by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 26, 2025
Prof Roomaney is a Research Psychologist and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University. Prof Roomaney works as both a methodologist and researcher, conducting most of her research in health psychology. Her particular interest is women’s health. Prof Roomaney holds a Y1 NRF rating and represents SA as a national delegate of the European Health Psychology Society. She has several grants and awards and is currently a member of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 25, 2025
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 ways of improving health by means of improved health literacy and health behaviour change initiatives. She is a member of the Health Psychology Division of PsySSA and teaches several undergraduate and postgraduate modules, including health psychology to undergraduate medical students. Her primary research areas include health literacy, digital health literacy, diabetes research and health behaviour change and communication.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 22, 2025
Dr Wylene Saal is currently a senior lecturer in Psychology at Sol Plaatje University. She holds a PhD in Research Psychology from the University of Stellenbosch, and her work focused on common mental disorders (i.e., major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder) among people seeking HIV testing in the Western Cape. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Officer at the Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town. Dr Saal recently focused on research exploring suicidality, stigma, gender-based violence, and mental health among adolescents living with HIV and/ or adolescent mothers. Her research interests include adolescent mental health, maternal mental health, HIV, research methodology and health psychology.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 20, 2025
Chante Odendaal is a student clinical psychologist with a keen interest in health psychology. She is a motivated and curious individual who embraces lifelong learning with enthusiasm. Chante has a particular interest in the intersection of physical and mental health. She is especially drawn to topics such as reproductive health and cancer research, with an emphasis on understanding how these areas influence psychological functioning and overall quality of life. Her curiosity extends beyond clinical practice to encompass broader health-related research. She believes that understanding these connections offers valuable insights into how people experience and cope with health challenges. This interest contributes to her understanding of health and well-being and motivates her to learn more about the complex factors influencing mental health.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Oct 19, 2025
Martin Mkhabela is a dedicated PhD Candidate in Health Psychology at Stellenbosch University, building upon a strong academic foundation that includes an MA in Research Psychology. His primary areas of interest lie at the intersection of health psychology, public health, and men’s reproductive health. He is driven by a passion for applying research to real-world health challenges.
In his current role as an executive member for the PsySSA Health Psychology Division, Martin makes notable contributions to public science engagement by interviewing leading researchers and disseminating critical health findings to a broader audience. This work is informed by his previous experience in the field of public health care, as well as his academic focus within the field of health psychology. A member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, Martin is a multilingual researcher committed to leveraging his knowledge and abilities to improve health outcomes in South Africa.
