Presence Retreat 2025

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. Spiritual reflections led by Mrs Anna-Therese Swart grounded participants in mindfulness and intentionality, while interactive activities like the Finality Game facilitated by Prof Emmerentia du Plessis encouraged deep reflection and connection among team members.

Colleagues presented their Presence-focused projects, sharing innovative practices and lessons learned from their campuses. These sessions highlighted the dedication, creativity, and heart that the Presence Team brings to healthcare education and community engagement.

A highlight of the week was an inspiring session by Prof Johan Potgieter from the Psychology Department, whose insights sparked thoughtful discussions and offered practical strategies to foster Presence in everyday interactions.

The retreat also celebrated achievements through a prize-giving ceremony, where three floating trophies, and new champion of presence trophies, and certificates were awarded to members of the Presence Team. This recognition acknowledged the team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to embedding Presence in their projects and daily practice.

Throughout the week, moments of reflection, guided activities, and structured discussions reinforced the principles of Presence. Facilitators like Emmerentia, Dr Kathleen Froneman and Prof Tinda Rabie and others guided sessions on collaborative leadership, reflective practice, and innovative projects such as the DREAM guideline, PRISM, Taking HANDS, Caring Roots, and SCAPE, ensuring that participants left with new perspectives and tools to enrich their work.

Thursday was ended with a meaningful “Seeds for Presence” reflection, during which each team member wrote a personal commitment and placed it on the symbolic tree representing collective growth, reflection, and mutual support — a reminder that sustaining presence is not a solitary act, but a shared journey of care and connection.

The week concluded with a spiritual day led by Mrs Anna-Therese Swart, providing space for contemplation, renewal, and gratitude. Special thanks go to Dr Petro Benade, whose meticulous planning of venue arrangements, catering, and logistics ensured a seamless and delightful retreat experience for everyone.

The Presence Retreat 2025 was more than a series of sessions—it was a living expression of what it means to be present—with colleagues, with the work we do, and with the communities we serve. The awards and shared experiences reinforced the team’s commitment to cultivating Presence in all aspects of professional and personal life.