Thabang	Tlaka

Thabang Tlaka

Thabang Tlaka has given numerous live and virtual talks. He has spoken or presented at the following companies: Momentum, Exxaro, JP Morgan, Bonitas, Seriti Kriel Colliery Mine, CDH (Cliffe, Dekker and Hofmeyer), CCMA, South African Development Agency (Seda), Film and Publication Board (FPB), Road Accident Fund (RAF), Department
of Monitoring and Evaluation, The National Library of South Africa (NLSA), Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC), Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNs), Moshal Scholarship Program, South African Social Services (SASSA), National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS), Metropolitan, and many other live and virtual events.

Mariam Salie

Mariam Salie

Mariam Salie is a clinical psychologist in part-time private practice and a full-time lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing her PhD, which investigates explanatory models of mental health conditions amongst Muslims in Cape Town through a multi-stakeholder lens. Her research interests lie at the intersection of culture and mental health, with a particular focus on Muslim mental health. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in postgraduate education and training, contributing to both teaching and clinical supervision within the university’s Clinical Psychology Master’s programme. Mariam is deeply committed to advancing culturally responsive psychological practice and fostering inclusive education and mentorship within the profession.

Laurenzil Bagoes

Laurenzil Bagoes

Counselling Psychologist employed at Rhodes University Counselling and Career Centre with professional profile responsibility of group psychotherapy chair, individual case management and mentorship training. Coordinator of the #AskAProfessional Series – connecting students with professionals from various fields. Professional experience and training within university counselling centres, psychology clinics, community centres and acute psychiatric hospitals as Psychologist and employment as a Registered Counsellor (4 Years). Academic qualifications obtained through Nelson Mandela University with growing interests in grief/bereavement, attachment theory, relationships, psychological trauma and the overarching appreciation and implementation of psychodynamic theory as well as cognitive therapies whilst guided by the values of counselling psychology within my professional psychotherapeutic approach. Further areas of interest include academia with lecturing experience of first- and third-year students at tertiary level.

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

I am a counselling psychologist, committed to fostering psychological wellbeing, resilience, and growth across diverse populations. My practice is guided by empathy, ethical responsibility, and a person-centered approach, which allows me to support clients in navigating life transitions, relationships, and personal challenges with care and integrity.
Alongside my clinical work, I hold a strong interest in the evolving relationship between psychology and artificial intelligence. I am particularly drawn to examining how AI can be ethically integrated into mental health support, education, and research, while also addressing critical questions about bias, human identity, and the role of technology in shaping relationships. This dual focus enables me to contribute to conversations at the intersection of human development and technological innovation.
By combining counselling psychology with an interest in AI, I aim to advance approaches that remain human-centered, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I am passionate about the future of psychology in an increasingly digital world and committed to ensuring that advances in technology continue to reflect the values of care, ethics, and human connection.
Thabang	Tlaka

Bridget Chirenje

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Fort Hare, building on my academic foundation in understanding human behavior in organizational settings. Professionally, I have recently had the privilege of serving as HR Support Lead at an international company, focusing on People Operations, where I gained hands-on experience in supporting employee well-being, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
My passion for psychology and workplace developmentwas ignited during my HR internship, where I realized my drive to contribute meaningfully to creating healthy, productive, and thriving work environments. I am particularly interested in leveraging psychological principles to enhance employee experience, engagement, and overall organizational culture.
I am committed to continuous learning, contributing to evidence-based practices in HR and Industrial Psychology, and making workplaces more human-centered and supportive.