As studies reveal that 75% of lifelong mental health challenges first surface before age 24, universities globally carry an urgent responsibility to overhaul support frameworks for students grappling with academic rigour, social transitions, and identity formation. At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), this imperative has sparked transformative innovation, and now, global approval. Sister Molimi Geya, Director of UJ’s Centre for Student Health and Wellness (C-SHAW), has been named co-chair of the Universitas 21 (U21) Mental Health Group, propelling UJ to the vanguard of a global movement reimagining mental healthcare in higher education through holistic, inclusive approaches.
Sister Geya, a seasoned professional nurse and advocate for preventative healthcare, will co-lead the U21 Mental Health Group alongside Dr Sherry Chan of the University of Hong Kong. The appointment highlights UJ’s strategic commitment to student well-being and its growing influence within the U21 network – a coalition of 27 research-intensive universities across six continents dedicated to solving shared global challenges.
“This role is not just an honour but a call to action,” says Geya. “Mental health is the bedrock of academic success. We must move beyond crisis management and build ecosystems where every student thrives.”
Sister Geya’s appointment builds on UJ’s longstanding leadership within the U21 Health Sciences Group, a legacy shaped by UJ’s Dean of Health Sciences, Professor Annie Temane’s work in elevating the role of support staff as vital contributors to academic ecosystems. Sister Geya is poised to transform theoretical research into actionable student support strategies, focusing on translating academic insights into practice through partnerships with UJ’s Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD), where student feedback will directly shape redesigned services; advancing preventative care by integrating AI-driven tools, such as apps that detect early stress signals or foster peer-to-peer support networks; and centering student voices by co-creating mental health initiatives grounded in their lived experiences.
“Research alone isn’t enough,” Sister Geya asserts. “Our focus must shift to tangible solutions whether it is modernising counselling frameworks, training staff in trauma-informed practices, or tailoring interventions to meet students where they are to ensure no one falls through the cracks of theory.”
Her approach emphasises collaboration across borders and disciplines. She has already mobilised a coalition including Dr Maria Ramaahlo (Director of PsyCaD, UJ) and Prof Temane (Dean of Health Sciences. UJ) to align UJ’s mental health services with global best practices.
“Our strength lies in unity,” stresses Sister Geya. “From clinicians to tech innovators, every stakeholder brings a piece of the puzzle. Together, we can build resilient communities where mental health is inseparable from overall wellness.”
UJ’s involvement in the U21 network reflects its core ethos that highlights innovation through compassion. By prioritising preventative care, inclusivity, and student agency, the University is modelling a future where mental health support is proactive, accessible, and destigmatised.
“This isn’t just about UJ but about setting a global standard. When we invest in mental health, we invest in the leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of tomorrow,” concludes Sister Geya.
About Universitas 21 (U21):
U21 is a global network of research-intensive universities committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions. Spanning six continents—from South Africa to South Korea—its initiatives empower institutions to address shared challenges, from climate change to student well-being.
