About us

Established in January 1994, the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) emerged as a unified organisation from the amalgamation of various professional bodies that existed prior to that date. PsySSA was conceived as a transformative entity, adept at navigating the rapidly evolving political and social landscape of the time, and has since been a vocal and authoritative advocate for the discipline of psychology on matters pertaining to the mental health and psychosocial well-being of South Africans.

Since its inception, PsySSA has been unwavering in its commitment to contributing to the resolution of critical human development challenges within South Africa. The Society has been instrumental in shaping and nurturing the post-apartheid era, ensuring that psychological services and perspectives are integral to the nation’s growth and healing.

PsySSA engages in continuous dialogue with government entities, legislative bodies, and stakeholders in the private and civil sectors, aiming to influence and inform policies that impact South Africa’s dynamic socio-economic landscape. As the premier representative body for psychology professionals in South Africa, PsySSA actively lobbies on behalf of its members, championing the importance of psychology as both a rigorous scientific discipline and a practice of relevance to all facets of human life. Furthermore, the Society facilitates a robust networking platform for its members, fostering collaboration and community within the field.

The Society’s commitment to academic excellence is exemplified by its publication of the South African Journal of Psychology, a quarterly journal that stands as the preeminent psychology periodical on the African continent.

PsySSA maintains a strong connection with local, national, regional, and international partners to support the professional growth of its members and to promote the exchange of knowledge that is foundational to the discipline. The annual PsySSA South African Psychology Congress represents a pinnacle event for the psychological community, drawing scholars and practitioners from across the globe to engage in discourse and share insights, thereby enriching the scientific tapestry of psychology in South Africa and beyond.

“As a voluntary professional Society, PsySSA not only welcomes initiative, but thrives on initiative and is driven by passion. PsySSA is, indeed, ‘us’ – ‘we’ are PsySSA.”