The challenges faced by our higher institutions are no secret and are in fact not unique to South Africa. Higher education all over the world is in turmoil, facing challenges such as leadership crisis, unpaid debt and cut of courses to mention a few.

Coaching is a caring profession characterised by a trusted relationship, authentic connection, and a collaborative partnership between the coach and client. At the core of coaching lie deep, one-to-one, empathetic conversations.

The increasing deployment of smart technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and algorithms across every area of human endeavour is changing work in unprecedented ways. As fast as roles become extinct, new ones emerge.

Once stigmatised and marginalised, mental healthcare is now centre stage.  Over the past few decades, there has been growing mainstream acceptance that we need to attend to our emotional well-being with the same concern that we apply to our physical health.

For centuries social workers have been at the forefront of helping people navigate times of disruption and radical change.  Often referred to as a noble profession, social work has its roots in the late 1900’s when societies grappled with the emerging impacts of industrialisation. 

Parents tread a delicate line during the high-pressure Matric study and exam time. On the one hand you want to be motivating for optimal performance every step of the way, but it’s easy to tip over into applying too much pressure on an already stressed-out teen. 

Like their global counterparts, South African youth report high levels of mental health challenges arising from universal experiences such as the climate crisis, economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability and social media threats and pressures. Yet, there are also unique challenges affecting young people that are particularly rooted in South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

The demand for higher education in South Africa far outstrips the places available at the country’s 26 publicly funded universities. Private tertiary institutions play a critical role in making quality further education more available to the population. This is not simply about offering more or alternative places in tertiary education.

As organisations are buffeted by endless change and disruption, there is an increase in focus on coaching for culture and engagement to build positive and resilient workplaces. In recent years, companies are grappling with significant forces impacting on organisational culture and employee engagement. 

As social creatures, it’s natural to feel a sense of trepidation, or even full-blown anxiety, when you know that a high stakes conversation is on the cards.  While avoidance is an understandable reaction, the respite is generally short-lived, and the consequences of not engaging with what needs to said and heard can be significant. 

Young South Africans aspire to do work that is both meaningful and fulfilling, according to the Frame Your Future survey recently conducted by SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology). 

Matric results season is here, and a new phase of life is about to begin for the country's latest school-leavers.  Some will step onto their chosen tertiary or vocational pathways, but for many, the way ahead is not yet clear.

The release of matric results is a high stakes time for many students and parents who have invested in the idea that a successful future is dependent on excellent matric results. Getting these final school marks in black and white can spiral some young South Africans into despair and crisis, especially if their matric results fall short of what they have hoped for.

With endemic poverty, high unemployment, high crime rates and the prevalence of gender-based violence, South Africans have long been a chronically stressed nation.  Over the past few years, the global pandemic, economic downturn, climate crisis and geopolitical wars have only served to highlight the need to properly recognise the impact of poor, and worsening mental health on the country.

For many decades, global organisations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations (UN) have espoused the many advantages of lifelong learning for individuals, businesses and institutions.

With sustained high levels of stress and trauma experienced across the world over the past few years, mental health and well-being is in the global spotlight. Struggling to cope with adversities is nothing new for South Africans. 

The delivery of quality education remains the single most critical factor in the attainment of true individual freedom and the improvement in the quality of living for all. Despite massive government investments and wave after wave of curriculum reform there has been scant progress made in the provision of quality teaching and learning in South Africa.

If you’re feeling the stress of the upcoming Matric exams, the best thing that you can do is connect with those who can help and learn something new about how you can best re-frame the experience.

The release of matric results is typically a high stakes time for many students and their parents, but pandemic disruptions throughout 2020 are adding extra angst. This week, the anticipation will be over, but getting these final school marks in black and white can spiral some young South Africans, and their families, into despair and crisis.