by PsySSA-Web Support | Nov 16, 2023
Shazia Mia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Psychology and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand. Having completed her Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology, she is a dedicated individual with a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. She has also dedicated time to working at a center for autistic children. Shazia currently works for PsySSA, where she continues to apply her skills and passion for psychology. Looking ahead, Shazia is determined to further her education and pursue a Master’s.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Nov 16, 2023
I am a Student Research Psychologist, completing a Masters in Research Psychology at the University of the Western Cape. My career goal is establish myself as a registered Research Psychologist with the HPCSA. Thereafter, I aspire to positively impact local communities, particularly the youth through research centred around neurolodevelopmental disorders, pathways towards resilience and barriers within education. I also aim to promote equitable access to resources, assessments and support systems for diverse populations.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Nov 11, 2023
Tanya Meyer serves as the secretary of the 2024–2025 Executive Committee. Her journey with the Student Division began as an undergraduate, initially attending Student Division events before becoming more actively involved. She was recognised as the Most Active Portfolio Member in 2023 and was a mentee in the 2021 Mentorship Program. She has also contributed to various subcommittees, including Transformation, Research into Student Empowerment, and Media and Marketing.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Nov 11, 2023
Nonhle Avele Nhlapho is a Student Counseling Psychologist registered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a licensed Registered Counselor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). She holds a BA in Psychology and Communication Science , an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Pretoria, and a Postgraduate degree (Bpsy and Equivalent) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Nonhle currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the PsySSA Student Division, where she works to empower psychology students and promote mental health advocacy across South Africa. Her commitment to social justice and leadership was shaped by her previous roles as Project Manager for the Free State Centre for Human Rights and as a representative on the University of the Free State’s Student Representative Council.
She has contributed to organizations such as SOS Children’s Villages, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, and CHT as a researcher and consultant. Additionally, she has consulted for the UKZN HIV/AIDS Support Unit as a peer educator, furthering her commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in underserved communities. Her research interests address critical social issues, emphasizing impactful solutions.
Through her work with the PsySSA Student Division, Nonhle remains dedicated to fostering leadership, equity, and meaningful change in the field of psychology.
by PsySSA-Web Support | Nov 11, 2023
Yvonne holds a BA in Psychology and Management (cum laude) and an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She began her journey with PsySSA-SD as a mentee in the National Mentorship Programme and later served as a Student Representative in the Research & Methodology Division. Her research interests include understanding place attachment, climate crisis impact on mental health and the social dynamics influencing behavioural outcomes, including globalisation, pandemics, socioeconomic status or culture. As an African, it is hard to escape the consequences of our inherited social inequalities – many of which have resulted in unhealthy and unsustainable behaviours, further perpetuating the cycle of inequality. Therefore, interventions should be crafted with a deep understanding of the obstacles impeding communities, citizens and individuals from embracing positive behaviours. We can then create more just societies one behaviour shift at a time and contribute to real, lasting impact. As per the United Nations Innovative Network viewpoint, “Many policies and programmes designed to help achieve SDGs require people, communities or decision makers to change their behaviours to generate impact”.
