Leaders in Action - UCT Medicial Students

 Leaders in Action 

On September 2nd , 2025  

UCT Medical Students Bring Health Promotion to Hanover Park

On 2 September 2025, the Bush Radio Morning Cruise welcomed a group of fourth-year UCT medical students who recently completed their Health in Context block at Afterglow Village in Hanover Park. The project was focused on promoting awareness and education around chronic illnesses affecting older people, particularly hypertension and diabetes.

The students, who come from across South Africa – Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and beyond – shared their inspiring journeys into medicine. For some, the dream of becoming a doctor was sparked in childhood, while for others it grew from witnessing illness in their families or being driven by a deep desire to serve their communities. One student, Melissa, described medicine as “science in action,” while another explained how growing up around poor health-seeking behaviors inspired her to want to make a difference.

Why Hanover Park?

As part of their UCT block, the students were assigned to Hanover Park to engage directly with the elderly residents of Afterglow Village. Through stakeholder meetings with management, caregivers, and the residents themselves, they identified key health concerns. Hypertension and diabetes emerged as the most pressing issues , conditions that are highly prevalent among older people in South Africa.

“In South Africa, hypertension affects nearly half of adults, and diabetes rates have almost tripled in the last decade,” one student explained. “It’s impossible to ignore these conditions in communities like Hanover Park.”

Making Health Education Fun and Accessible

The students knew that medical jargon can be intimidating, so they turned their project into an interactive, fun learning experience. Inspired by The Amazing Race, they designed a health promotion game with four stations. At each stop, elders learned about blood pressure, sugar levels, and medication management in ways that were simple, relatable, and engaging.

There was laughter, dancing, and plenty of questions. What might have felt like a serious lecture turned into a lively morning where residents left more confident about how to take care of their health.

Challenges in the Community

The students highlighted that one of the biggest obstacles for elders in Hanover Park is low health literacy – not always understanding medical terms, prescriptions, or long-term treatment plans. Poverty and limited access to healthcare also play a role, making self-management of chronic illnesses more difficult.

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

Despite these challenges, the students emphasized that simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in controlling blood pressure and sugar levels.

For blood pressure

Diet: Reduce salt intake by avoiding salty snacks, processed food, and unnecessary added salt. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods.

Medical adherence: Take your medication every day at the same time, and use reminders like a pillbox to avoid missing doses.

Exercise: Incorporate light activities such as walking, gardening, or even simple household chores to help regulate blood pressure.

For blood sugar:

Balanced meals: Structure your plate with half vegetables and fruits, a quarter protein, and a quarter starch. This keeps meals proportioned and nutrient-rich while lowering sugar intake.

Regular eating habits: Avoid skipping meals and eat at consistent times each day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

These small yet powerful changes can significantly improve health and quality of life, especially for elders managing chronic illnesses.

Humanity in Medicine

Beyond the medical lessons, the students reminded Bush Radio listeners of an important truth: doctors are human too. Their journeys are filled with challenges, sacrifice, and determination, but they are driven by a shared passion for service and healing. As one student reflected, “When we spoke with the elders, it felt like home. We were not only helping a community, but also honoring our own grandparents back home who face the same struggles.”

Final Thoughts

Projects like this not only equip medical students with real-world skills but also bring vital health knowledge into communities that need it most. For Hanover Park’s elders, the day was more than just health education – it was an empowering reminder that they have the tools and knowledge to take control of their wellbeing.

Bush Radio celebrates these young leaders in action and looks forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of their work across South Africa 

Written by : Faith Marman