“VUT launches a 24-hour mental health support service with SYKED, expanding accessible student wellness support beyond traditional counselling hours.”
19 August 2026 | Story by: Staff writer | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has strengthened its commitment to student well-being with the official launch of its 24-Hour Student Mental Health Support Service, in collaboration with SYKED.
The launch, hosted by the Department of Student Counselling and Support (SCS) on 14 August 2026 at the African Language Auditorium, introduced students to an additional avenue for accessing mental health support beyond traditional office hours.
The initiative is aimed at making mental health support more accessible to students, recognising that the need for support does not always occur within conventional working hours. The 24-hour service complements the existing counselling and psychological support provided by SCS and forms part of the University’s broader commitment to student wellness.
The launch was supported by two exhibition stalls located at strategic points around campus, where students could engage with the SYKED team, learn more about the new service and receive information on how to access support.
Executive leadership calls on students to take ownership of their mental health
Delivering the opening address, Dr Gugulethu Xaba, Executive Director: Student Support Services, emphasised the importance of students taking ownership of their mental health and recognising when they need support.
Dr Xaba highlighted that student well-being is not the responsibility of one department, but a shared University priority. Students were encouraged to reach out for assistance and to make use of the various support services available to them.
His message reinforced VUT’s commitment to creating an environment where students feel supported and are encouraged to seek help before challenges become overwhelming.
Bringing mental health support closer to students
Ms Lusanda Khumalo from SYKED introduced students to the services offered through the platform and provided a practical demonstration of how to navigate the online counselling platform.
The demonstration showed students how they can access support digitally and provided an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the platform in a welcoming and accessible setting.
The partnership with SYKED provides students with another way to connect with professional mental health support, particularly when they may be unable to access campus-based services or require support outside normal operating hours.
A message of support
Delivering the key takeaway from the event, Ms Bianca Brits, Head of Department: Student Counselling and Support, encouraged students to make use of the support available to them.
Her message was simple: “You do not have to face challenges alone, and asking for help is a strength.”
The message captured the central purpose of the initiative: to ensure that students know that support is available and that reaching out for help is encouraged.
The launch represents another step in VUT’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of student well-being, early help-seeking and accessible mental health support.
Through the partnership with SYKED, students now have an additional support channel available 24 hours a day, when and where they need it.