The Presence Blog

Reflecting on the Power of Presence in the Work of Badisa Prof Tinda Rabie from the School of Nursing Science at North-West University had the privilege of being invited by Badisa, through the leadership of Mrs Adrie Jurgensen, to share a message of encouragement with the nurses, caregivers, social workers, volunteers, and staff members who daily embody one of the most powerful aspects of care: Presence. Badisa is one of South Africa’s largest non-profit social development

In a recent wellness session hosted by Vessels of Mercy in Potchefstroom, Prof Tinda Rabie of the School of Nursing Science, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) was invited by Mrs Susan Fouche to facilitate a reflective and practical workshop online as part of the Jenwil wellbeing initiative. The focus of the session was understanding your own temperament and learning how to work more effectively with the temperaments of others. A key reflection during the session w

Article: Conceptualisation of relational care through cultivating attentiveness: The butterfly effect in mental health nursing Authors: Dr. Rudo Ramalisa-Budeli, Prof Emmerentia du Plessis, Dr Suegnèt Scholtz Journal: International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101047 We are pleased to share the publication of our article in the International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences , contributing to the growing scholarly disco

From 11–14 March 2026, I had the privilege of attending the SA-ACAPAP Conference at Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town. This gathering brings together leading interdisciplinary voices in child and adolescent mental health. This year’s event was particularly meaningful for me, as I received a research award and was selected to participate in the Emerging Researcher Workshop. The emerging researcher workshop Held on 11 March, this workshop was a transformative experience. With onl

On 26 February 2026, Dr Kathleen Froneman received the Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching Award for 2025. This award recognises exemplary teaching practices within the faculty and celebrates innovative, impactful approaches to teaching and learning that are responsive to the diverse educational context of North-West University. The Faculty Teaching Awards are held annually to acknowledge individuals or teams who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Participation depends on th

From 10–13 March 2026, we had the privilege of presenting our workshop, Cultivating Presence in Perinatal Care: A DREAM-Guided Relational Workshop , at the 44th Annual Scientific Meeting for Priorities in Perinatal Care in Southern Africa, held at Mpekweni Beach Resort in the Eastern Cape. The workshop was a resounding success, bringing together a dynamic multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, including midwives, neurologists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, and

NWU partners with Vessels of Mercy to support community organisations Prof Tinda Rabie recently lead a reflective session on “Nurturing of self from within: presence and self-care for body, mind and spirit” for Vessels of Mercy, one of the university’s valued community engagement partners. Tinda received the invitation to lead this session via Prof Alida Herbst, Deputy Dean of Teaching and Learning at North-West University (NWU) and specialist in Social Work and Psychosocial

The power of presence In a world driven by digital charts, efficiency metrics and rapid technological advancement, the most transformative tool in healthcare may be surprisingly simple: being present . In a recent North-West University newsletter, writer Bertie Jacobs captures the insight of Prof Tinda Rabie from the School of Nursing at the NWU, who reminds us that “a patient is a real person with feelings, hopes and fears—not just a number or case.” Her message is clear:

A Week of Reflection, Collaboration, and Celebration at North-West University Botanical gardens The Presence Team recently hosted the Presence Retreat 2025 at the beautiful Botanical Gardens of NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. It was an insightful and inspiring week, bringing together colleagues from the Vaal, Potchefstroom, and Mafikeng campuses to reflect, share, and celebrate their Presence-focused work. From the first morning, the retreat set the tone for meaningful engagement

Inspiring Mediclinic Potchefstroom’s Leadership Team We recently facilitated a Presence Workshop with the managerial team at Mediclinic Potchefstroom Hospital. Our visit formed part of a collaborative partnership focused on shared learning, reflection, and mutual support. The workshop was presented to the hospital leadership with the hope that the insights and practices could be rolled out to all staff, fostering a culture of presence throughout the hospital. Together, we exp