The University’s Human Resources Division and several institutional partners collectively set up wellness stations and offered staff health insights, screenings and advice. The event to strengthen both body and mind also highlighted the strong network of support that surrounds our staff community.
“Wellness is not only about physical health; it’s about the balance of mind and body. Small, consistent habits are the foundation of long-term wellness,” noted Wayne Leander, Event Convenor and Deputy Director of Finance Management Accounting and Analysis.
Wellness practitioner Sharyl Septoe reminded colleagues of the importance of self-care beyond the event and lifted wellness as a lifestyle, not a once-off event. “My message to staff is to be intentional about creating small moments of self-care daily,” she said.
“When we prioritise wellness, we’re not just funding an event — we’re strengthening the human capital of the University,” added Leander.
The 2025 Staff Wellness Day reflected the University’s ethos of Ubuntu and reminded staff that a healthy mind is supported by a healthy body. By nurturing our wellbeing, we strengthen not only ourselves but also our collective community.
Adding to the spirit of the day, teams from across departments participated in friendly soccer and netball matches, showcasing both talent and camaraderie.
Winning teams Human Movement Science Motor Units and Untouchable Gravitons
A total of 16 netball teams and 14 soccer teams entered with the Human Movement Science Motor Units the winner of the netball games and Untouchable Gravitons (mostly physics) of soccer. The runners-up were Cleaning Services (CDS) for netball and HR United for soccer.
The highlight was the recognition of winning teams, where the Executive Director: Human Resources, Dr Nandi Sishuba, applauded their achievements.
In her address, Dr Sishuba emphasised the strategic significance of wellness at the University, noting how it directly supports Vision 2030 by nurturing resilient, engaged and healthy staff who contribute to excellence in teaching, research and service.
“We are so grateful for the amazing turnout and the energy everyone brought on the day. It made us so happy to see how much our colleagues enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to our Health and Reward team for their support, we really worked hard as a team to pull this event off, incorporating both soccer and netball for the first time,” Organisational Health Administrator and event organiser Shayna Kisten said.