12 May 2024
Venue : Postdom Site
Time : 09h00 – 16h00
Youth Day Event
Read the full articleCONGRATULATIONS
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia (CEO of Higher Health) on his appointment to the Global UNESCO Liaison Committee for two years (2025-2027) at the recent elected NGO-UNESCO International conference being held at UNESCO Headquarters from 17-19 December 2024.
Prof. Ahluwalia’s victory in these global elections reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing science, health, and education to communities worldwide.
We wish him success as he resumes his new role from 1st Jan 2025.
CONGRATULATIONS
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia (CEO of Health) on his appointment to the Global UNESCO Liason Committee for two years 2025-2027 at the recent elected NGO-UNESCO International conference being held at UNESCO Headquarters from 17-19 December.
Prof. Ahluwalia’s victory in these global elections reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing science, health, and education to communities worldwide.
We wish him success as he resumes his new role from 1st Jan 2025.
Unqualified
& Clean Audits
for the year
awarded
A Proud Partner of UNESCO
As a key partner of UNESCO, Higher Health has emerged as Africa’s second-leading nonprofit organization focused on youth empowerment. The Skills for Life and Soft Skills online programme is designed to make the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) accessible to young people, ensuring they can relate to these goals in their languages and contexts.
Through this partnership, Higher Health plays a pivotal role in implementing UNESCO’s Transforming MEN’talities and Skills for Life and Soft Skills programme, aimed at fostering positive gender norms, promoting mental health, and equipping students with critical life skills. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to building healthier, safer, and more inclusive learning environments, empowering young people to lead meaningful and successful lives.
This partnership reflects Higher Health’s unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing science, health, and education to communities worldwide.
Who we are
Higher Health is a non-profit organisation and the implementing arm of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), dedicated to student health, psychosocial wellbeing, and holistic youth development across South Africa’s post-school education and training sector. It operates across all 26 public universities, 50 public TVET colleges, and 9 community colleges, covering over 1,000 campus sites and reaching more than 2 million young South Africans annually across 52 districts in all 9 provinces.
Higher Health provides health, psychosocial support, education, screening, and social and clinical services across rural, peri-urban, township, and urban campuses. It focuses on supporting underprivileged young people by creating a healthier learning environment, helping them successfully complete their studies, and building civic and soft skills for employability and job success. This is achieved through partnerships with government, academia, development agencies, and civil society.
Higher Health also addresses key public health and social challenges, tackling epidemics and psychosocial issues that affect student success and personal development. Its initiatives include accredited curriculums, skills training and development, peer education, mobile wellness services, policy advocacy, and crisis response mechanisms – ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
We achieve our goals in partnership with allied government agencies, the private sector, UN and other development agencies and civil society formations.
Dr (Prof) R Ahluwalia
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Higher Health SA
South Africa has been home to many remarkable leaders who have made substantial contributions to their respective fields. Among these outstanding individuals, Dr. Ahluwalia stands as a distinguished figure. With a strong background in medicine, Dr. Ahluwalia has devoted his life to advancing healthcare and fostering innovation within the industry.
His multifaceted career includes roles as a visiting professor at the University of Johannesburg and other higher education institutions such as an Adjunct Faculty Fellow at Dahdaleh Institute for Global Research, York University, Canada.
Celebrating a new chapter, Prof Ahluwalia was recently honoured to be elected as a Global UNESCO Liaison Committee for two years (2025-2027) at the recent NGO-UNESCO International conference being held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris from 17-19 December 2024. Prof. Ahluwalia’s victory in these global elections reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing science, health, and education to communities worldwide.
Mental Health Weekly Focus
Mental Health Weekly Focus is a dedicated section of our website that provides curated insights and support on various mental health topics each week. From expert articles and personal stories to practical tips and coping strategies, we aim to foster understanding and promote well-being. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or looking to support someone else, this section serves as a valuable resource for enhancing mental health awareness.
Our Proud Partners
HIGHER HEALTH is a venture realised entirely through a complex array of partnerships. Our funding, most of our human resources, and many of the products and services needed to fulfil our mission are contributed by partners who share our vision for the wellbeing of young, bright, ambitious South Africans.
View all our partnersOur Core Focus
The heart of HIGHER HEALTH’s approach to health mobilisation, education and service delivery beats in the First Things First model.
Sexual Health
Contraception, antenatal care & termination services, prevention and early detection.
Learn more
Alcohol & Drugs
Awareness, risk assessment, combating stigma, linkage to specialised services.
Learn moreLatest News & Social Media
Below is a carousal from our latest news and social media feeds.
With the world of work continuously changing, civic education and soft skills are increasingly becoming important to ensure that young…
EFFECTIVE PLANNING Create a study timetable that breaks down your study plan into manageable sections. Follow the exam timetable to…
In today's world, it is easier for young people to get initiated early into harmful activities such as alcohol and…
Higher Health joined the World TB Day commemorative event held at Wilberforce Community College, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Sedibeng District, Gauteng…
Civic & Soft Skills camp at Wits University
Seani Ndou, an Honours Anthropology student, & Ronewa Kwinda at NMU
Civic and Soft Skills - UNESCO
Nthabiseng Mogowe - Domestic Solutions & Existing Program Support
Prof. Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya - Country ownership & Sustainable Programming of the HIV response
Mr Ramphelane Morewane- Joint Campaigns Between NDoH & Higher health
Webinar on the impact of the USAID 90-day funding pause on South Africa
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia: Impact of the USAID 90-day funding pause on South Africa’s HIV & TB response
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, during his #BudgetVote2025 speech: "Gender-based violence continues to afflict our learning spaces. Through Higher Health SA, we have begun implementing behavioural change workshops, reaching thousands of young people—particularly men—and placing dignity, accountability, and care at the heart of campus life.
In the year ahead, our goal is to train 10,000 GBV ambassadors across the PSET system, including CET Colleges, while introducing a national anonymous GBV reporting platform, integrated with support and referral services".
#DHETBudgetVote
#HigherHealth
DHET
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
National Department of Health (South Africa)
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
National Skills Fund
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
Koketso Selao, an Education student at UNISA Midlands Region, Rustenburg Hub, visited the Higher Health Mobile Clinic during today’s Student Wellness Day and walked away feeling empowered and supported!
Koketso shared that she was very impressed with the services offered and felt completely at ease with the professional nurse on-site. She also highlighted the mental health workshop as a major takeaway, where she gained valuable insights on how to cope with mental health challenges as a student.
It’s inspiring to see students engaging with holistic wellness services and prioritising their health and well-being!
#DHET #HigherHealth #StudentVoices #UNISAWellnessDay #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticWellbeing #YouthEmpowerment #HealthcareOnCampus #FutureEducators #WellnessInAction
DHET
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
National Skills Fund
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
National Department of Health (South Africa)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
The Higher Health mobile clinic is currently bustling with services at UNISA Student Wellness Day at the UNISA Midlands Region, Rustenburg Hub campus.
With a strong focus on holistic health, well-being, and psychosocial support, students are accessing a wide range of services from HIV testing and counselling, STI screening, TB testing, and reproductive health education, to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and LGBTQI+ awareness.
Our dedicated Registered Nurse and team are on-site, offering compassionate, confidential, and comprehensive care to support our future leaders.
In addition, Campus Care Workers (CCWs) are conducting risk assessments on GBV, mental health, and LGBTQI+ related challenges, ensuring that no student is left behind.
#higherhealth #studentwellness #unisa #mentalhealthawareness #GBVSupport #lgbtiqinclusion #YouthWellbeing #healthcareoncampus #FutureLeaders #HolisticWellness #dhet #AcademicYear2025 #southafrica
DHET
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
National Skills Fund
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
National Department of Health (South Africa)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
Ms Manake Phokanoka, Registered Counsellor from Higher Health, delivered an engaging presentation on Psychological Wellness (Emotional & Intellectual) during today’s UNISA Student Wellness Day at the UNISA Midlands Region, Rustenburg Hub campus.
As part of her session, she used emojis to creatively illustrate and explain the wide range of emotions students experience making the topic relatable, interactive, and easy to understand. A great way to connect mental health awareness with everyday student experiences! 💚😄😊😔😡🥺😅
#DHET #HigherHealth #UNISA #StudentWellnessDay #PsychologicalWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #YouthMentalHealth #WellnessMatters
DHET
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
National Department of Health (South Africa)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
National Skills Fund
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
Ms Manake Phokanoka, Registered Counsellor from Higher Health, delivered an insightful presentation on Psychological Wellness (Emotional & Intellectual) during the UNISA Student Wellness Day held today at the UNISA Midlands Region, Rustenburg Hub.
She opened her session by clearly defining the key concepts: Emotions, Intellectual Wellness, and Well-being setting a strong foundation for students to better understand and engage with their mental and emotional health.
An inspiring contribution to promoting holistic wellness among students!
#DHET #HigherHealth #UNISA #StudentWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #PsychologicalWellness
DHET
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
Nkosinathi Sishi
National Department of Health (South Africa)
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
National Skills Fund
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Ms Manake Phokanoka, Registered Counsellor from Higher Health, kicked off her session with some light exercise and stretching to energise the students before delivering a powerful presentation on Psychological (Emotional & Intellectual) Wellness.
This is currently taking place today at the UNISA Student Wellness Day hosted at the UNISA Midlands Region, Rustenburg Hub campus. A refreshing and interactive approach to mental wellness that truly resonated with the students! 💚🧠
#HigherHealth #StudentWellness #MentalHealthMatters #UNISA #PsychologicalWellness #WellnessDay #EmotionalWellbeing #DHET
DHET
Dr Nobuhle Nkabane
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
National Department of Health (South Africa)
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
UNESCO
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
National Skills Fund
Cosacsa Nec
South African National Aids Council
QCTO Page
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
#DHETBudgetVote2025
Under the leadership of Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister Mr Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Higher Health continues to drive meaningful change in the national response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across all PSET institutions.
Here’s what we’ve achieved:
👥 350,000 students reached through the Transforming MEN’talities, GBV, and Gender Equality peer-to-peer co-curriculum.
🚨 19,000 students identified as high-risk through targeted GBV risk assessment tools.
🧠⚖️ 12,600+ students receiving psychosocial and legal support - focusing on prevention, early detection, and response.
🎓 10,000+ PSET staff trained through capacity-building initiatives to create safer, more supportive campus environments.
Together, we are building a healthier, safer, more gender-equal higher education system.
#DHET #HigherHealth #EndGBV #TransformingMentalities #CampusSafety #GenderEquality #PSET #YouthEmpowerment #BudgetVote2025 #StrongerTogether #GBVResponse #HigherEducation
DHET
Nkosinathi Sishi
National Skills Fund
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
National Department of Health (South Africa)
#dhetbudgetvote2025
Under the leadership of the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, and the Deputy Ministers Mr Buti Manamela and Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Higher Health is proud to share the remarkable impact of its Civic and Soft Skills NQF Level 5 Programme accredited by QCTO Page:
🎓 6,215 students graduated.
✅ 91% completion rate has been achieved through a hybrid learning model.
📈 82% throughput rate, reflecting its accessibility, relevance and impact.
And a further 250,000+ students to benefit over the next two years, ensuring more young
South Africans are equipped to thrive in the job market and assist digitally poor South Africans to build digital literacy through this innovative, online NQF Level 5 Skills Programme.
This innovative, online qualification not only equips young South Africans to thrive in the job market but also empowers them to bridge the digital divide in our communities. 🌍💻
#higherhealth #civicandsoftskills #youthempowerment #digitalliteracy #skillsforjobs #BudgetVote2025 #nqflevel5 #HigherEducation #transformingfutures
DHET
Nkosinathi Sishi
National Skills Fund
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
UNESCO
National Department of Health (South Africa)
This morning, our very own Peer Educator and Civic and Soft Skills graduate, Acacia Sinuku, delivered a powerful testimonial that moved and inspired many at the DHET Budget Vote Business Breakfast hosted by the National Skills Fund at Northlink TVET College, Protea Campus in Bellville, Cape Town.
In the presence of the Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, DDGs, our CEO Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, and a room full of public and private sector stakeholders, Acacia proudly shared how the Higher Health Civic and Soft Skills NQF Level 5 programme accredited by QCTO has transformed her personal and professional life.
“I’ve gained crucial graduate competency and workplace readiness skills from this programme, including time management, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and how to conduct myself professionally in the workplace and in society. This programme also tackles the pressing issue of youth unemployment. It’s truly been a life-changing experience,” she said.
The recognition of our Civic and Soft Skills programme on platforms such as these highlights its growing impact and value in building a future-ready youth.
#DHET #HigherHealth #SkillsDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #CivicAndSoftSkills #TVET #NSF #WorkplaceReadiness #LifeChangingSkills #BudgetVote2025 #SoftSkills #AcademicYear2025 #SouthAfrica
DHET
Nkosinathi Sishi
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
UNESCO
National Department of Health (South Africa)
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Best Health Solutions
TB Accountability Consortium
Speaking at the occasion of Budget Vote Breakfast for National Skills Fund beneficiaries Minister Nkabane acknowledged the presence of National Skills Fund beneficiaries, who are shaping the country's future as academics, artisans, and researchers.
The Minister urged NSF beneficiaries to fully utilise the opportunities available to them, emphasising that they have the power to change lives and contribute to socio-economic development.
#BudgetVote2025 #NSFImpact #SkillsDevelopmentFund
Yesterday, the CEO of Higher Health, Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, delivered a powerful address at the G20 Seminar on “Advancing Gender Transformation Education for All” at the Durban ICC hosted by the G20 Education Working Group in partnership with UNGEI (United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative).
In his speech, he emphasized that true gender transformative education empowers learners and students of all gender identities to participate equally in civic, economic, and political life.
South Africa proudly contributes to this agenda through the Higher Health Civic and Soft Skills Programme, a QCTO accredited NQF Level 5 qualification, equipping young people with the tools to drive gender equality and social justice.
He also underscored:
• The importance of cross-sectoral collaboration
• The need to build soft and civic skills
• The role of education in promoting peace and equality globally
Additionally, Deputy Minister of DHET, Mr Buti Manamela in the keynote address highlighted that, "Gender transformative education is not just about classrooms or lecture auditoriums - it is about changing the culture of entire societies. It is about teaching every child, regardless of gender, that they have a right to learn, lead, and live free from discrimination.”
Together, we’re shaping a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world.
#G20SouthAfrica #G20Presidency #ReKaofela #GenderTransformativeEducation #HigherHealth #DHET #HigherEducation #CivicAndSoftSkills #CivicEducation #SoftSkills #YouthEmpowerment #UNGEI
Nkosinathi Sishi
UNESCO
Ngo-Unesco Liaison Committee
National Skills Fund
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
National Department of Health (South Africa)
RU Peer Educators
TUT Health and Wellness
South African National Aids Council
Cosacsa Nec
I Am A Dreamer Foundation
The National School of Government
Ekurhuleni East TVET College
Isibani Sempilo Yabantu Foundation
Tumelo Raphotle II
Eastern Cape AIDS Council (ECAC)
Eastern Cape Department of Health
Boland College
Wits - University of the Witwatersrand
Best Health Solutions
TB Accountability Consortium
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane will today host the Budget Vote Breakfast with National Skills Fund (NSF) beneficiaries at
Northlink College , Protea Campus in Bellville,Cape Town.
#BudgetVote2025 #NSFImpact #SkillsDevelopment
First Things First
The heart of HIGHER HEALTH’s approach to health mobilisation, education and service delivery beats in the First Things First model. This is where young people directly encounter the message that they need to put their health and wellbeing first in order to get the qualification they need to secure future opportunities.
Offerings
At First Things First events, we offer Counselling, Testing and Screening for:
- HIV
- TB
- STI’s
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Mental Health
- Sexual Reproductive Health
- LGBTQIA+ and Human Rights
- Blood Sugar (Diabetes)
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Family Planning
- Drug and Substance Abuse
This is where young people directly encounter the message that they need to put their health and wellbeing first in order to get the qualification they need to secure future opportunities. Some elements of the model are in place on virtually all campuses, others are in development, while a few elements are part of the future expansion of the model.
The delivery of the First Things First model rests on the establishment of a health-focused 2nd curriculum, the enrichment of the conventional curriculum, and utilisation of campus and social media.
Services
FAMILY PLANNING
PREGNANCY TEST
BLOOD PRESSURE TEST
BLOOD SUGAR
BMI WEIGHT MONITORING
HIV TESTING
TB SCREENING
STI SCREENING & TESTING
PrEP
We're here for you
At Higher Health, we understand that navigating through challenging times can be overwhelming for students, and reaching out for support can sometimes feel daunting. That’s why we’ve established our 24 Hour Crisis Helpline, a lifeline for students facing emotional distress, crisis situations, or in need of immediate assistance for reporting Gender-Based violence.
Our helpline operates 24/7, 365 days a year, providing confidential and compassionate support to students across South Africa. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or any other mental health concern, our professional psychologists and counselors are here to listen, provide guidance, and offer resources to help students through difficult moments at no cost.
24hr Crisis Helpline - 0800 36 36 36
Mental Health
HIGHER HEALTH is a national agency that seeks to inspire success of two million students that attend 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges by improving their health and wellbeing.
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
HIGHER HEALTH is a national agency that seeks to inspire success of two million students that attend 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges by improving their health and wellbeing.
Gender Based Violence
HIGHER HEALTH is a national agency that seeks to inspire success of two million students that attend 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges by improving their health and wellbeing.