As we approach the festive season we are reminded that this period is an opportunity to reflect and assess if respective goals and targets have been met. It is time to wrap up the academic year and also highlight the many strides that the Faculty has made towards creating #LifeChangers.

It is heart-warming to witness how colleagues and students are “paying-it-forward” in various communities. Radiography students spent time to educate mothers about the effects of radiation through breastfeeding. Third year Occupational Therapy students showed their social commitment at the Little ABLE’s Sanctuary by helping children between the ages 3 – 15 years who are affected by a disability. While UP’s Community-Oriented Primary Care programme, in collaboration with numerous stakeholders, participated in a three-day health drive at Malusi informal settlement, Pretoria West, where they helped provide basic healthcare to residents.

These stories are indicative of our commitment to contribute to improved health and wellbeing of our communities through research and community engagement. We can proudly say we are making an impact.

Researchers and experts are encouraged to continue engaging and communicating on various platforms in order to educate communities and to share research-led information with society at large.

“Now is the time for change” was our theme for 2019. A daily reminder that change is key in moving forward. This mind-set of change ensured that we set the pace and kept on innovating. We truly transformed our facilities and social spaces to increase safety and provide state of the art teaching and learning environments.

Thank you for embracing transformation in our reformed spaces, research-led curriculums and engagement. We have made significant strides but we look forward to engaging more, making an impact, contributing to the sustained changes that will make a difference to society and contribute positively to health and wellbeing.

I am excited to take on 2020 with you.  We wish you a joyous festive season with your family and friends.  Remember, you are a life changer!