The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) is the professional body representing psychologists in South Africa. PsySSA was formed in January 1994, out of various bodies then existing and representing psychology in South Africa (such as OASSA, PASA, and Psychologists Against Apartheid). PsySSA was structured as a transformed entity to dealing with the changing dispensation and can speak authoritatively on behalf of the discipline on matters concerning the mental health and psychosocial well being of all South Africans. PsySSA has since its inception been dedicated to making a significant contribution to solving the pressing human development problems in South Africa. PsySSA has dedicated its work to the reconstruction and development of post-apartheid South African society. The Society is also involved in ongoing negotiations with government and other legislative bodies to contribute to issues affecting South Africa’s rapidly changing environment. As the representative body of psychologists in the country PsySSA operates as a trade union for the discipline. PsySSA negotiates with relevant bodies to increase tariffs and the representation of psychologists. PsySSA is nationally accredited to provide training and continued education courses according to the changing needs of psychologists. The Society provides a valuable networking facility for all members. PsySSA provides regular referrals to psychologists listed in the PsySSA Directory of Psychologists in Private Practice and through enquiries received from the public. PsySSA publishes quarterly a scientific journal (South African Journal of Psychology), as well as a newsletter (PsyTalk). As a membership benefit all PsySSA members receive these publications free of charge.

PsySSA enjoys a relationship with the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) and is a member of the International Test Commission (ITC), and we also have good working relations with various other international and national Psychology bodies, such as the International Association of Applied Psychology and the International Association of Cross Cultural Psychology. Furthermore, the Society has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the American Psychological Association (APA), the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Norwegian Psychological Association (NPA), the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Zimbabwean Psychological Association (ZPA), the Jordanian Psychological Association (JPA), the Union of Psychologists’ Associations of Czech Republic (UPA), the Psychological Association of Namibia (PAN), the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the National Academy of Psychology - India (NAOP), the Swedish Psychological Association (SPA), the Chinese Psychological Society (CPS), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the Bulgarian Psychological Society (BPS) and the Russian Psychological Society (RPS). The Society regularly liaises with local, national and international structures to facilitate professional development and the exchange of ideas that underpin the discipline.

The annual South African Psychology Congress hosted by PsySSA, is the highlight of the South African scientific psychological calendar, attracting academics and practitioners from all over the country and abroad. PsySSA is comprised of Divisions, Branches, Standing Committees and Affiliates. These include:

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