HPSIG Podcast: The effects of infertility: A clinical psychologist’s perspective
EPISODE 28
HPD Podcasts
HPSIG Podcast: The effects of infertility: A clinical psychologist’s perspective
HPD Webinar: The Importance Of Digital Health Literacy
Health Psychology Webinar
ABSTRACT
Health literacy (HL) relates to knowledge specific to health information and is defined as the ability to access, evaluate, understand and use health information to maintain health and inform health-decision making. It is a multidimensional construct including a range of social and cognitive skills to improve health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cancers. In South Africa, deaths due to major NCDs increased by 58,7% over 20 years. To combat the burden of noncommunicable diseases preventative strategies should be implemented and this requires HL skills. Insufficient levels of HL ultimately predict poor adherence, limited health enhancing behaviours and poor self-management. To improve HL, access to quality education and health resources are needed. People can access health information from many different sources, but the internet has become primary resource of health information. All information providers, including government and health services should enable access to trustworthy information in a form that is understandable and applicable for all people. In this regard digital health literacy or eHealth Literacy is paramount. By improving access to quality, credible health information and improving eHL skills, people can be empowered to manage and maintain their health helping to combat the burden of NCDs.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Gain a better understanding of health literacy and digital health literacy.
- Learn about the importance of health literacy and the implications of poor health literacy
- Explore the value of digital health literacy in the context of online health information use.
- Reflect on health literacy within a South African context and initiatives to improve it
Presenter: Dr SN Mostert
Date: 24 September 2025
Time: 13:00
Dr Sonja Mostert
Dr Sonja Mostert is a registered Research Psychologist currently employed as a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pretoria. She is passionate about the field of health psychology and her research is mainly focused on health literacy and improving the mental health of people living with diabetes. She is a member of the Health Psychology Division of PsySSA and teaches several undergraduate and postgraduate modules including health psychology to both undergraduate medical students and previously to honours psychology students. Her primary research areas include topics within health psychology, specifically health literacy; mental health and diabetes; health behaviour change; online health information use and the role of psychological factors in chronic conditions.
PiPS Webinar: Solution Focused Self-Care for Therapists
Solution Focused Self-Care for Therapists
Vicarious Resilience Instead of Burnout
17 July 2025
18:00–20:00
Online via Zoom
2 General CPD Points
Fees:
Free for all PsySSA Members
R200.00 for Non-Members
Presenter: Dr Jacqui von Cziffra-Bergs
Facilitator: Mr Jacques Pretorius
- Recognise burnout and compassion fatigue
- Debrief from secondary trauma
- Build vicarious resilience
- Sustain energy and empathy in your practice
Abstract
As psychologists we listen to stories of trauma, pain, hurt and struggle on a weekly basis. Being at the receiving end of emotional turmoil is draining and leads to therapist burnout and compassion fatigue. We all know that self-care is necessary however, we never seem to get the time to do it. This webinar invites you to some Solution Focused ideas on how to do self-care on the go and help you to regain some of your energy and passion. This webinar offers you the opportunity to debrief from the secondary trauma you might be carrying, experience vicarious resilience, and introduce you to a set of Solution Focused questions that you can ask yourself to rebrief your strengths and continue working in a healthy way.
About the Presenter
Dr Jacqui von Cziffra-Bergs
Dr Jacqui von Cziffra-Bergs is a psychologist in Johannesburg and the director of the Solution Focused Institute of South Africa. She teaches Solution Focused Therapy and Solution Focused thinking to psychologists, social workers, schools and organisations. Dr Jacqui von Cziffra-Bergs was an associate professor at the University of Johannesburg and still teaches at universities across the country on a consultancy basis. She has lectured extensively on Solution Focused Therapy throughout South Africa, the United States, Europe, South America and Dubai. Dr Jacqui has written 5 books and her latest two books: “Solution Focused Brief Therapy and clients managing trauma” for Oxford University Press and “Women’s perspectives on the Solution Focused Approach” for Routledge are highly acclaimed in the field. Dr Jacqui is married and has two sons that keep her feet firmly on the ground.
Mr Jacques Pretorius
Jacques Pretorius is a clinical psychologist and Chairperson of the Psychology in Public Service (PiPS) Division. He has worked across both public and private mental health sectors and currently serves as a full-time lecturer in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). In this role, he teaches and supervises students in clinical psychology, psychiatry, dentistry, and general medicine, with a particular focus on integrating psychological theory into health sciences education. His academic and clinical interests include postmodern epistemology, the philosophy and ethics of mental health, and ecological approaches that advance the interdisciplinary integration of health and well-being. Jacques has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. As a facilitator, he brings a collaborative, reflective style that encourages critical engagement and inclusive dialogue across diverse professional audiences.
RCP Webinar: What Makes A Good Assessment – Recording Out Now!
Did you miss the RCP Webinar: “What Makes a Good Assessment?”
Catch up on this insightful, ethics-focused session designed for psychology and HR professionals.
Guest Speaker: Dr Pakeezah Rajab
Gain practical insights into what defines a high-quality assessment in professional practice.
Abstract
Not all assessments are created equal — and as registered HPCSA professionals, it’s our responsibility to know the difference. Join us for a practical webinar exploring what makes an assessment scientifically sound and ethically usable. We’ll cover key criteria like theoretical grounding, reliability, validity, and fairness — plus discuss the role of independent review models like those from ASSA and EFPA. Perfect for psychology and HR professionals who want to make informed, responsible choices in test use.
About the Presenter
Dr Pakeezah Rajab
PsySSA & RCP Executive Member
Pakeezah Rajab is a HPCSA-registered Research Psychologist and Psychometrist, employed as the Senior Researcher at JVR Psychometrics. Her PhD topic (University of Pretoria) was non-intellectual factors that influence mathematics performance in South Africa. She has experience applying psychometric results to a variety of contexts, including schools, private practice, higher education, and corporate environments. Pakeezah has worked on numerous projects that developed, validated and/or standardised assessments for use by the South African population – including aptitude, personality, values, career guidance and emotional intelligence. Her research interests include cognitive functioning, student performance and assessment development.
PiPS Online Workshop: Demystifying the POPIA Act – Recording Out Now!
PiPS Online Workshop: Demystifying the POPIA Act – Recording Out Now!
We are pleased to announce that the recording of the PiPS Online Workshop: Demystifying the POPIA Act is now available!
Presented by Barry Viljoen, this practical session offers a psychologist-focused guide to understanding the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)—South Africa’s essential data privacy law.
In this workshop, Barry explores:
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How POPIA applies in psychological practice, particularly in public service settings
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Practical steps to protect client data and ensure compliance
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Navigating ethical dilemmas in relation to data privacy
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Key responsibilities of practitioners under the Act
This recording is a valuable resource for psychologists seeking to strengthen their understanding of POPIA and uphold best practices in data protection and ethical care.
Abstract
This presentation will provide an in-depth introduction to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), a key piece of legislation in South Africa designed to protect individuals’ personal data and ensure privacy rights. The POPIA Act regulates the collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal information by organizations and sets out the legal framework for how businesses must handle personal data. Throughout the presentation, we will explore the core principles of POPIA, including the conditions for lawful processing of personal information, the rights of data subjects, and the responsibilities of data controllers and processors. We will also discuss the practical application of the Act in various organizational settings, emphasizing how businesses can comply with its requirements through effective data protection measures and risk management strategies. Key topics will include obtaining consent, safeguarding data, ensuring transparency, and understanding the role of the Information Regulator in overseeing compliance. Furthermore, we will examine the potential consequences of non-compliance, including penalties and reputational damage, and the steps organizations can take to implement a robust data protection program. This presentation will equip attendees with a foundational understanding of POPIA, its implications for data privacy, and how to navigate the complexities of personal data protection in the digital age.
About the Presenter
Mr Barry Viljoen
Barry Viljoen is a Clinical Psychologist working in the public sector. He is involved in academics in terms of training. His areas of interests are child and adolescent psychology, psychology within forensic settings, assessment, and critical disability studies. He is currently completing his Dpsych in Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Resources
https://assentcompliance.co.za/popia-templates-healthcare/
https://www.cgm.com/zaf_en/forms/popia-draft-agreement-request-form.html
https://popiacademy.co.za/products/mini-popia-compliance-toolkit
https://www.hpcsa-blogs.co.za/hpcsa-popia-manual
https://cover4profs.co.za/popia-for-healthcare-providers/
https://www.gintanluthuli.co.za/product/diy-popi-compliance-system/
SANCA Drug Awareness Week 2025
Chemsex in South Africa
By Cornelius (Niel) Victor
Chemsex refers to the intentional use of specific psychoactive substances—typically crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL, and ketamine—to facilitate, enhance and prolong sexual experiences, usually among men who have sex with men (MSM). It is a subset of sexualised drug use (SDU), which includes any drug or alcohol use to initiate or intensify sex. While all chemsex is SDU, not all SDU qualifies as chemsex; the latter usually involves high-risk substances and sex practices such as group sex, kink-play and extended sessions (Bolmont, 2022; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2019).
Although not fully quantified in South Africa, chemsex appears most prevalent among urban MSM communities (including townships), with higher usage reported in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. A seven-city survey found that 11% of MSM in Cape Town, and 4% of MSM in Johannesburg, recently used crystal meth. There is a significant overlap between drug use and sexual risk-taking, with a high prevalence of injecting drug use. HIV prevalence among MSM engaged in chemsex are high—up to nearly 40% in some samples—and care retention is poor (exacerbated by lack of services in some areas). Furthermore, widespread experience of sexual and physical violence is reported in some studies, driven in part by the impact of stigma and strained relationships due to sexual-substance use. MSM in urban area’s often arrange to meet in private parties or sex-on-site venues primarily using digital networks. MSM in townships are likely to meet offline in chemsex-houses where substances are exchanged often for sex, money or both for extended periods (days/weeks) (De Barros, 2024; Mainline, n.d.; Scheibe et al., 2020, Slabbert et al., 2024).
As South Africa finds rising substance-use especially in sexual circumstances, mental health professionals are vital to addressing this shift. Psychologists can support individuals with problematic chemsex use through affirmative, culturally informed, non-judgmental, and integrated care. This can include engaging in evidence-based policy advocacy, contribute to inclusive education and training, participate in harm reduction research, and offer sex-positive psychotherapy. Trauma-informed approaches are essential, as many users have histories of stigma, abuse, or mental illness. Psychotherapy can assist with coping and behaviour change, including developing intimacy strategies for sober sex. Pharmacotherapy can be a consideration in dealing with dependence and mood disorders. Harm reduction strategies include providing chemsex kits, sterile injecting equipment, and safer sex education. Community engagement—through peer support, LGBTQIA+ organisations, and digital outreach—enhances trust and access to services (Pozo-Herce et al., 2024).
Useful Resources
- OUT LGBT Wellbeing has been particularly active in this area of work. Check them out on https://out.org.za/other-projects/. OUT, through its donor-funded clinics in areas like Soweto, provides integrated sexual health, psychosocial, and mental health services for chemsex-using men. OUT’s innovations include an AI-driven WhatsApp chatbot and hotline service, making non-judgmental support and harm reduction advice more accessible (see https://www.mambaonline.com/2024/11/18/chemsex-harm-reduction-ai-chatbot-aims-to-tackle-stigma-and-improve-health/). OUT has also facilitated the training of numerous health-care professionals in sexualized substance use, chemsex as well as harm reduction practices to advise men having chemsex supportively.
- The Southern African HIV Clinicians Society guidelines for harm reduction (2020) available on https://sajhivmed.org.za/index.php/hivmed/article/view/1161/2171.
- Harm Reduction International’s briefing note titled ‘Chemsex and harm reduction for gay men and other men who have sex with men’ (2021) available on https://hri.global/publications/chemsex-and-harm-reduction-for-gay-men-and-other-men-who-have-sex-with-men/
References
Bolmont, M., Tshikung, O. N., & Trellu, L. T. (2022). Chemsex, a contemporary challenge for public health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(8), 1210–1213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.616
De Barros, L. (2024, April 25). New project tackles health needs of Soweto MSM engaged in chemsex. MambaOnline. https://www.mambaonline.com/2024/04/25/new-project-tackles-health-needs-of-soweto-msm-engaged-in-chemsex/
Mainline. (n.d.). Assessment of chemsex scene in South African townships. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://mainline.nl/en/projects/chemsex-south-african-townships/
Pozo-Herce, P. D., Martínez-Sabater, A., Sanchez-Palomares, P., Garcia-Boaventura, P. C., Chover-Sierra, E., Martínez-Pascual, R., Gea-Caballero, V., Saus-Ortega, C., Ballestar-Tarín, M. L., Karniej, P., Baca-García, E., & Juárez-Vela, R. (2024). Effectiveness of harm reduction interventions in chemsex: A systematic review. Healthcare, 12(14), 1411. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12141411
Scheibe, A., Young, K., Versfeld, A., Spearman, C. W., Sonderup, M. W., Prabdial-Sing, N., Puren, A., & Hausler, H. (2020). Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV prevalence and related sexual and substance use risk practices among key populations who access HIV prevention, treatment and related services in South Africa: Findings from a seven-city cross-sectional survey (2017). BMC Infectious Diseases, 20(1), 655. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-020-05359-y
Slabbert, M., Nel, D., Mjindi, S., & Cassim, N. (2024). Values and preferences of men who have sex with men for chemsex harm reduction guidelines in South Africa: A qualitative study [Unpublished manuscript submitted to the World Health Organization].
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2019). HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for people who use stimulant drugs: Technical guide. Vienna, Austria: United Nations.
About the Author
Dr. Cornelius (Niel) Victor
(he/him)
I am a Clinical and Research Psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa. I hold a PhD in Psychology from UNISA, along with master’s degrees in both clinical and research psychology. Before moving into clinical practice, I spent two decades in the market research industry. My transition to psychology followed a personal turning point—recovering from cancer in 2010—which reshaped how I wanted to engage with people and their stories.
In my current practice, I provide psychotherapy to a diverse range of clients and work as part of multidisciplinary teams at several clinics. I also have a strong academic and training focus, particularly in LGBTQIA+ Psychology. Over the years, I’ve contributed to journal articles, guest lectures, and facilitated professional training courses aimed at improving inclusive, affirming care.
Since 2012, I’ve been involved with the Psychological Society of South Africa’s Sexuality and Gender Division (PsySSA SGD), particularly through the African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project. I co-led the development of the PsySSA Practice Guidelines for working with sexually and gender-diverse people—an area closely linked to my PhD research, which explored how South African psychologists understand and practice affirmative therapy with sexually diverse clients.
I’m a member of the Professional Association for Transgender Health South Africa and remain committed to supporting evidence-based, contextually aware, and affirming psychological practices in our local landscape.
ORCID ID: https://orchid.org/0000-0002-0919-1937