Unisa launches focused student engagement and awareness initiative

The Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with Higher Health and the Department of Human Resources, rolled out the “First Things First” campaign in the Gauteng Region (Sunnyside Campus) on 31 March as part of its programmes planned for 2026.

The “First Things First” campaign has a rich history in South Africa, with its inception in 2011 and subsequent expansion across various universities and institutions.  The campaign at the Sunnyside Campus is a focused student engagement and awareness initiative aimed at promoting a safe, respectful, supportive, and academically enabling campus environment.

The campaign prioritises the core issues that directly affect student wellbeing, safety, access to services, and successful learning. Among others, the campaign was supported by various stakeholders, including Higher Health, the Department of Health, SAPS Social Crime Prevention, the Tshwane Leadership Foundation, Virgin Active, and Skinner Clinic.

The purpose of the intervention is to create a lasting behavioural legacy among students to prioritise their health and well-being, conduct comprehensive testing, and promote early detection.  The campaign was aimed at all Unisa students visiting or using Sunnyside Campus, with special focus on first-year students, student leaders, postgraduate students, students using support services,  and vulnerable and at-risk students.  

The campaign objectives were to:  

• Promote student health and wellbeing and encourage students to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing
• Raise awareness of key student support and protection services available at the Sunnyside Campus
• Strengthen reporting pathways for GBVF, harassment, discrimination, and student grievances
• Promote a culture of care, accountability, and mutual respect
• Encourage early help-seeking behaviour for academic, social, and mental health challenges

Students at Sunnyside successfully attended the programme. Tebogo Mangope, Manager of Student Social Development, was the programme director.  Lizette Le Roux, Deputy Director of Student Development, welcomed students and emphasised the importance of testing and early detection. Scelo Zibula from Higher Health presented to students about the programmes they offer, and a toll-free number was shared.

Lebogang Kotsokoane, Health Promoter from Employee Relations and Wellness, presented the service offerings at the Campus Health clinic, especially since most students were unaware that there is a clinic on campus to assist with the treatment of minor ailments and other related illnesses.

Sister Sharlotte Khumalo, from Tshwane District Health Services, alongside stakeholders, presented on HIV, AIDS and TB. These were in line with the recognition of TB month. to enlighten staff and students on prevention methods, early detection and treatment services.  

Warrant Officer Malatsi from the Sunnyside South African Police Service presented on social crime prevention and relevant steps and contact details to report gender-based violence (GBV).  Students visited the stalls and were directed to the mobile clinics for their health screenings.

* Submitted by the Office of the Dean of Students