PsySSA Congratulates Prof Kobus Maree!

by Web Admin | Jul 21, 2025 | PsySSA Announcements

PsySSA Congratulates Prof. Kobus Maree

PsySSA extends its congratulations to Professor Kobus Maree—Fellow of PsySSA, Former Editor of the South African Journal of Psychology (SAJP), and Past Executive Committee Member—on his recent publication: a record-setting review of Erikson’s Identity Theory, featured by the University of Pretoria.

This contribution advances psychological theory and highlights the relevance of South African research in global academic discourse.

Professor Maree’s work, both scholarly and through his longstanding involvement with PsySSA, continues to support the growth and impact of psychology in South Africa and beyond.

Read the full article here!

Mandela Day 2025!

by Web Admin | Jul 18, 2025 | Community & Social Psychology Division (CaSP), Mental Health Calendar

PsySSA Commemorates Mandela Day 2025!

It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity

On Mandela Day 2025, PsySSA honours the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose vision of justice, dignity, and equality continues to guide our work as psychologists.

This year’s theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity,” calls on us to take meaningful action to address the psychological impact of poverty, especially in a country still grappling with deep social and economic divides.

Psychologists have a vital role to play in:

Promoting mental health equity and access in underserved communities,
Addressing the psychological effects of poverty and trauma,
Using our tools to build resilience and dignity in those most affected by injustice.

We invite you to see how PsySSA’s Community and Social Psychology Division (CASP) is leading this year’s Mandela Day campaign—highlighting community action, advocacy, and practical tools for psychologists to make a difference.

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela

Let us honour his legacy by putting our values into action.

PsySSA Congratulates Prof Sumaya Laher!

by Web Admin | Jul 17, 2025 | PsySSA Announcements

PsySSA Congratulates Prof Sumaya Laher, on her appointment as the Head of the School of Human & Community Development

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) extends its warmest congratulations to Past President of PsySSA and current Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of Psychology, Professor Sumaya Laher, on her appointment as the Head of the School of Human & Community Development at the University of the Witwatersrand, effective 1 October 2025.

Professor Laher continues to embody the Society’s values of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing psychology in South Africa.

Congratulations, Prof Laher! We wish you all the very best in this new chapter.

HPD Webinar: The Importance Of Digital Health Literacy

by Web Admin | Jul 15, 2025 | Events and Announcements, Health Psychology (HP)

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.

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Call for Volunteers: 29th Annual South African Psychology Congress

by Web Admin | Jul 14, 2025 | Annual Psychology Congress 2025, Congress, PsySSA Announcements, PsySSA Congress

Call for Volunteers: 29th Annual South African Psychology Congress

We’re excited to invite students to volunteer at the upcoming 29th Annual South African Psychology Congress, taking place from 14–16 October 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a premier event in the psychology community — gain practical experience, contribute meaningfully to the field, and connect with leading professionals, academics, and fellow students from across the region.

As a volunteer, you’ll support the successful delivery of the congress while engaging in thought-provoking sessions and dynamic activities. If you’re passionate about psychology and eager to learn and contribute, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please submit the following:

A motivation letter (maximum 200 words)
A recent head-and-shoulders photograph
The completed volunteer application form

For any enquiries kindly email Mr Muhammed Yaeesh Cassim at muhammed@psyssa.com no later than 08 August 2025.

Help us make this year’s congress a truly impactful and inspiring event. We look forward to working with you!

Submit your application by completing the volunteer application form here!

PsySSA Congratulates Prof Brett Bowman!

by PsySSA-Web Support | Jul 10, 2025 | PsySSA Announcements

PsySSA Congratulates Prof Brett Bowman on his appointment as the New Senior Director for Research

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, of the University of Witwatersrand, announced today the appointment of Professor Brett Bowman as the new Senior Director for Research, effective 1 July 2025. Professor Bowman, a Professor of Psychology and chairperson of the PsySSA Science of Psychology Standing Committee, is an NRF B-rated researcher and a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). He is a distinguished academic and teacher, well suited to this leadership role.

Since 2022, Professor Bowman has served as Head of Postgraduate Strategy in the Research and Innovation Office. Prior to this, he was Assistant Dean for Research in the Faculty of Humanities. His deep understanding of the research landscape at Wits positions him strongly to lead our efforts to advance knowledge, produce impactful research, and support the development of graduates who are ethical and globally engaged leaders.