University of South Africa: Team CA80 visits Mahonisi village

The team that paid the visit to the village consisted of Prof Patrone Risenga, the Project Manager, Dr Grace Malapela, Dr Seillah Mboweni, Stanley Namakhota and Nnana Jege. On the first day of the visit, the team went to George Sonto High School, where they engaged with Grades 10 and 11 learners. The school principal, Mzamani Manganyi, said: “We are honoured and humbled by your presence, and we hope that our learners will be encouraged by what you will be sharing with them.” Among those who were present was Chief Resenga Rhangani, who expressed his gratitude to Unisa.

The social media influencer Sphalaphala Saga Marothi also graced the event with her presence. She encouraged learners to stay focused on their studies, abstain from sex and surround themselves with friends who are focused.

On the second and third days of the visit, 30 community health care workers attended an educational engagement workshop under the theme: Strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy in Limpopo province: Promoting a positive adolescent lifestyle to reduce teenage pregnancy.

During the workshop, health care workers took part in focus groups where they discussed challenges relating to teenage pregnancy. Namakhota and Malapela shared skills on how to counsel and empower adolescents with teenage pregnancy. In addition, Mboweni outlined ways to counsel people with chronic diseases, including TB and HIV. Finally, Jege shared her knowledge on the use of social media to encourage open conversations.

The parties concluded the workshop by signing a memorandum of agreement to assist the Mahonisi Village in strengthening its home-based project. The Unisa team also committed to helping the George Sonto High School access more books, acquiring sponsors for establishing library facilities, and planning 2023 for further training and collaboration with health institutions in Limpopo.