The University of South Africa (Unisa) has reaffirmed its commitment to employee health and well-being through a regional wellness initiative that brought staff together to prioritise self-care, strengthen workplace relationships and embrace healthier lifestyles. 

Held at the Pietermaritzburg Campus, the KwaZulu-Natal Region's annual Health and Wellness Day brought together employees from Durban, Newcastle, Richards Bay and Pietermaritzburg under the theme Mind, Body and Soul. The initiative provided an opportunity for staff to step away from their daily responsibilities and focus on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through health screenings, physical activities and recreational programmes, the event highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and the role of employee wellness in sustaining a productive and supportive working environment. 

The programme began with registration and a welcome by programme director Musa Dladla, followed by presentations from Human Resources, Employee Relations and Employee Wellness representatives. These engagements provided staff with information about available support services and encouraged them to take a proactive approach to managing their health. Dressed in sports and fitness attire, participants joined a fun walk around the campus before taking part in aerobics sessions and recreational games. 

Healthcare service providers were also available throughout the day to conduct screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol checks. These services allowed employees to assess important health indicators and better understand the value of regular medical check-ups. Beyond the physical activities, the programme created space for colleagues from different regional offices to connect, share experiences and strengthen working relationships. The activities were complemented by refreshments and a shared lunch, contributing to an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support. 

Dr Joyce Myeza, KwaZulu-Natal Regional Director, addressing staff members attending the wellness day.

Delivering the official opening address, Dr Joyce Myeza, Regional Director of Unisa's KwaZulu-Natal Region, reminded employees that looking after their health was essential to maintaining their ability to serve students and fulfil their professional responsibilities. She acknowledged the pressures associated with working in higher education, where employees must balance student needs, institutional deadlines and demanding workloads. "Let us be honest with one another. Our work is demanding. We serve students, we meet deadlines, and we respond to e-mails that multiply overnight… We give, and we give, and we give. But we cannot pour from an empty cup," she said. 

Myeza encouraged staff to recognise that personal well-being should not be treated as an afterthought. Her message emphasised that employees who take care of their physical and mental health are better positioned to manage workplace pressures, support colleagues and contribute meaningfully to the university's objectives. She also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection of potential health problems. "Knowing your numbers, whether blood pressure, sugar levels or cholesterol, is one of the most caring things you can do for yourself," she said. 

"And let me say, it is much better to meet your numbers here, in a friendly setting, than to meet them for the first time in an emergency room. Early detection saves lives." Her remarks reinforced the importance of regular screenings, particularly for conditions that may develop without noticeable symptoms. While the event provided a welcome opportunity for employees to focus on their health, Myeza urged participants to extend the lessons beyond the day's activities. She encouraged staff to make small, sustainable lifestyle changes that could improve their long-term well-being. 

"My challenge to you is this: let today not be a once-a-year event. Let it be the beginning of a habit. Take the stairs. Drink more water… Choose yourself, so that you can keep serving, keep leading and keep living well," she said. Her message highlighted the importance of incorporating healthier choices into everyday routines rather than waiting for organised wellness activities. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and routine health assessments can all contribute to better health and improved quality of life. 

The event also emphasised the value of workplace relationships and social connection, recognising that emotional well-being is an important part of overall health. By bringing employees together outside their usual working environments, the initiative helped promote a sense of belonging and collective responsibility for creating a supportive workplace. The Health and Wellness Day reflected Unisa's broader commitment to supporting the people who contribute to its teaching, learning, research and administrative functions. Employee wellness is an important component of institutional sustainability, particularly in a higher education environment where staff play a central role in supporting student success and delivering essential services. 

Unisa staff from across KwaZulu-Natal taking part in the wellness day

The initiative directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which promotes good health and well-being for all. It also contributes to SDG 8, particularly its emphasis on productive employment and safe, supportive working environments. These priorities complement South Africa's National Development Plan 2030, which recognises the importance of improving health outcomes and strengthening human development. For Unisa, investing in employee well-being is also an investment in the institution's ability to deliver quality education and services to its students. 

Healthy, motivated and supported employees are better equipped to contribute to a positive institutional culture and respond effectively to the needs of the university community. The event was supported by several sponsors and service providers whose contributions helped create an engaging and enjoyable experience for participants. Among them was Arthur Ford, which provided employees with gift bags containing a selection of perfumes, body lotions and roll-ons. The gifts added to the day's activities and served as a gesture of appreciation towards employees. 

The involvement of external partners demonstrated the value of collaboration in promoting workplace wellness and supporting initiatives that benefit the university community. The KwaZulu-Natal Region's Health and Wellness Day was more than an opportunity for exercise and medical screenings. It served as a reminder that employee well-being deserves ongoing attention and institutional support. By bringing together colleagues from across the region, Unisa created a space where employees could reconnect, prioritise their health and reflect on the importance of maintaining balance between their professional and personal lives. The initiative also reinforced the message that caring for employees is essential to building a resilient and effective university. 

As Myeza reminded participants, the challenge is to turn the lessons of the day into lasting habits. Through initiatives of this nature, Unisa continues to promote a workplace culture in which employees are encouraged to look after themselves and one another, recognising that the university's success depends not only on academic achievements but also on the health and well-being of the people who make those achievements possible. 

* By Anneline Johns and Zamaswazi Khanyile, Communication and Marketing Interns, KwaZulu-Natal Region