A day of wellness at UCT

University of Cape Town (UCT) staff gathered at the Sports Centre on 23 October for a Staff Wellness Day, hosted by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA).

The centre was filled with laughter, movement, and music as staff were treated to a day of wellness checks, tai chi, and a talent show – a reminder that well-being is not just an individual effort but one that must be shared collectively.

The afternoon included an address by Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, UCT’s deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) for Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness. Her message was clear: before staff can continue caring for students and one another, they must take time to care for themselves. UCT Radio DJs served as MCs and played music, creating an energetic yet laidback atmosphere.

“Most of the time, we are very shy to look after ourselves,” Professor Ramugondo said. “We are quick to show compassion to others and leave ourselves behind. Wellness Day reminds us that we, too, need care; that we, too, must recharge so that we can continue to share that compassion, that energy, and that life.”

Ramugondo encouraged staff to use the day to reconnect with their bodies, spirits, and one another, whether through tai chi, sport, or simply being present in the moment. “Well-being means alignment – mind, body, and spirit working together. That is what flourishing looks like.”

Many stations offered wellness and basic health checks from companies like Discovery and Kaelo. Lyra Southern Africa, one of the world’s leading providers of employee well-being programmes and diversified services, informed staff about the many services it offers. Staff got to interact and gain firsthand insights into mental health and coping with work stressors.

Radiating energy and togetherness

Echoing the DVC’s reflections, Pura Mgolombane, the executive director of Student Affairs, described the day’s spirit in one word: radiating.

“Look at us now – the energy, the laughter, the interaction – it’s radiating,” Mgolombane said to cheers from the audience. “It’s beautiful to see colleagues together again; to see us taking a moment to celebrate who we are and the work we do. We are radiating today, and that’s exactly what we should be doing.”

“It’s beautiful to see colleagues together again; to see us taking a moment to celebrate who we are and the work we do.”

There were plenty of activities to choose from: playing a race-car simulator video game, friendly soccer and netball matches, and wellness workshops. For many, it was a chance to rediscover old hobbies and reconnect with “the child within”, as Mgolombane put it.

“Movement is life. If you don’t move, you lose your muscles; if your energy is low, you can’t do anything. Today we’re moving again, together.”

A partnership for well-being

For the first time, the Human Resources (HR) department participated in the Wellness Day to show support for staff well-being initiatives. Ramugondo emphasised that HR’s involvement symbolised a shared commitment to creating a supportive environment where staff can thrive.

“HR’s role is to look after all of us as staff,” she said. “By partnering with HR, we can amplify this effort so that the entire UCT community benefits, ensuring that staff are healthy, inspired, and encouraged.”

Both Ramugondo and Mgolombane spoke about flourishing as an expansion of the idea of well-being – not only the absence of illness, but the presence of growth, balance, and purpose.

“Our role as leaders … is to ensure that UCT becomes a place where people feel seen, supported, and developed – not targeted.”

“Success may happen in one area of your life,” Ramugondo explained, “but flourishing is all-encompassing. It’s about being present, embracing discomfort, and allowing challenges to shape you into better versions of yourself.”

Mgolombane agreed: “Flourishing is impossible alone. You cannot flourish as an individual without the support of others. Our role as leaders, and HR’s role, is to ensure that UCT becomes a place where people feel seen, supported, and developed – not targeted.”

Intergenerational learning and shared growth

Ramugondo and Mgolombane reflected on how the DSA’s work connects generations – from young students entering university to the seasoned staff who guide them. They spoke about embracing intergenerational wisdom – the “wise council” that flows both ways. Students teach staff about the challenges of the present, while staff share the lessons of experience and resilience.

“When students are not okay, staff are not okay. And when staff are not okay, students are not okay,” said Ramugondo. “Our well-being is intertwined. We are intentional about creating these intergenerational spaces. It’s how we build empathy, understanding, and balance in our work.”

Flourishing together

Closing the conversation, Mgolombane left the audience with an African proverb that captured the day’s spirit: “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”

As one staff member shared while leaving the Sports Centre, “It’s been such a refreshing reminder that we can only give our best to others when we are well ourselves. Today was about remembering that – and it felt good.”