An HIV/AIDS Unit Initiative
FEBRUARY 2018 | EDITION 15
UPCOMING EVENTS
World TB Day 23 March
First things First campaign
Responsible love campaign
20 Feb – 20 March
14 February
ARE YOU SAVING WATER?
Launch of Gender-based Violence Policy
16 June
Women empowerment at a glance by Namhla Matwa (Mowbray Campus)
2017 Young Women Leadership Conference From the moment I heard about this magnificent event I was excited because women’s rights and empowerment are things close to my heart. For the institution to have come up with such an initiative, made me proud to be a student in this university. What I loved most about this event was that it included young women from other institutions, meaning that it did not only make a change here but towards nation building and networking. The atmosphere was electric! There were so many things that stood out for me on this day especially the discussions about gender-based violence (GBV) and what us as young women want to see change about it. Having representatives from the Department of Social Development, South African Police Services and Rape Crisis Centre gave
us the opportunity to interact with them on many issues. The programme itself was outstanding especially the group discussions I attended namely Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life and Personal and Leadership Development. I have discovered essential qualities about myself and am such a different person after those two days of inspiration. I now appreciate myself even more. My self-esteem and self-awareness are not the same as before. I learned about the many challenges women face in South Africa. The opening poems were so emotional and genuine. Many of us could easily relate to it because they were delivered by one of our own.
Being young goes along with loads of fun, joy, excitement and freedom especially after leaving high school. You find your way into higher education, start crafting your future career plans and while doing that, coming across quite a number of challenges; be it peer pressure, feeling overwhelmed by all the assignments and tests, often having your heart broken by your “first love”, family issues, financial and, sometimes, health related issues...the list goes on and on. I vividly remember my first day as a nursing student a number of years ago. The first thing I loved was being able to shed the school uniform and wearing my own choice of cloths every day! The second thing was the ability to make my own decisions. Remember that anxious feeling mixed with excitement when you moved out of the house for the first time into campus residence? Thanks to the house mothers, we were warned to look out for ‘older’ men who might want to take advantage of us. It was not long until we saw them roaming around the residence, looking for vulnerable young women. Was it not for the warnings, we might have fallen prey to “blessers” who have had one mission and that was to take advantage of us , relationships often ending in gender-based violence. Yes they had their cars, they flaunted their expensive watches but the warnings from the house mothers was enough to keep us alert all the way. Juggling between studies, social life and peer pressure can be quite challenging. My greatest reward though was being able to walk my personal road to “fame” in a well-deserved graduation gown to receive the ultimate reward for hard work...my degree... all mine. It did not end there. My role now is to give back to the very same society that moulded me to what I am today! Stay focused, grab opportunities and reach for the stars!
Message from THE HEAD OF UNIT Melanie Marais
What’s Up for First Year Students? WELCOME TO STUDENT LIFE
#WeAreCPUT
If you are reading this, you are probably a new student and this is the beginning of a time for fulfilling your long-held dreams (‘dream the impossible dreams’)
A stu d new ent w ith f free oun d dom
‘Student life’ is the term that refers to the time when most students leave their home for the first time to go and study at an institution of higher learning. It is also the stage where a Grade 12 learner who has had no responsibility in life besides their academic work suddenly has to face the adult world with unfamiliar freedom: they need to take responsibility for their studies, own life and sexuality. During this period of unaccustomed freedom a critical stage of one’s life, a student needs to learn and acquire adequate knowledge to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner, not forgetting the core values that assisted them to get to university.
Remember with freedom comes responsibility!
nt justme The a d cho ol to fro m s might feel ity univers rwhelming e ov
This time is probably one of the most important time in your life, as it is a time where you, as a student, are carefree and do not have any responsibility besides focusing on your academic studies, while your character is being built at the same time. This is also the phase when adolescents make the transition into young adulthood. You will, at times, feel that you are stranded and lonely, far away from home and no-one seems to care; and everyone just minds their own business. It is then that you may feel like giving up, as you cannot find your feet. You may even experience a barrier with language and find it difficult to grasp new concepts in class, especially if the medium of teaching is not your mother tongue; but do know that you are not alone. Seek help and find out what support services are at your campus.
Don’t s is o tress, thro n the w help supp ugh stu d ay o rt s e er vic nt es
Support provided at your institution In terms of academic support, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a centre which specifically focuses on additional support for students who find it challenging to cope with their first year. These departments are usually called an Academic Support Centre and form part of the academic structure of the institution. They provide support in terms of improvement of mathematics competence, assisting students with their academic literacy, and student mentorship (in terms of peer-to-peer mentoring and tutorial support).
GET INVOLVED IN EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES, NAMELY SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
BUILD A STRONG CHARACTER AND DON’T GIVE IN TO UNHEALTHY PEER PRESSURE
Young women inspiring women! By Journalism student Jaye-Dee Jansen
“Behind every successful woman, there is a tribe of other successful women rooting for her,” - Unknown As an HIV/AIDS peer educator I have come to comprehend the importance of what it is to help where I can and when I can. The recent young women in leadership conference held at CPUT Belville campus provided me with many moments of sincerely understanding my worth as a woman and my place in society.
I attended was the one on building your own brand. As a female it can be quite a daunting task to actually represent yourself as a brand. Inspirational figures who have done this incredibly include the likes of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Oprah Winfrey and locally Bonang Matheba. These are figures we aspire towards, but what we need to understand is that as much we want to aspire towards these women and their work, we need to understand that in order to create your brand you need to be who you are. That is what the session taught me, my brand shall be who I am and what I want it to be!
The atmosphere in the room was infectious as many females from all walks of life were ready to sit up, listen and participate in what the event had to offer. Students in attendance were from different institutions and what had me awestruck was the fact that these young females showed no signs of one wanting to upstage the other, we were all in fact, getting along in spite of the stereotypes held by others. These young women were ready to be educated and taken on a journey to help them move forward!
One of my standout moments during the two-day conference, was the moment Buhle Ngaba, founder of KaMatla NPO and author of The Girl Without A Sound, stepped on stage to give us her story. Now, I am not easily inspired and usually draw most of my motivational factors from my surrounds or what I feel inside, yet her spurring speech about how long it took for her to make it struck me! As females, one needs to work twice as hard to make it in life and Buhle’s story gave myself and many other females in the room fuel to continue pushing towards the goals that we want to achieve. It will never be easy, but it will surely be worth it!
Many females today have had their standards lowered, not only by how we are treated by our male counterparts but also in the way we carry ourselves and what we choose to expose to the world. In my capacity as social media manager for the day (mainly on Facebook), my purpose was not only to capture the moments audiences were in wonderment of what was showcased on the stage but I was also there to take in as much as I can for my own progression in this journey we call life.
As a third-year journalism student, the young women in leadership conference has taught me a lot, and these are lessons that can not be taken away from me, I am sure that the next one will be as thought-provoking, life-changing and inspiring, if not more!
Apart from the talks held on the main stage, there were also separate cut-away sessions held. One of the sessions
Young Women Leadership Conference
It was all about us, our safety and empowerment!
MEC of Health Prof Nomafrench Mbombo and WCCN nursing students
This interesting two day 2017 Young Women Leadership conference program covered: Entrepreneurship Self -defence Personal safety Finding jobs in the 21st century Reproductive health Leadership & personal development Finding meaning and purpose in life Personal branding
What students said: “The conference made me realize that I can be whomever I want to be” “Women rarely get appreciated for their participation in this field” “It equipped us with skills of taking care of our own business” “Helped us focus on the importance of networking” “I learnt about LinkedIn” “I learnt how to apply for job via internet”
Film & Videography students responsible for capturing the 2 days on film
Department of Student Affairs
This department is mainly responsible support to students outside of their academic field. It has the Student Health cluster with the following departments:
We have a number of exciting programs to keep you inspired and interested. Join our exciting peer education program where after you obtain a certificate at the end of the year. Use it to enrich your CV. Get to know your HIV status today!
Disability Unit
Student Health Clinic
Student Counselling
HIV/AIDS Unit
This unit provides an integrated and inclusive learning experience to students who are physically challenged.
This clinic provides primary health care to registered students who are attended to by professional nurses and you can make an appointment to see the doctor as well.
This unit offers assistance, focusing on students’ mental health and wellbeing. These services offered by professional, registered psychologists.
Student support services are there for you!
BE A MAN. RESPECT WOMEN. by Tumiso Mfisa – Peer Educator
The discussion group took place at Hanover Residence in Cape Town Campus in the first week of September 2017. The discussion group had male students in attendance speaking on the theme “respecting women” with a subtheme “Be the man. Respect Women.” As the time for a discussion group was long overdue, the main reason it finally happened was because of the many murders and attacks on women during the month of August; a month where women had to be honoured and celebrated. Yet, instead of uplifting and celebrating the mothers and daughters of our country, women were rather used as punching bags. The hashtag(#) MenAreTrash quickly trended on social media . Constantly hearing of women being killed and assaulted by men make you understand why this expression hit social media.
“Respect for ourselves, guides our morals. Respect for others guides our manners’’. do not respect themselves enough by the way they behave and added the perception that women have been reduced to objects “eziway” (these things). They said disrespecting women almost became normalised in society. After the debate we had to come to an agreement as to why we, as men, should respect women even more. Out of the discussion we came up with a quote: “Respect for ourselves, guides our morals. Respect for others guides our manners’’.
The question in the discussion was whether men respect women. Majority said they agreed that in general, men respect women and close to forty percent were not sure. Team one had to make a note of what made them think men were respectful towards women whilst team two had to share why they believed men were not respectful towards women. The discussion got a little heated when the two teams’ opinions clashed on certain topics. The one team gave their stance on why they believe women are respected, their reasons included that men simply cannot live without women in their lives and the power in a female presence once she enters the room. They also said it is important that men acknowledge the significant role of women in society; the characteristics they possess and the fact that they have equal rights as men. The second team felt that there are women who
After such a fruitful discussion, we agreed that many attitudes and judgements towards women were based on what men were taught during childhood years and how our environment was then compared to what we are witnessing today. In other words, our backgrounds has an influence on how much respect we give women. We also agreed that we shall no longer turn a blind eye when our mothers and sisters are suffering through gender-based violence. Instead, we shall respect women and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. We shall continue to speak out against this terrible social ill in our country until it stops.
2017 Peer Education Awards A year’s hard work and dedication was concluded on the 29th of September 2017 at the Sea point Protea Hotel. The aim of the night was to honour and celebrate the HIV/Aids Unit’s Peer Educators that has volunteered their time to become a change agent on their campus. Peer Educators from Cape Town, Bellville, Mowbray and Wellington campuses were in attendance. The night was filled with reflections and highlights of their year and the climax was the awards for the evening.
SPECIAL AWARDS SENIOR PEER EDUCATOR Nerissa Fortuin - WINNER Unathi Bheme Thokgamo Maretela
ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR Tumiso Mfisa Namhla Matwa Kuhle James Toni Erasmus Amanda Calana
JUNIOR PEER EDUCATOR Mmapule Mokwena Kuhle James - WINNER Akhona Ndela Tumiso Mfisa Aseza Mahamba Namhla Matwa Sibongiseni Barnes Sitandiwe Mkhwanazi Toni Erasmus Nokonwaba Wanana CHANGE AGENT OF THE YEAR Mowbray Campus Peer educators Sithandiwe Mkhwanazi Nokonwaba Wanana & Athi Mpela Lusapho Hlatshangeni Unathi Bheme
CONDOM DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR Tumiso Mfisa Sinako Nyanda Anele Mashalaba Samukele Vena Mmapule Mokwena
My journey as a Peer Educator
Maties International Students develop a live chat online counselling application for HIV/Aids Unit
by Kuhle James
I have always wanted to become more involved on campus doing anything worthwhile that will benefit the next person.
by Naythan Kayser
Over the last 2 years the Stellenbosch University Equality Unit partnered with CPUT’s HIV/Aids unit by allocating them as a community partner site for their international student HIV/Aids course.
When I came across the ad from the HIV/AIDS unit saying they are looking for peer educators, I knew there and then that this is exactly the kind of program I needed. At the time I was a bit uncertain though as to what the HIV/AIDS peer educators do but at the back of my mind I kind of had an idea. Even though I was conflicted initially as to how this kind of program would work out for a person of a shy nature like me, I was still convinced that I would make a perfect fit one way or the other. Being a peer educator has been quite a challenge but yet an exciting journey for me. This program has played an integral role in my personal and professional development. Because the nature of the work requires immense public speaking skills (which I struggled with at the time), the experience has allowed me to advance my skills on a greater scale through the interventions we hosted on campus. Hence I have become more and more comfortable to stand in front of an audience and that has boosted my confidence.
This semester (July – October 2017) was no different and the team met with Mr Naythan Kayser to discuss what their health communication project will be for this semester. The group decided to focus on creating a live chat application that will provide students the opportunity to access online counselling and advice for any issues pertaining to testing, HIV contraction, Gender-based violence or even rape. Alongside the live chat they developed very creative marketing posters that will advertise the service and direct students to the live chat site. The HIV/Aids unit plans to launch this site and marketing campaign early in 2018 as an official service of the unit.
I also got the opportunity to meet a lot of great people throughout the year. I have made such positive connections ranging from my peers whom I have been working with on this program to strangers I have met on campus through our interventions. My biggest highlights of the year was being selected to attend the HEAIDS conference which was held in Durban, being employed with the Marketing and Communication department on campus after my colleagues and I made quite an impression at the Women in Leadership conference hosted by the HIV/AIDS unit and winning Peer Educator of The Year at the award ceremony held at Protea Hotel in Sea Point.
CPUT staff join hands ke with Donate a Pad your Mdaonation today o r Project (DAPP) e monthven as a ly ple
dge. Drop off poin the postts are on er!
In support of World AIDS day and 16 days of activism against GBV, CPUT staff embarked on a sanitary towel drive and aiming to collect a total donation of 1000 packs of sanitary towels by June 2018. The drive was launched as part of the 2017 World Aids Day intervention and in collaboration with the DAPP project.
In support of World AIDS day and 16 days of activism against GBV, CPUT staff embarked on a sanitary towel drive and aiming to collect a total donation of 1000 packs of sanitary towels by June 2018. The drive was launched as part of the 2017 World Aids Day intervention and in collaboration with the DAPP project.
Wondering what is happening at your campus about gender-based violence (GBV)? • •
• •
REMEM
We have drafted an Institutional Statement on GBV. Made GBV awareness posters visible at most campuses, on LCD screens and social media. Hosted the 2017 Young Women Leadership Conference on 2-3September 2017, addressing many issues of GBV, women empowerment and personal safety. Established the Western Cape Young Women Leading the Change online forum Fb page: WC Young Women Leading The Change. Two day GBV Policy development workshop 5-6 December
*
Every 8 hours a woman IS killed by her intimate partner in South Africa
Rape is n B E R ! i t i s a s e o t s ex , If you dirdious crime! consent not give rape! Youto sex, it is h right to save the no to sexay !
Antiretroviral drugs save lives. Know your HIV status today!
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Global HIV infection rate:
19.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral treatment in 2016 36.7 million people were living with HIV 34.5 million were adults 17.8 million were women 15years and above 2.1 million were children 1.8 million people became newly infected 1 million people died from AIDS-related conditions 76.1 million people became infected with HIV since the start of the
Students and staff screened for HIV, STIs and TB on World Aids Day
HIV epidemic
South African HIV infection rate:
7.1 million People living with HIV in 2016 270 000 new infections 56% of adults on antiretroviral therapy 55% of children on antiretroviral therapy -UNAIDS, 2016
Flakka drug known as ‘Zombie’ in South Africa by Rene Williams
Flakka is a combination of heroin and crack, or heroin and methamphetamines, which is actually just a newgeneration version of bath salts. Bath salts, in general, are synthetic psychoactive drugs made in large quantities in foreign drug labs. Flakka is typically made from a synthetic version of an amphetamine-like stimulant in the cathinone class called alpha-PVP. When a person takes flakka, the vacuum is blocked and so the user’s brain winds up awash in dopamine and norepinephrine. (This, incidentally, is how cocaine works, because there are other molecules in flakka that may counteract or heighten the effects of alpha-PVP, the effects on the brain may be more complicated). It is a novel psychoactive
“If I knew how drugs would destroy me, I never would have experimented in the first place” - Anonymous
substance. It can lead to rising temperatures‚ a heightened state of awareness and a lack of sleep. Flakka has an effect on the dopamine system and the noradrenalin system and can increase anxiety‚ but also make a person feel more alive. It can cause psychosis‚ especially for people who have a predisposition for psychotic states‚ he says. This can be compounded by taking lots of different drugs at the same time and not sleeping or eating. Its similar in appearance to rock candy, it is crystalline like bath salts and crystal meth. Flakka is being consumed in various ways, such as in joints, injection, or snorted. It also is being put into vapes, or e-cigarettes, as a way to hide the obvious drug use. Videos and images circulating on social media depict the devastating effects flakka has on the users. Its effects can last as few as 3-4 hours or may linger for several days.
#Healthcare tips for students! This is an exciting year 1 Watch what you eat or drink
for your personal development.
2 Do regular exercises (at least once a week)
Catch these tips to add to your physique!
A balanced meal consists of proteins (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, etc.), vitamins (from vegetables, fruits) and carbohydrates (maize, bread, rice, etc.). Unhealthy food (greasy food, or food with high sugar content) is not good for your body.
Always walk up the stairs instead of taking a lift (unless there are many floors and you are carrying heavy objects, of course!). Walk instead of taking a bus if the distance is not too great.
3 Drink at least 6-8 glasses of clean water every day 4 Take care of your teeth
Simply brush your teeth twice a day (mornings and evenings) and visit your dentist at least once a year. Good dental care prevents bad breath and certain oral infections. It also helps you to keep your teeth into your old age.
5 Regular health check ups
When your campus have health awareness day, make use of the opportunity to check your body mass index (to see if you are under or overweight), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels; and don’t forget to get to know your HIV status.
BASIC HEALTH SCREENING IS OFFERED AT YOUR NEAREST CAMPUS CLINIC
6 Last but not least, listen to your body
When it is tired, give it rest. When it is thirsty, give it plenty of water. When it is stressed, manage it. When it is not feeling well, visit your doctor or campus clinic.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) introduced at universities by melanie Marais Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) will be providing PrEP,a treatment in which people with a high risk of contracting HIV infection, take anti-retroviral medicine, known as Truvada, daily to reduce their chances of getting infected with HIV. PrEP was recently introduced at Nelson Mandela University, University of Venda, Rhodes University, University of Limpopo, University of the Free State, Vaal University of Technology and University of Zululand. The Department of Health has previously introduced PrEP in very high-risk populations such as sex workers and MSM. Studies have proven that young people aged 15-24, particularly young women are among the most vulnerable population to contract HIV infection. Taking PrEP daily, reduces your risk of getting HIV through sex by more than
“Pre-exposure prophylaxis is now a universally accepted prevention methodology,” 90%. That does not mean that we should expose ourselves to high risk behaviour. Remember HIV prevention require a multiple approach for maximum effect. “Pre-exposure prophylaxis is now a universally accepted prevention methodology,” says Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, Director of HEAIDS. “Multiple clinical studies have shown up to 90% reduction in the infection rate of high risk populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).”
To read more about PrEP, follow the link http://news. iafrica.com/sa/1055447.html
Peer educators graduate!
Bongiwe Mbeki ND: Public Relations Management
Tumisa Mfisa ND: Management
Jay-Dee Jansen ND: Journalism
Unathi Bheme B.Ed FET Specialization
Xolisani Breakfast BEd:FET Specialisation
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. Eleanor Rooseveldt
Important contact details
National AIDS Helpline
0800 012 322
As the HIV/AIDS Unit, we are committed to ensuring that our readers know where to seek help when needing assistance with daily life challenges. Below is a list of important contact details.
011 725 2001
CPUT HIV/AIDS Unit Cape Town Bellville Wellington CPUT Disability Unit Bellville +27 21 959 6964 Campus Clinic Cape Town +27 21 460 3405 Location Administration Building, Level 2, Room 2.900 Student CouNselLing Cape Town +27 21 460 3237 oliveran@cput.ac.za
Lifeline
+27 21 460 4252/3 +27 21 959 2868 +27 21 864 5268
SANCA (SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPEDENCE)
Cape Town +27 21 460 9071 disabilityunit@cput.ac.za
086 17 2622 Rape Crisis
021 447 1467
Bellville +27 21 959 6403 Location New Library Extension, Ground floor
SADAG (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group)
Bellville +27 21 959 6182
0800 567 567
Your HIV/AIDS Unit
Are you interested in joining a support group?
We are here to ensure that students and staff members make informed decisions on their holistic health care and lifestyle. We are committed to providing a safe learning and working environment to protect you from becoming infected with HIV, STI & TB while studying at CPUT.
Contact Ms Melanie Marais maraisme@cput.ac.za Naythan Kayser KAYSERN@cput.ac.za
NAME
DESIGNATION
Melanie Marais
HOU
MaraisMe@cput.ac.za
Rene Williams
Admin Assistant
Vanderwesthuizenr@cput.ac.za
Makhonza Boyce
Mobile Wellness Unit Driver
BoyceM@cput.ac.za
Naythan Kayser
Peer Education Officer
kayserN@cput.ac.za
Lusanda Mangele
Counsellor
mangelel@cput.ac.za
Ireen Malango
Counsellor
malangoi@cput.ac.za
Reception: +27 21 460 4253 Head of UNIT: +27 21 460 4252 www.cput.ac.za/hivaids Compiled and edited by Bryanah Kirsten Marais
Graphic design and layout by Bridgette Hunt