For students at various higher education institutions globally and across South Africa, uncertainties around their ability to successfully complete the 2020 academic year abound, with Nelson Mandela University – under the guidance of the decision makers in the sector – striving to ensure that any work lost in this period is caught up on when academic activities resume.
This includes a great deal of thinking and planning around various scenarios with the aim of providing learning, teaching and research activities along multiple, staggered pathways.
The University, sector, country and the world are navigating this unprecedented time of the global pandemic that has affected nearly half a million people worldwide and over 900 in the country to date.
With this comes a lot of angst, and the University has put measures in place to offer the necessary emotional support to assist students in this time.
The University, through the Student Counselling, Career and Development Services (SCCDS), has in place a suite of support mechanisms that students can access digitally or telephonically.
During this period, students are encouraged to access a number of coping mechanisms that will assist maintain their mental health and wellbeing through resources made available on the SCCDS website https://counselling.mandela.ac.za.
As South Africa goes into a lockdown due to the COVID-19 virus from tomorrow until midnight on 16 April, the University’s counselling unit, Emthonjeni, recommends the following tips to manage any fear and anxiety that may arise.
These include:
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Knowing the facts and protecting oneself and others, through information from reputable and trusted sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), South African Department of Health (DoH), Nelson Mandela University Memo and the dedicated website. Be wary of fake news reports circulating on social media.
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Put the pandemic into perspective, as the worldwide crisis that it is that requires everyone to play their part in monitoring, preventing and managing the virus
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Do not overthink the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic
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Anxiety is a perfectly normal human response to a situation that is threatening our daily routine. So, students are encouraged to acknowledge any anxiousness and work with counsellors on ways to reduce the anxiety
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Follow your daily routine as much as is possible – wake up at a reasonable time, bathe, eat, do some form of basic exercise, revise studies, read and connect with friends and family through social media. Students can also engage in a number of relaxation exercises, and can follow the links below for some.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad7HqXEc2Sc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ77DYyfI0w
The University’s Emthonjeni team of counsellors will be available to offer one-on-one support should students need it. Students should email counselling@mandela.ac.za and arrangements can be made for a Skype or WhatsApp consultation with a counsellor on standby.
Students can also access the national COVID-19 hotline on 0800 029 99.
Alternative contact numbers:
SADAG: 011 234 4837
LIFELINE: 011 715 2000
We are indeed in uncertain times and the University is doing its utmost to work with students regarding their wellness as far as possible.
Student Life and Development