​​Charl Davids is deputy director at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), manager of CSCD's Unit for Psychotherapeutic and Support Services, as well as residence head at Huis Visser. Knowing that he can make a difference in students' lives is what spurs him on.

In the month of Workers' Day, we feature some of our staff and their part in keeping the wheels turning at our institution. Davids gave us a glimpse into a day in his life at Stellenbosch University (SU).

What is your role at Stellenbosch University?

I manage the caseloads of our psychologists and social workers. I have to ensure that students who seek help with mental health difficulties and social issues (including food insecurity) get the assistance they need, fast.

What does a typical day at work look like?

There is no typical day for me. A day can start very quietly, but end in me managing a crisis. Some days end very late, and others start in the early hours of the morning.

How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?

I started at SU on 1 February 2019. I qualified as a psychologist at the University of the Western Cape in 2001. My whole life prepared me for this position. I am an activist and was involved in the struggle against apartheid as a child. I became involved in the civic movement in my hometown, Bishop Lavis, when I was only 11 years old. My involvement in the civic movement, various NGO's, political organisations and other formations taught me a lot about leadership and being of service to others. I previously worked as a psychologist at Selfhelp Manenberg, in the South African Police Service, at the Trauma Centre and the University of the Western Cape.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at Stellenbosch University?

The difference I make in students' lives. I also enjoy leading and managing staff members.

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?

Change is the only constant in life. My life and work experience prepared me for the times we currently live in. The work I do every day is about guiding people to make the changes they need to live a full and productive life. It is not something I can only preach, but not practise myself. What keeps me motivated is to look past the difficulties of the present and see the possibilities of tomorrow.

Tell us something about you that few people would expect/something exciting that few people know about you?

I love watching live jazz, so I attend as many live jazz concerts as possible. Due to COVID-19, this was not possible for the past year, but I have a good stash of live concerts on DVD to keep me busy. Family and close friends are important to me, so I make a point of spending time with them. And then I also love watching soccer.