The Presence Blog

From 11–14 March 2026, I had the privilege of attending the SA-ACAPAP Conference at Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town. This gathering brings together leading interdisciplinary voices in child and adolescent mental health. This year’s event was particularly meaningful for me, as I received a research award and was selected to participate in the Emerging Researcher Workshop. The emerging researcher workshop Held on 11 March, this workshop was a transformative experience. With onl

On 26 February 2026, Dr Kathleen Froneman received the Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching Award for 2025. This award recognises exemplary teaching practices within the faculty and celebrates innovative, impactful approaches to teaching and learning that are responsive to the diverse educational context of North-West University. The Faculty Teaching Awards are held annually to acknowledge individuals or teams who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Participation depends on th

From 10–13 March 2026, we had the privilege of presenting our workshop, Cultivating Presence in Perinatal Care: A DREAM-Guided Relational Workshop , at the 44th Annual Scientific Meeting for Priorities in Perinatal Care in Southern Africa, held at Mpekweni Beach Resort in the Eastern Cape. The workshop was a resounding success, bringing together a dynamic multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, including midwives, neurologists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, and

NWU partners with Vessels of Mercy to support community organisations Prof Tinda Rabie recently lead a reflective session on “Nurturing of self from within: presence and self-care for body, mind and spirit” for Vessels of Mercy, one of the university’s valued community engagement partners. Tinda received the invitation to lead this session via Prof Alida Herbst, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning at North-West University (NWU) and specialist in Social Work and Psychosocial

The power of presence In a world driven by digital charts, efficiency metrics and rapid technological advancement, the most transformative tool in healthcare may be surprisingly simple: being present . In a recent North-West University newsletter, writer Bertie Jacobs  captures the insight of Prof Tinda Rabie from the School of Nursing at the NWU, who reminds us that “a patient is a real person with feelings, hopes and fears—not just a number or case.” Her message is clear:

A Week of Reflection, Collaboration, and Celebration at North-West University Botanical gardens The Presence Team recently hosted the Presence Retreat 2025  at the beautiful Botanical Gardens of NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. It was an insightful and inspiring week, bringing together colleagues from the Vaal, Potchefstroom, and Mafikeng campuses to reflect, share, and celebrate their Presence-focused work. From the first morning, the retreat set the tone for meaningful engagement

Inspiring Mediclinic Potchefstroom’s Leadership Team We recently facilitated a Presence Workshop with the managerial team at Mediclinic Potchefstroom Hospital. Our visit formed part of a collaborative partnership focused on shared learning, reflection, and mutual support. The workshop was presented to the hospital leadership with the hope that the insights and practices could be rolled out to all staff, fostering a culture of presence throughout the hospital. Together, we exp

Presence Team Receives ‘Friends of Sanpark 2025’ Award The Presence Team at the School of Nursing, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, recently experienced a delightful surprise when they were honoured with the “Friends of Sanpark 2025” Award. This recognition celebrates the team’s loyal support and active involvement with SANCA Sanpark and their programs. The award was an acknowledgment of the team’s commitment to community engagement, collaboration, and making a ta

NWU Presence Team shines at the Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Seminar – An Initiative of the Faculty of Health Sciences CE Office (30 Oct – 1 Nov 2025) From 30 October to 1 November 2025, the North-West University Presence Team proudly participated in the Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Seminar at the Faculty of Engineering, Potchefstroom Campus. The seminar brought together researchers, students, and community members to explore collaborative approaches to health,

In recognition of World Mental Health Awareness Day and National Nutrition Week 2025, the Taking HANDS  community engagement project in the Presence programme partnered to bring holistic care to the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital community. Partners from Dietetics and the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) of the North-West University (NWU) visited Witrand Psychiatric hospital. National Nutrition Week 2025 outreach In celebration of National Nutrition Week 2025, the 4t