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On the 16th of September 2019, PsySSA Student Division (SD), in collaboration with the Student Society of Psychology (SSP) of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, hosted its first Psychology Professions Day at Howard Campus. The aim of the event was to provide a platform for students to interact with professionals in the field, learn about various volunteering opportunities and network with other students from various colleges and universities.

Students were invited to attend this free event and the 120 available seats reached capacity within days.  The planning committee consisted of the Student Division’s Secretary, Ms Rivendri Govender; Additional Executive Committee Member, Ms Lynne Richards; and SSP Chairperson, Ms Noor Ahmad.

A diverse selection of guest speakers fulfilled the aim of educating students about the various opportunities available to them in the Psychology profession. The Student Division Chairperson, Mr Muhammed Yaeesh Cassim, was invited as the keynote speaker. Furthermore, several PsySSA professional members presented including, Prof Theophilus Lazarus, Mr Suntosh Pillay and Prof Nhlanhla Mkhize. PsySSA was represented at the event and hosted an exhibition table along with the SD.

The event also sought to promote transformation and develop solutions to the current employment crisis. Over the next few weeks, interviews with the invited speaks will be released via the SSP & SD social media pages, giving their take on current challenges facing psychology and students.

The Student Division extends its gratitude to SSP and UKZN and looks forward to all future collaborations.  

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Gender-Based Violence (specifically violence against women) in the form of rape, sexual assault and femicide is a national crisis we are facing as a country.  According to Crime against Women in South Africa’s 2018 report (Report 03-40-05), 68,5% of reported sexual assault cases are women. It is also stated that South Africa has one of the highest rape figures in the world.

The recent murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a first-year film and media studies student at the University of Cape Town, has again highlighted the extreme violence faced by women in South Africa. Ms Mrwetyana’s was allegedly raped and murdered in a Cape Town post office. Her alleged killer is facing charges of rape, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The Human Resource Library reports that Gender-Based Violence can have negative psychological consequences,  which includes fear, mistrust of others, loneliness, post-traumatic stress disorder, loneliness, suicide, and substance abuse. GBV doesn’t just affect the individual, but also their family, friends and communities as a whole.

Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa who are suffering from the aftermath can reach out to the following organisations for help:

National GBV Helpline: 0800 150 150

LifeLine National Helpline: 0861 322 322

Johannesburg

Life Line: 011 728 1331 (Johannesburg)

               : 067 019 0845/ 074 129 6960 (Soweto)

               : 011 443 3555 (Alexandra)

Teddy Bear Clinic (children): 011 484 4554

Tears Foundation:  *134*7355# (SMS Helpline)

                                  : 010 590 5920

People Opposing Women Abuse: 011 642 4345

Cape Town:

                Rape Crisis Centre: 021 447 97 62

                The Counselling Hub (Woodstock): 021 462 3902

KZN:

                LifeLine: 031 303 1344

                Jes Foord Foundation: 0861 333 449

There are also Thuthuzela Care Centres throughout South Africa (including Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga and Western Cape) that provide care and support (psychological, medical and legal) to rape survivors.

Follow this link to access a list of all their branches and their respective contact numbers: https://www.npa.gov.za/sites/default/files/resources/public_awareness/TCC_brochure_august_2009.pdf

Written by Marguerite Bergman, PsySSA SD