The School of Clinical Medicine (SCM) provided students with some relief from exam stress by kick-starting this year’s Youth Month celebrations with poetry, song and dance at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine exam hall.
The fun-filled occasion was the annual Medical School Talent Show which was enjoyed by staff and students.
‘This event is very dear to the Dean,’ said Professor Nombulelo Magula in her welcoming remarks, going on to describe the MBChB degree as demanding, making it important for students to strike a balance between academia and their social lives.
The event coincided with the Ithemba Foundation’s annual #CrazySocks4Docs campaign to raise awareness of mental health challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare workers.
Students at various levels of the MBChB programme went on stage to perform in some way with the event ending in an open mic session.
MCs Mr Andile Mkhungu and Ms Nombuso Masuku kept the audience on their feet while vocalists Ms Asphile Radebe, Mr Luyanda Zulu, Mr James Ngcobo, Mr Sifundo Dube and Mr Mcebo Kubheka had the crowd singing along to some songs.
Ms Sithandiwe Hadebe, Mr Luyanda Mndiyata and Ms Nombuso Masuku presented very meaningful poetry with special reference to the youth in society.
The event was not a competition but rather an opportunity for students to showcase their performing arts talent with the thinking being that an increased number of recreational initiatives will build a community of strong, focused and resilient UKZN Medical alumni.
Students were applauded by event organiser, SCM lecturer Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele, who says she is passionate about medical education and assisting students to reach their full potential. ‘I enjoyed spending time rehearsing with the students as it also relieved stress for me as a staff member. I remember performing in the talent show back when I was in Medical School and the positive impact it had on me. I am so proud of all the performers and anticipate this will have a positive impact on their learning,’ she said.
Mphahlele worked with undergraduate students, Mr Nzuzo Dlamini of the Voice Arts Club and Mr Saien Govender to co-ordinate the show.
There are plans afoot to provide a platform for students to engage in more activities to help enhance their mental health and wellbeing such as interactive student focused events like a cookout to promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles, guest talks on financial, mental and physical health, and mentoring and peer support groups to help ensure academic success.
Words and photographs: Lunga Memela
