A few days have passed since we gathered in Johannesburg for the 30th Annual Psychology Congress of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA). The presentations have concluded, colleagues have returned home, and the work of putting together another Congress is finally behind us.

Yet I find myself reflecting less on the event itself and more on what it revealed about our profession, the challenges we face, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Under the theme Psychology in Transition: Humanity, Technology, and the Future of Care, Congress 2026 brought together researchers, practitioners, academics, students and colleagues from across the broader psychology community. With more than 380 scheduled presentations across seven parallel streams, the scientific programme reflected both the diversity of our discipline and the complexity of the environments in which we work. We engaged with questions of mental health, education, psychological assessment, community wellbeing, gender-based violence, professional practice and the growing influence of technology. Alongside traditional scientific presentations, roundtables and symposia, interactive experiences such as AI Live and the Psychology Playground encouraged us to engage with familiar questions in different ways. What stood out was not simply the range of topics, but the willingness of colleagues to participate, question established thinking and explore different perspectives. Having worked closely with the scientific programme, I was reminded that psychology's strength lies not only in the knowledge we produce, but in our capacity to bring that knowledge into conversation with the realities of people's lives. And those realities are changing.

A profession in transition

The theme of this year's Congress was deliberately chosen. Psychology is navigating a period of considerable change, shaped by developments in technology, increasing demands for psychological services, changing professional expectations and the persistent social inequalities that characterise much of South African life. Artificial intelligence was understandably prominent in several conversations. Its implications for psychological science, education, professional practice and the delivery of care deserve serious attention. But the future of psychology cannot be reduced to technology. Questions of access, professional development, ethical responsibility, transformation and the sustainability of psychological services remain equally important. We cannot speak meaningfully about the future of care without considering those who remain unable to access it. Nor can we discuss professional innovation without recognising the pressures experienced by practitioners, educators, researchers and students.

Our scientific and professional responsibilities are not separate conversations. They need to inform one another.

Looking towards the year ahead

As I begin my term as President of PsySSA, I do so with an appreciation for the diversity of the Society and the considerable work undertaken by those who have contributed to its development. I also recognise that a professional society must continually demonstrate its relevance to the people it represents. For me, this means looking beyond individual events and asking how PsySSA can remain meaningfully connected to its members throughout the year. How do we strengthen relationships between our divisions, branches, researchers, practitioners and students? How do we ensure that professional concerns are heard and that scientific knowledge contributes to practical solutions? Equally important is how we position psychology within the broader South African context. Our discipline has a significant contribution to make to conversations about mental health, education, violence, inequality, human development and public wellbeing. That contribution must be grounded in credible evidence, ethical responsibility and an understanding of the communities we serve. I would also like us to remain open to new ways of working, communicating and collaborating. Technology offers opportunities worth exploring, but innovation should always be guided by purpose, professional judgement and the interests of those who depend on our work. These are not matters that any one person, committee or presidential term can resolve independently. They require participation, thoughtful engagement and a willingness to work across our different areas of expertise. My intention for the coming year is to support that engagement, to listen carefully to the priorities of our members, and to work with Council and the broader PsySSA structures towards achievable and meaningful progress.

Carrying the conversation forward

Before closing, I want to acknowledge the many individuals who contributed to Congress 2026. The scientific and organising committees, abstract reviewers, presenters, PsySSA staff, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and participating delegates each played an important part in bringing the event together. Congress does not happen through the work of one person or one committee. It reflects a considerable collective effort, often involving work that remains largely unseen. To everyone who contributed, thank you. And to our members, including those who could not attend Congress, I hope the coming year provides opportunities for more regular engagement with the Society and with one another. My hope is that PsySSA continues to be a professional home in which scientific inquiry, critical discussion, differing perspectives and shared responsibilities can coexist productively. We will not always agree on every issue, nor should we expect to. What matters is our ability to engage constructively, remain responsive to change and recognise where our collective expertise can make a meaningful difference. I look forward to working with you.