Celebrating 30 years
PsySSA commemorates 30 years of pioneering and advancing psychology in South Africa.
PsySSA commemorates 30 years of pioneering and advancing psychology in South Africa. Over three decades, we have been at the forefront of promoting mental health and well-being, while significantly improving the lives of individuals and communities. Our ongoing partnerships with esteemed global organizations, including the Canadian Psychological Association, Colombian Association of Psychologists, British Psychological Society, and others, have not only reinforced but also expanded our commitment to integrity, empowerment, and social justice.
As we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities in the field of psychology. Our efforts in advocacy, policy-making, and innovative research have set new standards in psychological practice, both nationally and internationally. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members, collaborators, and partners who have been instrumental in our growth and success. Your dedication and support have been pivotal in shaping the dynamic landscape of psychology in South Africa.
In celebrating this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to harnessing the power of psychology to create a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient society. Together, we continue to shape an inspiring future for psychology in South Africa and beyond, aspiring to greater heights in research, practice, and social impact. Here’s to 30 years of excellence and to many more years of making a difference in the world of psychology.
Prof Mercy Tshilidzi Mulaudzi
President, Psychological Society of South Africa
I extend my warmest, heartfelt congratulations to the Psychological Society of South Africa on this momentous celebration of their 30th anniversary – which, by all accounts is a remarkable accomplishment. There are too many outstanding achievements to note over its 30 year history but key amongst them is the role PsySSA has played in building and strengthening the science and practice of psychology. We look forward to a year of celebration and to continuing the journey of excellence into PsySSA’s next phase.
Warmest congratulations on the occasion of PsySSA’s 30th Anniversary! The past three decades have cemented PsySSA’s role as the professional, learned society in South Africa that has always championed the relationship between psychology and social justice, and I look forward to seeing this mission being advanced even further in this 30th year of its existence. This is all the more important today, as we contemplate the human condition in our country, on the continent and across the globe, where inequality, war, injustice, climate emergencies and other social ills impact so profoundly on our planetary well-being. May PsySSA continue to act as a catalyst for societal change and well-being!
It is with great delight that I add my good wishes to PsySSA on its 30th anniversary. Ordinarily this is a significant milestone, but considering the history of organised psychology pre-1994, this is an enormous achievement of which we can all be very proud. The Society has worked hard to unify the profession, under challenging circumstances, and continues to do so. Its concern with matters of social justice is most encouraging, and its boldness in tackling the issues is commendable. I wish PsySSA an even more successful and productive triple-decade ahead. Congratulations!!
Congratulations, PsySSA, on your 30th anniversary
What an amazing 30-year journey it has been so far! It was a privilege to be at the birth of the then new society, and to see PsySSA spend the early years bringing about healing and reconciliation among the diverse groups that came together to form it. PsySSA grew rapidly, having been blessed with visionary, forward-thinking leadership. While there were growing pains, these were navigated, lessons were learned, and the growth momentum hardly skipped a beat. When it comes to advocating for the transformation of the discipline and profession of psychology as well as the South African society, PsySSA’s voice grew in stature over the years. Through the impactful South African Journal of Psychology, the African Journal of Psychological Assessment, and the annual congress, PsySSA has contributed significantly to debates on key societal and discipline-related trends and issues and co-created solutions and interventions. PsySSA has become well-connected with professional and scientific associations across the African continent and the world. In the process, respect for PsySSA and South African psychologists has grown around the world and many of PsySSA’s leaders and members have held significant leadership positions in international psychology associations.
Well done, PsySSA! Your growth and development have been exceptional in the past three decades. Here’s to PsySSA being even more impactful in the next decade.
PsySSA is turning 30years. Each and every year of its existence is marked with greatest success of its existence. From the very day it was conceptualised, PSySSA never looked back. The Psychologists in South Africa finally found a home, a place to network, achieve their goals and grew from strength to strength whilst not forgetting their past and thus focusing on making things better. The achievements are clearly self evident in the training of Psychologists across the country being part of the regulatory body in the country and making sure that ethical standards are upheld through measures put in place for continued professional development. Each Council through out the years made professional contributions and those contributions are evident in the various divisions that stand out in their daily activities making Psychology alive and positively impacting on the South African communities at large. PsySSA is a body that has proven to have proactive approach to the greatest mental health needs of South Africa and with things being the way they are currently in the country PsySSA’s is the best thing that ever happened for its survival going forward!
Congratulations on the 30 years of great success and, success in knowing where to touch to make an impact in the country and globally. Happy 30th Birthday PsySSA ! Congratulations to all i its members and committed leadership for decades-long great job done!!!!! May PsySSA grow from strength to strength ????????????
Dr Louise Olivier
PsySSA Past President
Congratulations to PsySSA on this momentous occasion – 30 years is certainly something to celebrate and be proud of. Years ago Nelson Mandela said, ‘Human beings regard their mental capacity as the most defining feature of themselves as a species. To respond in a caring manner to the impairment of those capacities in others is to really know ourselves as human beings and to live out our humanness.’ Through the 30 years, PsySSA has been proactively responding on behalf of the discipline on matters concerning the mental health and psychosocial well being of all South Africans. As a society it has remained cognizant of reciprocal relationship between society and health engaging in critical debate and discussion on important local and international events always highlighting the need for socially just solutions to the pressing problems confronting us. Wishing the Society everything of the best as it moves forward.
It is a privilege to be part of PsySSA’s history for almost a third of its existence, having participated as president on its 20th anniversary. The community of PsySSA members feels like family, and every year – mainly at the congress – we catch up, watch each other grow, and above all, see PsySSA as an association propel itself into utmost professionalism and an institute of excellence. It would be inappropriate to single out people, but there is a backbone without whom PsySSA’s trajectory would have fizzled out long ago. Congratulations, PsySSA, and I look forward to the next ten years of progress.
Dear friends, collaborators, colleagues, and students, is time not the strangest of things? PsySSA is 30 years old. I wish to say, ‘Hlompho’, ‘Matla’, ‘Thank you’ to the members, executives, and office-bearers who have been part of the journey and development PsySSA over the previous three decades. Compliments to the whole of PsySSA on this 30th anniversary. This is a milestone. Celebrate the achievements, reflect on surviving the testing moments, and replenish energies.
Making South Africa a great place – What an achievement for PsySSA to reach the ripe age of 30! A heart felt ‘Thank you’ to those that have gone before us to make this possible though PsySSA as our professional platform, and the difference each has made in enabling and empowering the people of South Africa to thrive and flourish, psychosocially speaking. In going forward, let us honour and build on their invaluable contributions by further strengthening PsySSA so that through its members it can make South a great place where our people are the best they can, and want to be. A place where our people experience genuine fulfilment in abundance in a truly nurturing society.
As one of the past presidents of the Psychological Society of South Africa and having been present at its founding in 1994, it is with pleasure and an immense sense of pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Society on this the occasion of it 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on the years gone by, what immediately comes to mind has been the Society’s ongoing efforts to foster excellence and relevance in the field of psychology, promote the highest ethical standards, oppose inequality in all its forms, champion equality, and advance the well-being of individuals and communities. One cannot but be impressed by the incredible contributions PsySSA has made to psychology and society these past 30 years.
The impact of PsySSA’s work over the past three decades has not only elevated the practice and scholarship of psychology in South Africa but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on mental health and human well-being, as well as human rights more broadly, in South Africa and further afield. PsySSA’s growth and its constant adaptation to the changing needs of the profession and discipline of psychology, the communities it serves, and society more broadly are nothing short of inspiring.
On this occasion one should of course also acknowledge all those who through the years have made the growth and success of PsySSA possible. There can be no doubt that the passion, resilience, and commitment of PsySSA’s members have laid a strong foundation for the Society’s continued success and the development of an increasingly vibrant psychology in the African context.
I wish PsySSA and all its members evert success in advancing the frontiers of psychology in South Africa, Africa, and globally in the years ahead.
Dr Samir AboMoghli (past president)
The Jordaninan Psychological Association (JPA)
Prof Andik Matulessy
Indonesian Psychology Association
PsySSA’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values perfectly coincides with those of the Norwegian Psychological Association. The memorandum of understanding between our two organisations, signed already in 2003, is a solid manifestation thereof. Since your inception 30 years ago, PsySSA can look back on a proud record of remarkable accomplishments. Your leadership in developing psychology on your continent is truly an example to all psychological societies.
It is with great pleasure I congratulate you on your 30th anniversary. Many happy returns!
The Colombian College of Psychologists joins your celebration of 30 years of existence. We extend our congratulations and sincere recognition for your work in supporting psychology professionals and the ongoing work of disseminating the advances of this science in your country. This is the occasion to reiterate our willingness to strengthen the ties of collaboration between both associations.
I am pleased to congratulate PsySSA on her 30th Anniversary celebration. I note that in the course of time, the Society has made giant strides in her contributions to the socio-economic development of South Africa and led the growth of consciousness for the use of Psychology to inspire growth and human development in Africa.In addition to providing the platform for the formation of the Pan African Psychology Union she has catalyzed professional growth through strategic partnerships with sister national Psychology organizations on the continent. On this auspicious occasion, it is my great delight to express my goodwill for its exponential growth and progress. Happy 30th Anniversary to PsySSA.
The Lebanese Psychological Association would like to congratulate the Psychological Society of South Africa for its great work in supporting the field of psychology in all its aspects, in South Africa as well as through its collaboration with other associations around the world
Happy 30th anniversary! Congratulations on your efforts and successes during these 30 years! I have watched with keen interest during these years the impressive changes which have been effective in the whole spectrum of public and individual life in your country. I have repeatedly given the example of the way this was done in South Africa. I am sure that this success would not have been possible without the delicate participation of you psychologists. I wish you to continue actively and successfully helping individuals, communities and society as a whole. And let’s not forget that psychology is not only a science, a practice, a livelihood, but also a way of presence, a style of passing through our lives. Wishing you to be inspired, successful and satisfied in what you do in our noble profession and especially in your personal life! Greetings from the Bulgarian psychologists!
Congratulations on PsySSA for 30 years of successful efforts in pioneering and advancing psychology in South Africa. The Turkish Psychologists Association (TPD) and its members proudly joins your celebration of 30 years of existence. We extend our congratulations and sincere recognition for your work in supporting psychology professionals and disseminating the advances of psychology sciences along with supporting community centered approaches and justice in your country. We, as Turkish Psychologists and its national organization of TPD, are open to collaboration and work together with South African psychologists and PsySSA.
Congratulations to PsySSA on 30 years of excellence! As the Student Division, we take pride in our involvement in this journey and look forward to making more meaningful contributions to the dynamic landscape of psychology in South Africa. Here’s to PsySSA’s remarkable 30th anniversary and the continued growth ahead!
On behalf of the Community and Social Psychology Division (CaSP), I would like to congratulate PsySSA on reaching the milestone of its 30th anniversary. Your work is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and impact that the organisation has had on the field of psychology and humanity. Your innovative contributions to the field of psychology and society at large have paved the way for important advancements in understanding and addressing matters pertaining to mental health, societal needs and psycho-social well-being. Here’s to the next 30 years of growth, improving lives and healing.
Congratulations to PsySSA on this momentous milestone. Here’s wishing PsySSA continued success as the leading representative of Psychology in South Africa. On this 30th anniversary celebration SEPSA acknowledges the dedication and ground breaking work that has been achieved by PsySSA and SEPSA looks forward to all that PsySSA is yet to achieve.
On this momentous occasion of PsySSA’s 30th anniversary, the Decolonising Psychology Division extends warmest congratulations to the Society. PsySSA’s journey over the last 30 years has been a compelling one of commitment, transformation and evolution, and exceptional leadership. It is worth remembering that PsySSA was borne out of the resistance to South African psychology’s complicity with apartheid and the discipline’s racist history. Three decades of growing its trajectory as a responsive and relevant disciplinary entity with reach and influence beyond its geographical and epistemological borders – inclusive of significant achievements, situated innovations, and rich inspirations – is a remarkable achievement. Over the past 30 years, PsySSA has played a pivotal role in understanding and responding to our psychosocial and psychopolitical landscapes, fostering a critical member community and strengthening the organisation’s impact in service of its vision, service principles, and beneficiaries and partners. As we reflect on the past and look towards the future, may the achievements of the last 30 years serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the PsySSA community and its critical efforts to serve within a context marked by complex and challenging social circumstances and relations. May the coming years be filled with continued growth, success and advancements that further locate and elevate South African psychology.
Once again, congratulations on this commemorative milestone. Here’s to 30 years of inspiring psychology, to many more years of making a difference, and to the ongoing quest for liberatory and decolonising psychologies!
Congratulating PsySSA on this 30-year milestone! Thank you for a sincere effort over the years to improve the representation of all categories and divisions of the profession, promoting a more inclusive and diverse platform for engagement and the exchange of ideas.
Congratulations to PsySSA on your 30th anniversary! What an incredible achievement. The contributions of your leadership and members have been in immense in transforming South African psychology. We are particularly grateful for PsySSA’s focus on a more sustainable future. Informed by PsySSA’s past lessons in societal , systems and disciplinary transformation, we recognise that improving planetary health has to involve partnering with multiple sectors of society, addressing past and continuing intersectional injustices, and developing more harmonious relationships between people and planet. This necessitates a change in the way we think, feel, consume, and engage with power structures and societal drivers of the climate emergency. Thank you once again to PsySSA and congratulations on this achievement.
Congratulations to PsySSA on reaching 30 years of excellence and achievement! This significant anniversary is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member who has contributed to the success of the organization. Here’s to many more years of continued success in advancing our profession!
Congratulations to PsySSA for reaching the 30-year milestone with such passion, pride, and pizzazz! May the next 30 years bring unparalleled growth, extraordinary impact, and veracious unity rooted in justice and equality. And above all, may we always encourage and defend contextually relevant science and practice in Psychology, to deliver on the promise of psychological health for all.
Warmest congratulations to PsySSA on reaching their remarkable milestone of 30 years! What an incredible journey, marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. PsySSA’s passionate commitment is founded in the pursuit of human rights in South Africa and abroad, diversity, inclusion, and equitable representation.
Over the past three decades, the Society has not only stood the test of time but has flourished and evolved into a beacon of inspiration for others in the psychology profession. PsySSA’s unwavering dedication to all has truly set it apart and contributed to the success story that is now 30 years in the making.
PsySSA’s consistent dedication to the field has shaped the psychology landscape and provided an invaluable platform for registered counsellors and psychometrists to thrive. The unique and one-of-a-kind Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), established by PsySSA, reflects its deep understanding of the diverse needs within the realm of psychological practice.
Through innovative initiatives, continuous support, and dedication to professional development, PsySSA has played a pivotal role in fostering excellence among registered counsellors and psychometrists. PsySSA’s efforts have elevated the standards of practice and contributed significantly to the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
The RCP is honoured to be a part of this journey, working hand-in-hand with PsySSA to elevate the standards of our profession.
May this anniversary be a time for reflection and a springboard into an even more promising future. With 30 years of experience, wisdom, and success, PsySSA is poised for continued growth, innovation, advocacy, human rights campaigning, and positive influence.
Here’s to the next chapter of your incredible journey! May it be filled with greater accomplishments, meaningful collaborations, and fulfilling aspirations beyond the wildest dreams.
Once again, congratulations on 30 years of excellence, and here’s to many more years of success and prosperity!
PsySSA has been a progressive and generous space for me to find, develop, and amplify my professional voice, and Congress has always provided a soapbox for us scholar-activists to rabble-rouse and provoke the profession. Many of my closest allies, friends, and networks were found in my participation in PsySSA structures over the years, and for this I am so grateful. Thank you, PsySSA, for representing psychology in South Africa with grace and gravitas, with fortitude and magnitude. A luta Continua!
