Student Division: Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

Student Division: Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

At the start of the year, it’s tempting to say yes to every exciting opportunity—new projects, extracurriculars, team roles—you name it. And sure, on paper, it might look like everything fits into your schedule. But have you considered the hidden costs of your commitments?

When you commit to something, it’s not just about time. Energy, accountability, and trade-offs matter just as much. Before saying yes, ask yourself:

  1. Does this align with my priorities?
  2. Is this more important than your current goals, like academic success or personal wellbeing?
  3. What’s the long-term energy cost?
  4. Will you still have the capacity to follow through, even when combined with other commitments?
  5. Are there accountability factors?
  6. Will others rely on you? If you drop the ball, how will it affect them?

Here’s the truth:

✔ Just because it fits your schedule doesn’t mean it fits your life.

✔ Saying yes to something now often means saying no to something else later. If your schedule is already full, you may have to let go of commitments or miss out on new opportunities that come your way.

✔ Overcommitting doesn’t just affect you—it impacts the people who depend on you.

Keep an eye out for Part 2!

In our follow-up post, we’ll delve into how to leave room for flexibility and deal with changing commitments throughout the year.

It’s good to have enthusiasm and energy, especially as students. Embrace your opportunities—but plan wisely to avoid burning out. Your time and energy are valuable, so invest them where it matters most.

Student Division Webinar: African Spirituality and Mental Health

Student Division Webinar: African Spirituality and Mental Health

About The Webinar

The PsySSA SD Multidisciplinary subcommittee presents a webinar on African Spirituality and Mental Health.

The psychology curriculum in South Africa tends to focus on  Western approaches while neglecting an African epistemological paradigm (Baloyi, 2021). Research shows that almost 80% of South Africans seek health care from traditional healers (Boum et al., 2021). These figures suggest the need for psychological services to be mindful of Indigenous knowledge systems and the often overlooked spiritual dimensions of mental illness.

Nompumelelo Prudence Kubheka, clinical psychologist & traditional healer, and Gogo Xolly, a traditional healer share with us their journey, insights, and knowledge on working with mental illness, incorporating holistic intervention, and how psychology students can gain cultural competency.

Student Division Podcast: The Counsellor, The Person and The Professional

Student Division Podcast: The Counsellor, The Person and The Professional

About The Podcast

Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of the PsySSA Student Division podcast, *”The Counselor: The Person and the Professional.”* This thought-provoking conversation delves into the personal and professional journeys of two distinguished psychology professionals.  

In this episode, our guests share:  

  • The challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them.  
  • Lessons learned from their personal and professional experiences.  
  • How their personal identity has shaped their approach to clinical practice.  

This discussion explores the intersection of personal growth and professional development, addressing important topics such as self-awareness, managing bias, and the emotional impact of working in the mental health field.  

Whether you’re a psychology student, a budding professional, or an experienced clinician, this episode offers valuable insights into the balance between being a person and a professional in the world of counseling. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical advice, and conversations that matter in the field of psychology. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our channel and join the conversation!

Our guests share valuable lessons from their journey to becoming clinicians, offering insights into the personal and professional growth required in the field. They reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers and the resilience needed to navigate challenges. Their stories highlight the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and staying true to one’s values while evolving as a mental health professional.

About The Speakers

Nhlanhlenhle Sanelisiwe Mavundla

Born and bred in Ladysmith kwazulu Natal. Intern clinical psychologist employed at Fort Napier Hospital. Currently placed at Townhill psychiatric hospital in Pietermaritzburg. 

I have 10years working experience in the employee health and wellness sector, employed by KZN department of health as an employee health and wellness practitioner. Co Founder of NGO, Women of Destiny, that focuses on providing women with a platform to network and share experiences and resources. Proud Mental health advocate, working with various radio stations and organizations to promote mental health in rural communities in and around KZN. 

Biggest passion currently is advocacy for mental health care uses within the public health care sector. 

Research interest include mental health literacy, African psychology and the intersection of psychology with spiritual and cultural perspectives. 

Qualifications include: 

  • B.A Degree in Psychology 
  • Postgraduate diploma in psychological counseling 
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public health
  • Masters in Public Health

Ntsako Mogatosi

Mrs Ntsako Mogatosi is a qualified Clinical Psychologist in community service. 

She holds a:

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology,
  • Master of Arts in Research Psychology, and
  • Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is reading towards her PhD in Psychology.

She was named among the top 10 best students in South Africa by the Gradstar organisation that recognises the potential of employable youth in the country. She is a wife and a mother to a beautiful girl.

Speaking engagements:

  • She has spoken at Nelson Mandela University as a guest speaker at the awards ceremony for best-performing students.
  • Hadithi ya Africa Non-profit Organisation.
  • Motivational speaker at Nelson Mandela University for exam preparation for students.
  • Conducted mental health workshops at Port Elizabeth TVET College (Russel Road campus) on mental health.
  • Guest speaker at Fort Hare Autumn School on social democracy and political economy.
  • Night Vigil mass meeting at Nelson Mandela University addressing Gender-Based Violence.

Work experience:

  • Worked at the Phelophepha health train in Mthatha.
  • Worked at the Zanompilo truck at Nelson Mandela University as a Registered Counsellor.
  • Worked at Nelson Mandela University Campus Health as a Registered Counsellor.
  • Worked at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital (Gauteng) as a Clinical Psychologist.

She is passionate about mental health and psychopathology. She studied psychology for 10 years and endeavours to open her private practice one day.

PsySSA SD National Mentorship Programme 2025 Mentor Applications are OPEN!

PsySSA SD National Mentorship Programme 2025 Mentor Applications are OPEN!

National Mentorship Programme 2025 Mentor Applications are OPEN!

Calling all psychology postgraduates and professionals! The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) Student Division has opened mentor applications for its National Mentorship Programme 2025.

The National Mentorship Programme is transformative, imparting practical and academic knowledge and skills to mentees with a passion for Psychology. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, so send your applications today as we have a limited number of positions.

The National Mentorship Programme is a highly regarded year-long, PsySSA-endorsed initiative that prides itself on consistent excellence. The Programme strives to promote personal and academic growth in mentees with the organic transfer of knowledge. Each mentee is paired with a mentor for the duration of the Programme. The assignments are relevant to psychology’s current field and science landscape. Mentors share their experiences and knowledge, and the assignments encourage and expand critical thinking, the application of knowledge in theory and practice, and topics that pertain to the current milieu of psychology.

This is a remarkable opportunity to join a well-respected, prestigious programme.

Mentor positions pertain to individuals who have completed Psychology Honours, are currently studying Master’s, post-Master’s, or Psychology practitioners.

Applications close on 15 February 2025.

PsySSA SD National Mentorship Programme 2025 Mentee Applications are OPEN!

PsySSA SD National Mentorship Programme 2025 Mentee Applications are OPEN!

PsySSA SD National Mentorship Programme 2025 Applications are OPEN!

Calling all psychology postgraduates and professionals! The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) Student Division has opened mentee and mentor applications for its National Mentorship Programme 2025.

The National Mentorship Programme is transformative, imparting practical and academic knowledge and skills to mentees with a passion for Psychology. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, so send your applications today as we have a limited number of positions.

The National Mentorship Programme is a highly regarded year-long, PsySSA-endorsed initiative that prides itself on consistent excellence. The Programme strives to promote personal and academic growth in mentees with the organic transfer of knowledge. Each mentee is paired with a mentor for the duration of the Programme. The assignments are relevant to psychology’s current field and science landscape. Mentors share their experiences and knowledge, and the assignments encourage and expand critical thinking, the application of knowledge in theory and practice, and topics that pertain to the current milieu of psychology.

This is a remarkable opportunity to join a well-respected, prestigious programme.

Mentor positions pertain to individuals who have completed Psychology Honours, are currently studying Master’s, post-Master’s, or Psychology practitioners.

Applications close on 15 February 2025.

Student Division: Self-Care For Healthcare Professionals – Available on Youtube!

Student Division: Self-Care For Healthcare Professionals – Available on Youtube!

In honour of World Mental Health Day, which took place on 10 October 2024, the PsySSA Student Division organised a special masterclass titled “Self-Care for Healthcare Professionals: Strategies for Maintaining Well-Being and Preventing Burnout.” This masterclass aims to support healthcare professionals in prioritising their mental, emotional, and holistic well-being, especially in the demanding environments they navigate daily.

The masterclass presented by Refiloe Mochaoa-Mapaya focuses on practical self-care strategies that healthcare professionals can implement to maintain their well-being while performing in high-pressure environments. The masterclass addresses the following key areas:

– Impact of Stress and Burnout in Healthcare
– Understanding Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
– Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques
– Emotional Resilience and Mental Health Maintenance
– Physical Health: Nutrition, Exercise, and Sleep
– Work-Life Balance and Time Management
– Creating a Support System
– Practical Self-Care Activities and Routine Integration

Watch the full video now on the PsySSA Student Division YouTube page!