12 May 2024
Venue : Postdom Site
Time : 09h00 – 16h00
Higher Health Induction Message for 2026
General information for inclusion of Institutional induction and a reference document for
correspondence with students, staff, parents and guardians.
Click to read the full messagecorrespondence with students, staff, parents and guardians.
CONGRATULATIONS
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.
General Information for inclusion in Institutional induction and a reference document for correspondence with students, staff, parents and guardians The…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE By Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health South Africa November 10, 2025 Higher Health Mourns the…
Lerata Joseph Mokgadi, a student from Goldfields TVET College, grew up in Theunissen, a small town in Free State. The…
”Gender-Based Violence is not only a societal epidemic but also a critical skills deficit in our country - one that…
Ending GBVF Together: Dr Sishi’s Message to the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Sector
Earlier this week, on the 19th of January 2026, Higher Health attended the induction and orientation programme for first-year students at Capricorn TVET College, Senwabarwana Campus, Limpopo.
As part of the programme, students engaged in Health and Wellness sessions and were introduced to the Civic & Soft Skills Programme by Higher Health Campus Care Worker, Ms Dimakatso Mokoena and Registered Counsellor, Ms Manake Phokanoka. The Civic & Soft Skills Programme is QCTO-accredited at NQF Level 5 and developed in partnership with UNESCO, equipping students with essential life and civic skills for success beyond the classroom.
Students also received practical guidance on study skills, time management and goal setting, with a strong message that success in higher education is built on discipline, resilience and wellbeing.
Higher Health, the implementing arm of the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET), continues to support student's holistic health, psychosocial wellbeing and development across the 26 Public Universities, 50 TVET Colleges and 9 CET Colleges in South Africa.
#DHET #HigherHealth #HigherEducation #StudentInduction #TVETColleges #FirstYearExperience #StudentWellbeing #CivicAndSoftSkills #QCTO #NQFLevel5 #UNESCO #AcademicYear2026 #SouthAfrica
Buti Manamela
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Moses Nkambako
Goldfields TVET College ZA
Motheo TVET College
West Coast College Institution of Excellence
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Coastal KZN TVET College, Appelsbosch Campus.
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
Mopani TVET College
Umfolozi TVET College
Majuba TVET College
Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube addressed the media following the completion of her oversight visit to Mnambithi TVET College in Ladysmith and Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal.
She reiterated the Department’s commitment by confirming the readiness of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system to receive all learners who have successfully completed their matric under the Basic Education system.
“We are ready. NSFAS is ready,” the Deputy Minister affirmed.
She further indicated that all students with queries related to the
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be assisted in every province. For the first time, the Department, in collaboration with NSFAS, has ensured the deployment of dedicated NSFAS officials across all provinces to address queries related to funding, student accommodation and academic matters.
In addition, the Deputy Minister confirmed that Higher Health SA is fully prepared to provide comprehensive socio-psychosocial support to students. She acknowledged that many students will be transitioning from their homes into residences and unfamiliar environments, a process that often presents challenges such as culture shock and adjustment difficulties.
Higher Health will therefore be available 24 hours a day to support students by offering psychosocial services and responding to all related queries. The Department remains committed to ensuring that learners and students receive the necessary support as they transition into post-school education and training.
#OversightVisit #MnambithiTVETCollege
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
The Real and Urgent Challenge Behind South Africa's Record Matric Results By Buti Manamela
Minister of Higher Education and Training
The latest matric results deserve to be recognised and celebrated. In 2025, approximately 927,000 learners wrote the National Senior Certificate, the largest cohort in South Africa’s history. Of these, over 82% passed, meaning that more than 760,000 young people successfully completed twelve years of schooling. This matters. It reflects a schooling system that is retaining more learners, stabilising after years of disruption, and producing improved outcomes, including in many no-fee schools where performance has historically lagged behind.
But from the perspective of post-school education and training, these same numbers also illuminate a growing pressure point that can no longer be managed quietly or deferred to the future.
This year, about 345,000 learners achieved bachelor’s passes , making them eligible, in principle, for entry into degree studies. Yet South Africa’s public university system can offer only about 230,000 first-time entering places in a given academic year, inclusive of first time diploma students into universities of technology. This means that well over 100,000 young people who formally qualify for university will not find a place, not because they failed, but because the system does not have the capacity to absorb them all at once.
In fact the situation is more dire if one considers that about 209,000 learners achieved diploma passes that in principle will give them access to diploma programmes offered by some of our universities.
That gap between eligibility and opportunity is not a communications problem. It is structural. And unless we explain it honestly, it creates expectations that cannot be met and frustration that is often misdirected at institutions that are already operating at or near capacity.
This is why we need a much more explicit, joint conversation between basic education and higher education about how we speak about bachelor’s, diploma and higher certificate passes. A bachelor’s pass is an achievement, and it must be respected as such, but it is not a guarantee of admission to degree study. Eligibility is not the same as availability, and conflating the two does a disservice to learners and families who understandably assume that a bachelor’s pass automatically opens a university door.
These pressures are intensified by the broader social context. Youth unemployment remains among the highest in the world, and formal job creation has not kept pace with the number of young people entering adulthood each year.
For many, post-school education is not simply about aspiration; it is about survival, dignity and the possibility of long-term inclusion. As a result, the post-school system must serve both those who complete matric successfully and those who leave the schooling system earlier or with weaker results.
At the same time, the pressure on public funding continues to grow. Government has been clear that as much as possible students should not be prevented from accessing further learning opportunities because they cannot afford them, and this commitment is reflected in the scale of financial aid now required.
Each additional cohort entering post-school education increases the demand on a funding system that must balance access, sustainability and quality.
One of the most serious warning signals in the results remains the continued weakness in Mathematics and Physical Science. Although the absolute number of learners writing Mathematics increased slightly this year, only about 34% of matric candidates wrote Mathematics, with the majority opting for Mathematical Literacy. This is not a marginal issue. Mathematics remains a key gateway subject for many of the most competitive and economically strategic programmes in higher education.
Even more concerning is that Mathematics and Accounting pass rates declined, while Physical Science recorded only a slight improvement. When these numbers are unpacked further, the challenge becomes clearer. While more than 345,000 learners achieved bachelor’s passes, the number who meet the specific subject and performance requirements for programmes such as natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, actuarial sciences, data science and parts of commerce is significantly smaller. Demand for these programmes far exceeds supply, and the pool of suitably prepared applicants is narrower than headline pass rates suggest.
This is why we now need a far more detailed analysis of how many learners actually meet entry requirements for competitive programmes, compared to the number of places available. Without this clarity, we risk celebrating aggregate success while quietly narrowing access to the fields most critical for long-term economic development.
The renewed emphasis by basic education on early childhood development and foundational learning is therefore not only welcome but essential. Weak foundations in literacy and numeracy do not suddenly appear in matric; they accumulate over time. By the time learners reach Grade 12, the post-school system is already dealing with the consequences of learning gaps that emerged years earlier. Universities and colleges spend billions on extended programmes, academic development and remediation, all of which are necessary, but all of which would be more effective if foundational learning were stronger.
From the post-school side, we are actively working to expand and diversify opportunities. Public universities now enrol just over one million students, and we continue to invest in infrastructure and capacity expansion. At the same time, TVET colleges currently serve more than 500 000 students, with clear plans to grow this number substantially, recognising their central role in producing artisans, technicians and mid-level skills. Community Education and Training colleges, which provide second-chance and alternative pathways, remain critical for absorbing learners who do not move directly from matric into formal post-school programmes.
We are also examining more deliberately the role of bridging and foundational programmes, including higher certificates and preparatory routes that allow matriculants to strengthen their readiness before entering demanding qualifications. These pathways are not inferior options. In a system marked by inequality and uneven preparation, they are essential instruments of inclusion.
There is another reality we must state clearly. Our universities produce the teachers who serve the basic education system. If we are serious about improving outcomes in Mathematics, Science and Accounting, then teacher supply, training and deployment must be planned far more closely across departments. We need sufficient numbers of teachers, trained in the right subjects, placed where the system needs them most. This requires sustained coordination between basic and higher education, not annual reactions to results.
The matric results tell us something important about who we are becoming. More young people are staying in school. More are completing. Equity is improving in meaningful ways. But they also tell us that success at the school exit point shifts pressure forward into a post-school system that is already stretched, and into a labour market that cannot yet absorb everyone.
Our responsibility now is not to dampen hope, but to anchor it in honesty, planning and realistic options. Among the options we are actively considering are a clearer national conversation on post-matric pathways, expanded and better-funded bridging programmes, stronger alignment between school subject choices and post-school demand, closer planning with basic education around teacher supply, and continued expansion of TVET and community college opportunities alongside universities. And fundamental to all of this is inclusive growth of the economy, without which the demand and supply equations do not work.
This is not a crisis, but it is a moment that demands seriousness, realism and a quiet optimism. If we get this right, the gains we are seeing at school level can translate into genuine opportunity beyond matric for millions of South Africans. If we avoid the hard conversations, we risk turning success into frustration. That is a risk South Africa cannot afford.
#DHET #2026AcademicYear
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Nkosinathi Sishi
Moses Nkambako
TUT Health and Wellness
Majuba TVET College
Mopani TVET College
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Umfolozi TVET College
Goldfields TVET College ZA
Coastal KZN TVET College, Appelsbosch Campus.
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Stellenbosch University
University Of Zululand
University of Johannesburg
NWU - North-West University
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
West Coast College Institution of Excellence
Umfolozi TVET College
MEDIA ADVISORY
MINISTER Buti Manamela TO BRIEF THE MEDIA ON STRATEGIC PLANS FOR THE PSET SECTOR AND 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
TO ALL MEDIA
21 JANUARY 2026
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela will brief the media on the plans of the Post School Education and Training (PSET) Sector for the 2026 academic year as well as the state of readiness thereof.
Details of the media briefing:
Thursday 22 January 2026
Time: 10:00 am
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, GCIS, 1035 Frances Baard Street, Pretoria
To confirm your attendance, please WhatsApp Nonjabulo Zuma on +27 679465651
Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Spokesperson to the Minister
082 679 9473
@HigherEduSpox
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DHET
Ramneek Ahluwalia
TUT Health and Wellness
Port Elizabeth TVET College
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Goldfields TVET College ZA
Motheo TVET College
Coastal KZN TVET College, Appelsbosch Campus.
Port Elizabeth TVET College
ELangeni TVET College (KwaDabeka Campus)
Umfolozi TVET College
Majuba TVET College
Sedibeng TVET College
Mopani TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
West Coast College Institution of Excellence
Stellenbosch University Equality Unit - Eenheid vir Gelykwaardigheid
University of Johannesburg
NWU - North-West University
Stellenbosch University
Universities South Africa
University of Cape Town
University of Fort Hare
Moses Nkambako
CEO of Higher Health SA, Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia participated in a panel discussion on Day 2 of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Sector Strategy Session held at the College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds, Crawford Campus.
Through plenary discussions, and parallel workshops, participants are deliberated on critical issues such as mega trends in higher education, international cooperation and scholarship coordination, the role and contribution of private higher education, state of readiness for the 2026 academic year, policy and legislative reforms, articulation and coordination across institutional types, system capacity and size, SETA reforms, the quality of TVET and CET provision; student welfare and academic support.
#dhet #higherhealth #highereducation
#2026AcademicYear #southafrica #academicyear2026
DHET
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Nkosinathi Sishi
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
SATVETSA Nec
South African Union of Students
National Skills Fund
TUT Health and Wellness
UNESCO
Port Elizabeth TVET College
QCTO Page
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
Cput Campus Health Clinic
Letaba TVET College
“Student well-being and student safety must be our priority for 2026. We must minimise it or ideally reduce it to zero,” said Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health, during a panel discussion on Day 2 of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Sector Strategy Session currently underway at the College of Cape Town -, Crawford Campus.
Prof Ahluwalia emphasised that prioritising student well-being and safety is directly linked to improved academic throughput and system performance. “From the limited number of students we are producing, we need to produce the best. Competence and success depend on the level of wraparound support and student-centred services we provide. That, in essence, should define our vision for 2026,” he said.
He also highlighted bullying as one of the most pressing challenges within the post-school education and training system. “Bullying, including cyberbullying, remains a major concern. In response, Higher Health has trained more than 200 officials specifically on bullying and cyberbullying interventions,” Prof Ahluwalia noted.
He added that, after academic stress and gender-based violence (GBV), bullying constitutes one of the highest volumes of calls received through the Higher Health 24-hour Crisis Helpline, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened prevention, response, and support mechanisms across institutions.
#DHET #HigherHealth #HigherEducation
#PSET #SouthAfrica #2026AcademicYear #StudentSafety #Bullying #CyberBullying
DHET
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Nkosinathi Sishi
National Skills Fund
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
South African Union of Students
SATVETSA Nec
UNESCO
TUT Health and Wellness
QCTO Page
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
Letaba TVET College
Cput Campus Health Clinic
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health SA, participated in a panel discussion on Day 2 of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Sector Strategy Session currently underway at the College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds, Crawford Campus.
During the discussion, Prof Ahluwalia highlighted the comprehensive crisis response protocols developed and implemented by Higher Health to strengthen safety, accountability, and support across Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions.
These include:
• Implementation Guidelines on the Management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases on Campus
• Code of Ethics Guidelines
• Protocol on Staff–Student Relationships
• Protocol on Safety in Residences
• Protocol on Safety in Private Accommodation
• Protocol on Staff–Student Travel
• Protocol on the Establishment of Responsible Offices and Safe Rooms
• Protocol on Statements by Complainants
• Protocol on Whistleblowing
Higher Health routinely capacitate institutions on these protocols through nationwide roadshows and targeted capacity-building sessions. These engagements are designed to empower frontline teams, including residence staff, campus security, Student Representative Councils (SRCs), student support services, as well as campus health and counselling units, to effectively respond to crises and foster safer learning environments.
#dhet #higherhealth #highereducation
#pset #southafrica #2026AcademicYear #induction #orientation
Buti Manamela
DHET
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
UNESCO
National Skills Fund
Port Elizabeth TVET College
TUT Health and Wellness
South African Union of Students
SATVETSA Nec
QCTO Page
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
Letaba TVET College
Cput Campus Health Clinic
Recently, Higher Health SA attended the Letaba TVET College, Modjadji Campus induction and orientation programme as the institution welcomed new students into the academic year. The programme was designed to orientate first-year students on campus life, academic expectations, and available student support services.
During the programme, Higher Health Campus Care Coordinator, Mr Daniel Mokobodi, presented to first-year students, sharing vital insights on student health and wellness, as well as the Civic and Soft Skills Programme accredited by QCTO Page at NQF Level 5 - equipping students with essential tools for both academic success and personal development.
#dhet #higherhealth #highereducation #academicyear2026 #induction #orientation
#letabatvetcollege
#StudentWellness
#CampusCare
#firstyearexperience
#StudentSupport
#civicandsoftskills
#healthandwellbeing
#pset
#TVETColleges
#southafrica
DHET
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Nkosinathi Sishi
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
SATVETSA Nec
South African Union of Students
Port Elizabeth TVET College
College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds
UNESCO
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
National Skills Fund
TUT Health and Wellness
Cput Campus Health Clinic
STUDENT WELLNESS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
The Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Mr Buti Manamela recognises that the transition of students from school into Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions is a significant milestone. While this journey brings excitement and new opportunities, it can also present emotional and psychological challenges for many students.
Through Higher Health SA, the Department of Higher Education and Training provides free, confidential psychosocial and mental health support services to students and prospective students across the higher education system. These services are designed to support student wellbeing, resilience, and academic success.
Students who require emotional or mental health support are encouraged to reach out to the Higher Health 24-Hour Crisis Helpline on 0800 36 36 36. Trained professionals are available to assist with stress, anxiety, and crisis-related concerns, ensuring that no student has to face these challenges alone.
#ClassOf2025 #StudentWellness #MentalHealthMatters #HigherHealth #PSET #YouthWellbeing #EmotionalSupport #YouAreNotAlone #DHET #HigherHealth #HigherEducation #AcademicYear2026 #SouthAfrica
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Nkosinathi Sishi
Ramneek Ahluwalia
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
South African Union of Students
SATVETSA Nec
UNESCO
TUT Health and Wellness
Port Elizabeth TVET College
University of Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela University
University of Cape Town
QCTO Page
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
The CEO of Higher Health SA, Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia is currently attending the Minister and Management Meeting, which precedes the PSET Sector Strategic Planning Session taking place on 16–17 January at the College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds.
As part of the programme, the CEO will also be presenting during the Readiness for 2026 session, contributing to critical discussions shaping the future of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector. He will also form part of the panel discussing sessions.
#dhet #2026AcademicYear #higherhealth #highereducation #southafrica
DHET
Buti Manamela
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
Nkosinathi Sishi
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
National Skills Fund
South African Union of Students
SATVETSA Nec
TUT Health and Wellness
UNESCO
Port Elizabeth TVET College
University of Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela University
University of Cape Town
QCTO Page
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
Yesterday, during his presentation at the Education Collaborative’s 2026 Southern Africa Regional Hub Conference, held at The Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia highlighted that Higher Health’s model has gained international recognition, with several countries seeking to adopt it. As a result, Higher Health has already begun establishing replicas of its model in other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Building on this global interest, Higher Health aspires to expand beyond South Africa’s borders and across the African continent, offering the Civic and Soft Skills Programme to empower students in higher education institutions throughout Africa.
At the heart of this vision is the understanding that students are the collective hope of their parents, communities, and nations. When young people enter institutions of learning, they do so not only to gain academic knowledge, but also to develop civic consciousness, life skills and soft skills - all essential elements that shape responsible, ethical, well-rounded human global citizens and competent graduates at the same time.
#DHET #HigherHealth #AfricaHub #PanAfricanEducation #CivicAndSoftSkills #CivicEducation #YouthDevelopment #StudentSuccess #HolisticEducation #FutureLeaders #EducationWithoutBorders #SkillsForLife #HigherHealthAcademy #AfricanYouth #GlobalImpact #AcademicYear2026 #SouthAfrica
DHET
Buti Manamela
Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training
DM Nomusa Dube-Ncube
Nkosinathi Sishi
Florence Masebe
Lionel Green-Thompson
South African Union of Students
SATVETSA Nec
UNESCO
TUT Health and Wellness
University of Johannesburg
University of Cape Town
Port Elizabeth TVET College
Majuba TVET College
QCTO Page
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa
National Skills Fund
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.