IN CONVERSATION WITH SR MININATHI BILANKULU (PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CLINICIAN)
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As firstyear students arrived on the University of the Witwatersrand campus this week, the
Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) hosted an educational conversation to
welcome them and introduce them to key health and wellbeing services available for the year
ahead.
Wits’s Gateway to Success (GTS) orientation programme — designed to help new students
transition from high school to university life — runs through early February and focuses on
academic orientation, personal development, social integration and wellbeing. CHWC’s
session formed part of this broader push to ensure students start their university journey with
knowledge of essential health support systems on campus.
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre is the primary healthcare facility on Wits campus,
committed to providing accessible, comprehensive and costeffective health care that supports
students’ physical, mental and reproductive wellbeing. Services include early screening for
common health risks, treatment of minor and chronic ailments, mental health support, sexual
and reproductive health care, and emergency medical care — all intended to help students
thrive academically and socially.
For many first years, entering university marks a significant life transition — from structured
high school environments into greater independence and new responsibilities. CHWC’s
engagement offered practical information on how students can access preventive and curative
care, navigate mental health challenges, adopt healthy lifestyles and know where to turn
when they need support.
Wellness talks like this also reinforce the message that health and wellbeing are foundational
to academic success, not separate from it. By speaking directly with firstyear students as they
set foot on campus, CHWC aims to reduce barriers to care, encourage proactive health
management and foster a sense of belonging and support from day one.
Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) hosted an educational conversation to
welcome them and introduce them to key health and wellbeing services available for the year
ahead.
Wits’s Gateway to Success (GTS) orientation programme — designed to help new students
transition from high school to university life — runs through early February and focuses on
academic orientation, personal development, social integration and wellbeing. CHWC’s
session formed part of this broader push to ensure students start their university journey with
knowledge of essential health support systems on campus.
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre is the primary healthcare facility on Wits campus,
committed to providing accessible, comprehensive and costeffective health care that supports
students’ physical, mental and reproductive wellbeing. Services include early screening for
common health risks, treatment of minor and chronic ailments, mental health support, sexual
and reproductive health care, and emergency medical care — all intended to help students
thrive academically and socially.
For many first years, entering university marks a significant life transition — from structured
high school environments into greater independence and new responsibilities. CHWC’s
engagement offered practical information on how students can access preventive and curative
care, navigate mental health challenges, adopt healthy lifestyles and know where to turn
when they need support.
Wellness talks like this also reinforce the message that health and wellbeing are foundational
to academic success, not separate from it. By speaking directly with firstyear students as they
set foot on campus, CHWC aims to reduce barriers to care, encourage proactive health
management and foster a sense of belonging and support from day one.
