SAACHS Chair takes global leadership role
SAACHS Chair Sr Molimi Geya has been appointed co-chair of the Universitas 21 (U21) Mental Health Group. The University of Johannesburg reported on Sr Geya's achievement in an article posted on https://news.uj.ac.za/news/ujs-sister-molimi-geya-takes-the-global-stage....
With research indicating that 75% of lifelong mental health challenges emerge before age 24, universities have a critical role in transforming mental health support for students. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has taken a leadership position in this effort, gaining global recognition through Sister Molimi Geya, Director of UJ’s Centre for Student Health and Wellness (C-SHAW). She has been appointed co-chair of the Universitas 21 (U21) Mental Health Group, alongside Dr. Sherry Chan from the University of Hong Kong.
Sister Geya’s new role underscores UJ’s strategic commitment to student well-being within U21, a global network of 27 research-intensive universities collaborating on shared challenges. Her leadership builds on UJ’s history of excellence in health sciences, shaped by Professor Annie Temane, Dean of Health Sciences at UJ.
Her vision focuses on moving beyond crisis management to proactive solutions, including:
- Integrating AI-driven tools to detect stress and promote peer support.
- Modernising counselling services based on student feedback.
- Training staff in trauma-informed practices to better support students.
- Fostering global collaboration to align UJ’s mental health initiatives with international best practices.
By emphasising preventative care, inclusivity, and student agency, UJ is not only strengthening its own mental health framework but also setting a global standard for proactive, accessible, and destigmatised mental health support in higher education.
