance.
On Wednesday May 14, the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) hosted the first Academic Excellence Awards in the Senate Room to honour top achievers from all faculties, recognising their outstanding academic performance and dedication to excellence.
The event was attended by the Dean of Students Mr. Jerome September, who spoke about the importance of the event.
“This event aligns with Wits University’s mission to promote academic excellence and innovation, as outlined in its strategic framework”.
The Dean of Students committed to contributing to future editions, ensuring the event’s continuation.
The awards were designed as a legacy project, receiving enthusiastic support from key university leaders, including the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ruksana Osman.
By celebrating student achievements, the SRC aims to foster a culture of excellence and inspire others to strive for academic greatness.
The awards were also attended by the different house committee members, who commented on the SRC project.
“The initiatives taken by SRC have been highly supportive and the ‘Kubo ya thuto’ fund has been one of the most crucial projects that has significantly contributed to the academic success,” said Buhle Ndiniso, a David Webster house committee member.
A photo of SRC academic officer Jostino Mbiza congratulating the students on their academic excellence .Photo by: Nomfundo Zungu
The event honoured students who excelled academically, with the selection process based strictly on 20 students per faculty who achieved a minimum of 75%. The SRC hopes to expand the categories in future ceremonies to include special awards, such as most improved or community-engaged students.
One of the award winners, Laquita Bennett from the faculty of humanities, expressed her gratitude and joy.
“It is very nice to reap the fruits of my hard work. Sometimes you put effort into academics and never get the credit. This is the first event I have been exposed to so far, I’m so honored, and it feels very nice to be academically involved,” she said.
FEATURED IMAGE: A photo of dean of students Mr. Jerome September and Wits SRC. Photo by: Nomfundo Zungu
About 160 members of Nehawu were left with no other choice than to accept the less than 6,9% salary increase as majority voted to take the new offer tabled by Wits management.
Nehawu members headed to Wits Science Stadium for their meeting. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
• Nehawu and Wits management reached an agreement after five months.
• The salary increase is not the same percentage across working grades.
• Nehawu will begin salary increase negotiations for 2026 earlier than October.
After five months of negotiations with Wits University, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) finally accepted, during a meeting held on May 09, 2025, at the Wits Science Stadium, an offer of between 5,55% and 5,7% salary increase and an instant R2,500 once-off eWallet despite the majority of the members feeling cornered by circumstances.
Over 260 members voted in favour of the offer, while 160 voted against it.
Most workers were dissatisfied with the disparities in the salary increases. Grade 5-8 workers will receive a 5,55% increase, grade 9-12 workers will receive a 5,6% increase and lastly, grade 13-17 workers will receive a 5,7% increase.
Thabo Modise, secretary of Nehawu Wits branch, believes that this is Wits management’s way to try divide and conquer: “Management wants to divide us,” he said.
Modise encouraged members to trust in their leadership, stressing that members are resigning from the union to join either the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (Asawu) which accepted a salary increase of 4,5% increase, and the Association of Language Teachers of South Africa (ALTSA) which accepted a 5,5% salary increase long before this meeting.
“We are taking the offer because of hunger,” said Trinity Makola, chairperson of Nehawu Wits branch, after the votes were counted.
He went on to promise members to begin salary increase negotiations for 2026 earlier than October.
FEATURED IMAGE: Nehawu members opening the meeting. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
“No means no” was just the beginning — last Thursday at Wits, the School of Arts and Gender Equity Office joined forces to challenge silence, spark dialogue, and rethink consent in a powerful campus event.
WSOA students reflected on blurred boundaries in movement and performance training.
GEO outlined intersectional harm and shared tools for survivor support.
The seminar encouraged open dialogue, aimed to build a safer, conscious campus culture.
A GEO branded stress ball. Photo: Bontle Malowa
“A Conversation on Sexual Harassment” brought together students and staff for an open dialogue on how harassment manifests in the classroom, rehearsal spaces, and beyond. While the GEO presented definitions and data, it was the personal testimonies that brought the discussion to life.
First-year theatre student Jade Scheepers said, “Amongst students, consent is rarely asked, especially in movement classes.” She appreciated how the seminar acknowledged that harassment “hits differently” depending on one’s identity and experience.
The GEO emphasised that gender-based harm includes verbal, non-verbal, and physical misconduct, and it disproportionately impacts students across intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Intern Bhekamndeni Mkhwanzi explained that GEO’s role goes beyond policy: “It’s about building an ecosystem where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.”
The university collects and tracks all GBH/V-related complaints, analysing trends to inform and improve intervention initiatives. It provides a safe and confidential space with full-time counselling support for complainants and victims, ensuring they receive the care and guidance they need. Complainants and victims are confidentially advised of their available options, and formal complaints against staff or students accused of GBH/V are managed through an independent disciplinary procedure. Additionally, the university actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote gender equality.
First-year theatre student Sharon Nienaber, the session was particularly relevant to arts students, who often navigate blurred lines of physical contact during theatre and performance training. “This wasn’t just an academic talk, it was a reckoning,” she said.
Mkhwanzi says it is working to improve peer counselling, anonymous reporting, and trauma-informed support. As one student put it, the space offered “validation” and a renewed call for safer, more conscious creative spaces,” said Saijal Pather first year theatre student. The seminar provided a clear and comprehensive definition of Gender-based-harm (GBH) as “any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature—verbal, non-verbal, or physical.” It also underscored the significance of intersectionality, highlighting how harassment disproportionately affects individuals whose identities intersect across race, gender, sexuality, disability, and religion.
By the end of the session, the seminar had done more than educate. It had sparked a collective discomfort necessary for change and opened the door to ongoing conversations.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits School of Arts students in the seminar. Photo: Bontle Malowa
Wits University’s ongoing biometric access system failures continue to frustrate students and staff, despite earlier promises of improvements.
Wits University’s biometric system continues to malfunction, causing daily access disruptions for students and staff.
Campus control is in the process of replacing the old system.
System failures lead to late arrivals, restricted access to resources, and safety concerns.
Nearly a year after the University of the Witwatersrand acknowledged challenges with its biometric access control system, students and staff are still facing ongoing disruptions that are affecting campus life and safety.
In May 2024, Wits Vuvuzelareported on the instability of the campus control system due to “unexpected software challenges.” At the time, the university proposed interim solutions, including software upgrades and the installation of additional servers.
Almost a year later, the situation has shown little improvement. Students and staff continue to experience difficulties when entering or exiting campuses.
Deputy Director of Campus Control Services (CPS), Mafihla Maleka, confirmed that CPS is currently in the process of replacing the old access control system with “a new, upgraded system.”
“This transition is expected to take approximately fourteen months to complete,” said Maleka. “During this period, Wits patrons may continue to experience some inconvenience when entering or exiting campus premises.”
To help ease the burden during this transitional phase, CPS has stationed personnel at various access points to manually assist with entry and exit.
Students like Reneilwe Kgosietsile and Minentle Mbatha have expressed their frustrations. They say the disruptions often cause them to arrive late for lectures and tests. A major complaint is the random enforcement of student cards, even though the biometric system doesn’t rely on them.
“I don’t live at res. When I forget my student card at home, I must go to extreme lengths to prove that I am a student for security to let me in,” said Mbatha. She also noted that this discourages students from accessing important campus resources. “It even becomes a whole process just to go to the library without your card.”
Security personnel have also voiced concerns. One guard, who requested anonymity, explained that the malfunctions are due to “network issues.” This has implications beyond inconvenience. “What will happen if a student is being chased to be mugged and when they get to the gate it’s not working and there’s no security?” the guard asked.
As the university continues the 14-month system upgrade, the Wits community remains hopeful for a swift resolution. For now, patience is wearing thin and the call for more reliable solutions is louder.
FEATURED IMAGE: A photo of a non-functional gate at Wits. Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
The declining diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Africa makes for a complex and self-introspective experience for American students in Johannesburg.
The Trump administration prompts many American students to question their identity in the global context.
American students living in Johannesburg have found the experience thought-provoking.
Many of the students do not see themselves as ambassadors of their nation.
With one post on X on February 3, the bilateral relationship between the United States of America (USA) and South Africa was fractured.
US President Donald Trump posted an accusation claiming that the South African government is engaging in discriminatory behaviour towards white South Africans and turning a blind eye to the “human rights violations” occurring in the country.
Trump went on to announce his plan to withhold all funding from the nation – a promise he has fulfilled while making further untruthful claims about South Africa.
Despite the future of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa being unknown, tourism and education continue to bring Americans to the country.
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to some American students living and studying in Johannesburg to get a sense of how they feel being American in Johannesburg in this unprecedented time.
Sahar Carter, a Californian native pursuing their master’s degree in creative writing, said, “I personally don’t see myself as an ambassador of my nation.
“My criticism of the US also spurred me wanting [sic] to come to South Africa.”
Carter’s Johannesburg experience during this time has birthed a desire in her to explore the specifics of her African roots.
“I do feel like since being here I’ve felt emboldened to become an ambassador for black Americans, I guess I feel very defensive about my culture,” they said.
Carter’s defensiveness also stems from their realisation of a perception from some South Africans, expressed especially on social media platforms, about African Americans being ignorant and stupid.
They attribute the sentiment to Africa’s misrepresentation in American media and the fact that the average American interacts with ‘censored’ media.
“ We don’t easily have ways of hearing about the rest of the world that doesn’t filter through specifically American media,” said Carter.
American students from a joint exchange program between Pitzer College in California and Wits University under the University’s Centre for Diversity studies also shared their thoughts.
Feven Aklilu , an American student of Ethiopian descent, opened up about her experience of never truly feeling American until she was confronted with the reality of the state of her nation while living in Johannesburg.
“Being in this space and trying to figure that out has made it very glaringly apparent that as much as I view myself separate from America and its problems and the consequences it brings, I’m still a living manifestation of that when I’m here and there’s a weird sense of not wanting to interact with that,” she said.
Another member of the programme, Laine May says she finds that South Africans become more receptive to connecting once they figure out their respective political standings.
“Conversations open up once they realise, oh you’re not that kind of American or whatever the current idea of what an American is.”
Laine says that she doesn’t feel sad about actively disassociating from her American identity, but finds sadness in the idea that being American is now associated with the qualities of its current administration.
She also felt disheartened after taking note of the way the United States is still romanticised in educational spaces in Southern Africa and how that contributes to Africa’s “brain drain”.
“As an American, I wish the American dream was something that was real for me and is a possibility for these children that want something bigger than they have now,” she said.
Despite these sentiments, the consensus among the American students interviewed was that they enjoy living in Johannesburg and that this experience is one that will change their perspectives as American students for life.
FEATURED IMAGE: An illustration of the flags of the United States and South Africa slightly overlapping, with the Johannesburg skyline at the bottom. Graphic: Sechaba Molete
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero delivered his first State of the City Address on Wednesday, pledging bold reforms, but opposition parties say words must be matched with action.
Mayor Dada Morero outlines Johannesburg’s turnaround plan at his first State of the City Address.
Pledges include energy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and a “Bomb Squad” task team.
DA tables a motion of no confidence, citing service delivery collapse and lack of leadership.
Councillors gathered at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers during the 2025 State of the City Address in Johannesburg. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein on May 7, committing to tackle service delivery failures, economic instability, and declining infrastructure – but opposition parties were unconvinced.
Morero outlined a “turnaround plan” that includes informal settlement electrification, inner-city revitalisation, and the creation of a “Bomb Squad”.
“In military language, a bomb squad has the responsibility of examining and removing bombs that are found and to prevent them from exploding. This COJ (City of Johannesburg) bomb squad must remove constraints that are impacting on the city’s ability to create the Joburg we want to see,” said Morero.
For Ross Hooper from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the address was a vague “wishlist,” lacking substance or clear timelines. They also confirmed that they have tabled a motion of no confidence in Morero, citing political mismanagement and collapse of municipal services. “The city needs leadership, not speeches,” he said.
Chris Rohlssen from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) echoed these sentiments, warning that past promises have failed to materialise. “The mayor speaks well, but we want delivery, not just words,” said Rohlssen.
Despite criticism, Morero defended his administration’s plans to stabilise finances and cut reliance on Eskom through energy reforms. He framed his address as a call to build “One City driven by its people.”
No ordinary residents of Johannesburg were present at the address. The State of the City debate is expected to follow on May 8.
FEATURED IMAGE: Councillors gathered at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers during the 2025 State of the City Address in Johannesburg. Photo: LikhoMbuka
South Africa was crowned the country with the most press freedom in Africa after moving up 11 positions this year.
South Africa guarantees media freedom, as indicated by the recent World Press Freedom Day Index.
The 2024 general elections are to owe for the increase in ranking.
Despite improvement, some challenges still need to be addressed.
South Africa climbed the ladder and ranked 27th globally for press freedom, a jump from last year’s 38th ranking, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released on May 2. Earning the top spot in Africa.
The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual report, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on World Press Freedom Day, ranking 180 countries according to the degree of freedom available to journalists in the previous year.
The country’s media freedom ranking is identified as ‘satisfactory’.
South Africa’s global media freedom ranking over five years. Graphic : Lukholo Mazibuko
“There is no question that journalists in South Africa work freely across the spectrum,” says Slindile Khanyile, Sanef’s (South African National Editors Forum) media freedom subcommittee chairperson.
But she adds, “Of course, it is not to say that there are no attempts to intimidate or censor them, but these are rare.”
The shift in position is believed to be indicative of the prominent 2024 elections. “I think being able to freely cover the 2024 general elections, which led to a coalition government at national level, for the first time since the dawn of democracy contributed to this,” says Khanyile.
On the elections, Reggie Moalusi, executive director of Sanef, adds, “Fortunately, we saw very few incidents when it comes to journalists being harassed and media freedom transgression where journalists or media houses were not allowed to do their work.”
Despite the progress, Moalusi critiques that the improvement on the mitigation of online harassment among female journalists would positively agitate the country’s ranking, for though the critical importance of media freedom is highlighted in the index, the treatment of journalists should not be overlooked. “There’s still a whole lot more of work that still needs to be done,” he said.
Khanyile also believes that “the continuation of investigative journalism in the public and private sector(s) played a role and contributed to the growth of independent media ownership.”
Waste Land covered by News24’s Sikonathi Manthshantsha and The Laundry by Dewald Van Rensburg of amaBhungane are examples of award-winning investigative series that reflect quality journalism.
Therefore, as Khanyile says, “[The index] reaffirms the country’s commitment to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.”
City Power and Braam residences again leave students concerned about food security.
Power outages disturb students, who are unable to charge or cook for days.
Student groceries have gone to waste with fridges not working.
SRC responded by giving out lunch to students.
The lights may have flickered on briefly, but power outages are back. The lights have been on and off for almost a fortnight.
Braamfontein and surrounding areas, including parts of Randburg, Hillbrow and Melville, first went dark on April 22. The cause, a ‘trip and flashed MSS’, which is a flash of light caused by electrical discharges from damaged electrical equipment, according to City Power.
Ward councillor of region 60, Sihle Nguse, said, “They are trying their level best, but this work requires everyone to be hands-on.”
He emphasised how law enforcement and student housing institutions need to play their part in assisting students during this time.
The outage has affected students’ routines significantly, as City Power technicians work on restoring electricity. Many are unable to cook, while food has spoiled and internet access is intermittent.
Lesedi Magonare, a third-year Film and Television student, said the outage comes with financial costs. “Having to resort to takeout and fast food […], my finances were messed up; I overspent in that category.”
In response to students’ frustrations, the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) partnered with Nguse to provide relief. Some 356 sandwiches were given to South Point and some on-campus residence students.
“They [students] sent emails and messages telling us about how they are affected by the power outage, and they really want us to do something about that situation,” said SRC deputy president, Boipelo Settspu.
City Power released 13 public statements on April 29 alone to update and assure residents in affected areas that the issue is being worked on.
Despite these public statements, the power outage in Braamfontein resumes. “I submitted an assignment late because there was no way to charge my laptop, and the computer labs as well were not working,” Magonare added in frustration.
“Now we have to readjust our schedules to charge equipment. It was a bit inconvenient,” added Magonare, counting 8 days without electricity.”
Although power outages in Braamfontein are not new, this ongoing issue continues to leave students vulnerable to infrastructure failures.
FEATURED IMAGE: An image of a student without lights and an uncharged laptop during the power outage. Photo by: Kamvelihle Mtwazi
South African citizens march for voluntary departure of undocumented migrants, sparking debate on immigration policies and government response
The South African citizens call for a 30-day ultimatum for illegal immigrants to exit the country
The government is yet to respond on the proposed memorandum
A group of South African citizens took to the streets on May 02,2025, marching from Pieter Roos Park in Parktown to the Gauteng Legislature in Marshalltown – demanding that government give undocumented migrants a 30-day ultimatum to exit South Africa, sparking a heated debate on immigration policies.
The peaceful protesters, organised by a group of concerned citizens, cited concerns over the impact of undocumented migration on the country’s resources, jobs, and infrastructure.
“We are not against migrants who come to our country legally and contribute to our society,” said Edwin Masina one of the march organizers.
“However, we cannot continue to bear the burden of undocumented migrants who strain our systems and take advantage of our generosity,” he added.
The photo of South African citizens marching down the Joburg street to the Gauteng legislature. Photo: Nomfundo Zungu
One of the citizens emphasized concerns on the job competition, crime and safety. “Besides the immigrants selling drugs and kidnapping people, we are also facing an issue of unemployment because illegal immigrants are taking our jobs, graduates are staying at home without jobs.”
The government has yet to respond officially to the call for a 30-day ultimatum. However, officials from the Department of Home Affairs have previously stated that the government is working to strengthen its immigration policies and crack down on undocumented migration.
Immigration experts say that the issue is complex and requires a multifaceted approach.
Dr Nokhutula Khuzwayo, an immigration expert said, “We need to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and lack of opportunities in migrants’ home countries.
“We also need to ensure that our immigration policies are fair, humane, and effective.”
As the march concluded, participants were unable to submit the memorandum to the Gauteng Legislature speaker Ms Morakane Mosupyoe, as she sent a communication stating that she is on leave.
Government is expected to have a meeting with the march organisers on Tuesday May 07,2025.
FEATURED IMAGE: A picture of South African citizens marching to the Gauteng legislature to hand over the memorandum against illegal immigrants. Photo: Nomfundo Zungu
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
Societal expectations and experiences can often place pressure on people’s relationships. With Valentine’s Day coming up we have asked individuals questions about their views on certain relationship dynamics especially when it comes to the most anticipated day of the year for some lovers, Valentines Day. Viewers shared their beliefs and Siyanda and Katlego talk about […]
