Children’s Mental Health Week: 3-9 February 2025

by Web Admin | Feb 6, 2025 | Child and Adolescent Psychology, Mental Health Calendar, Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA)

PsySSA commemorates Children’s Mental Health Week (3-9 February 2025) with the theme: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.

CHILDREN”S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: 2025

PSYSSA is complimented for launching the 2025 MHC with the focus on Children’s Mental Health. Children have a special place in Society. They are the archetypal pride and joy of parents associated with fun, laughter, joy and playfully mischievous in a normal society. Parents generally promote their healthy living through social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. The seminal Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and amendments profoundly spell out how children must be cared for and protected.

While there were adverse conditions prior to the drafting of the above Act, the current children’s mental health needs have reached uncontrollable proportions. This in fact has given rise to grave concerns for their mental health and fears for their safety. It would make for un-sobering reading to take a snapshot view of how children are faring with their Mental Health globally. Space does not allow for such a broadside perspective. WHO (2022) presents the startling statistic that twenty five (25%) of children present with Mental Health issues. A UNICEF South African Report posited that sixty (60%) of youth needed mental health support. However, only 12.4 % of children and adolescents with mental health problems receive professional help (Kleintjies et al., 2015). This can be explained by the gross imbalance between psychologists and patients. According to the SAACP ( 2020) there were (3022)-Clinical Psychologists; (1598)-Counselling Psychologists: (1510).-Educational Psychologists.

This translates to a ratio of about 1 psychologist for 10 633 clients. At a systemic level this overwhelming inequity explains why children in general find it difficult to access Mental Health services. This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the majority of the practitioners are in private practice. This begs the question what if any mental health intervention children from the rural area receive. The psychological services attached to the various districts in each province can hardly be considered to be a serious service provider of mental health. Statistics from eight DOE provinces (2020-2021) underscore the stark and gloomy reality of the effete mental health school provisions :

Province	Pupils	Psychologists
Eastern Cape	1 704 581	Unknown
Free State	541 959	15-20
Kwa Zulu Natal	2 758 831	83
Limpopo	1 245 095	30-35
Mpumalanga	745 838	25
North West	584 831	20-25
Northern Cape	272 411	15-20
Western Cape	1048 905	47
Gauteng	2 055 042	45

An overpowering disproportion between pupils and psychologists. It is noted that formal assessments cannot be administered for this reason. In any case it is apparent that psychologists only respond to a request from a school about twelve months later However, the inordinate disparity in numbers make access to mental health impossible for the majority of pupils. To a large extent detractors to the existence of school psychology are justified. It is an expensive service. It is a first world phenomenon in an under-developed third-world context.

The general public is hardly and selectively serviced, schools are poorly-serviced and the rural areas are abysmally non-serviced. Are we paying attention to the scary Big Picture or merely going through the motions like school psychological services. As the mental needs of our children get more complex and demanding are we psychologists playing the proverbial fiddle. Severe trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation are major psychological constructs that children experience. Their mental health needs are utterly under-provided. In the recent Mental State of the World Report released by Sapiens Labs South Africa ranked
 Second(2nd) Lowest on the Mental Health Quotient
 First as the most stressed country in the world

A recent advert notes that the “ difference is in the detail ”. We are patently aware of the appalling details. We need to step out of the comfort zones in our insulated ivory towers and make the difference.

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Blue Floral Illustrative Healthy Mind Quote Instagram Post (1)

Children’s Mental Health Week – Reflections on Self-Awareness as a Psychology Student

Children’s Mental Health Week, established in 2015, focuses on raising awareness of children’s mental health and emotional well-being. While this initiative originates in the UK, it aligns with local efforts such as Child Protection Week, Youth Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlight mental health challenges in childhood and beyond. This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” provides an opportunity for psychology students to reflect on their own childhood mental health, exploring how their experiences have shaped their self-awareness and career paths.

Reflecting on childhood mental health often reveals how early challenges, trauma, or environmental factors influenced our mental well-being and led us to pursue psychology. Such reflections form the foundation of self-awareness, which is important for professional practice. Many psychologists embody the concept of the wounded healer, where their own struggles and healing journeys inspire their ability to empathise with others. Self-awareness allows individuals to recognise and work through biases, blind spots, and unresolved issues. For this reason, postgraduate applications, such as honours and master’s programmes, often include reflective exercises like autobiographical essays or interviews. These assessments evaluate not only academic readiness but also insight into one’s personal growth.

Self-awareness is not a one-time exercise but a lifelong process. As students, individuals continuously uncover values, insecurities, and unresolved emotions that shape how they engage with others. Discoveries like these follow practitioners into their careers, where self-reflection and professional counseling are essential for managing personal challenges and ensuring that mental health does not negatively impact those they serve. Early mental health struggles, such as emotional stressors or disorders, may persist in different forms, but when approached with self-awareness, they become tools for empathy and professional insight.

Across psychology’s diverse fields, self-awareness is critical in varying ways. Clinical and counselling psychologists rely on this quality to manage transference, countertransference, and emotional regulation, ensuring effective care without compassion fatigue or burnout. Educational psychologists use self-awareness to recognise how their own experiences and biases influence their work with children, families, and educators, enabling culturally sensitive interventions. Research psychologists depend on reflexivity to remain ethical and objective, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. In neuropsychology, awareness of one’s emotional responses helps practitioners manage the toll of working with life-changing diagnoses, balancing empathy with clarity. For organisational psychologists, self-awareness supports the management of workplace dynamics, promoting systemic well-being and addressing burnout.

Children’s Mental Health Week encourages us to reflect on our own mental health, using this theme as a starting point for cultivating self-awareness. This reflection reminds us that self-awareness is a lifelong journey, essential for both personal growth and professional competency. By engaging in self-awareness, we enhance our ability to empower the individuals and communities we serve.

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Matric Results (Gr12) – Negotiating career crossroads: Embrace positivity and hope as your constant companions

by Web Admin | Jan 13, 2025 | Featured Content, Mental Health Advocacy

Negotiating Career Crossroads: Embrace Positivity and Hope as your Constant Companions

by Prof Kobus Maree

The 2024 Grade 12 results have been announced. While many learners are celebrating their achievements, others face uncertainty and disappointment. Regardless of the outcome, now is the time to make thoughtful and strategically sound decisions about the direction of their career journey (trajectory). These decisions will significantly influence their future career trajectories and require the involvement of multiple stakeholders – beginning with their parents or guardians.

This brief opinion piece serves as a guide to help learners navigate and negotiate their career crossroads, accompanied by positivity and hope as steadfast companions.

1. How Can Parents, Guardians and Teachers Support Learners Who Did Not Pass or Get University Admission?

Reassure and communicate
The days and weeks following disappointing Grade 12 outcomes can be emotionally overwhelming. Parents, teachers, and counsellors play a crucial role in offering support and helping learners navigate this challenging period with hope, resilience, and purpose. Foster a positive frame of mind by reassuring your child that their academic outcomes neither diminish your feelings for them nor define their worth. If they ‘act out,’ understand that such behaviour is ‘normal’ under these circumstances. Listen actively, acknowledge their emotions, and normalise their feelings to create a supportive and empathetic environment.

Rethink the vocabulary of so-called ‘failure’
Disappointing Grade 12 outcomes are emotionally taxing for learners and their parents. The term ‘fail’ has no place in today’s postmodern vocabulary. It is perplexing why some people use that word when those who have purportedly ‘failed’ are at their most vulnerable, hurt, and disappointed, with self-efficacy at its lowest point and the lurking threat of destructive behaviour, including suicide, ever-present. Instead, use terms like ‘insufficient achievement.’ Why? While learners’ marks may negatively impact their chances of acceptance into their preferred study field, they do not define their overall success in life or limit their long-term career prospects.

Take proactive steps
If necessary, consult a psychologist, registered counsellor, or another trusted professional whom your child feels comfortable confiding in. You can also contact organisations like the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, Lifeline, or a suicide hotline. Take proactive steps: Act. Understandably, parents may feel disappointed when their children are less successful, but reproach serves no purpose. Reassure your child, communicate openly, and offer emotional support. Talk with them, text them, and ask how they feel, listening attentively to their responses. Remind them that “The roots of success are often hidden in the storms you’ve survived” (anonymous).

2. Resources Available to Learners as an Alternative

Going to university is just one of many trajectories to career success. It is important not to fixate on a particular tertiary institution or level of post-grade 12 education and training. Research has shown that whereas people with degrees often find employment more easily and earn higher salaries, the value of non-university study should not be underestimated. Assess each field of study and tertiary institution – whether public or private—on its merits, considering your unique circumstances. For example, a diploma in Information Security Analysis, or a technical qualification in, for instance, computer-aided design, blockchain technology, solar photovoltaic installation, or data engineering, can be an excellent fit for some learners, providing personal enrichment and helping them realise their key life themes (such as aiding those in poverty to overcome the same structural challenges they faced growing up).
Specialised certificates and diplomas (such as e-commerce, application architecture, cyber security, or machine learning) can open exciting new career opportunities, enhancing employability in ways that may surpass many conventional degrees. It’s crucial to thoroughly research career options by speaking with graduates, field employees, and employers.

Some alternative career trajectories
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer practical, career-focused courses in IT, engineering, and business. Learnerships and apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with theoretical learning, leading to highly sought-after qualifications in skilled trades or specialised industries.
Career guidance and counselling centers, non-profit organisations, and school counselling departments provide invaluable resources, workshops, and mentorship to help learners navigate alternative career trajectories. Taking the initiative to explore these options can turn setbacks into steppingstones toward success. Severe disappointment and despair can – and should – be transformed into dedication and success.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers funding opportunities for eligible learners. Online platforms provide affordable courses in fields like coding and online marketing. Youth Employment Programs connect learners with training and job opportunities. Community organisations, including NGOs, offer skills training, workshops, and mentorship for school leavers.
Entrepreneurial ventures should be explored to promote self-employment, focusing on small business opportunities and turning hobbies or special skills into viable income-generating activities.

3. Coping Mentally with Inadequate Performance in Grade 12 Examinations

Not meeting their own or others’ expectations in Grade 12 can trigger feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, or hopelessness. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise learners’ mental wellbeing during this time. Let us begin by congratulating learners who qualify for admission to their preferred study fields and institutions. To those who have not yet met the required marks: relax. There is ample reason to remain optimistic about the future.
First, step back emotionally and reflect on your exam results with a sense of calm. Everyone faces setbacks and successes. Setbacks (or perceived ‘failures’) are simply building blocks for the future, offering opportunities for growth and resilience in uncertain and challenging times. Carl Jung, one of the most renowned psychologists, once said: “Be grateful for your difficulties and challenges, for they hold blessings. We need difficulties; they are necessary for personal growth and self-fulfillment.” These moments are opportunities to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths, to actively master what we have ‘passively suffered’ (Savickas).

Second, step back emotionally once again. Not achieving your goals in Grade 12 is just one of many career-life transitions you will encounter. Hope springs eternal. Countless others have faced similar challenges in Grade 12 and later achieved tremendous success. You have not ‘failed’ anything.

Third, refrain from pointing fingers or assigning blame to yourself or others. If destructive thoughts, including thoughts of suicide, arise, reach out immediately to your parents and seek the support of a qualified professional.

Fourth, engage in positive self-talk and affirmations to rebuild your sense of self-worth. Parents should provide or facilitate a safe space where learners can reflect on and process their emotions, helping them to renew their self-confidence.

Fifth, parents should encourage learners to engage in physical activities, mindfulness practices, hobbies, or part-time work to promote balance. For those dealing with severe stress and anxiety, involve professional therapists or career counsellors to guide them through this challenging time and help them regain a balanced perspective.

4. Exploring Options for Dealing with a Grade 12 Pass that Falls Short of Securing Tertiary Admission

Learners who still need to secure admission to their preferred tertiary education and training institutions may consider requesting a reevaluation of their exam papers. They could also apply to write supplementary exams or repeat specific grades or subjects. Regardless of the career trajectory they choose, success will require diligence, dedication, and commitment to follow through. Alternatively, they could enroll in corresponding courses at a different institution or training level.
Consulting a career psychologist – such as an educational, counselling, or industrial psychologist – can be crucial in guiding this decision-making process. If you choose to reapply in 2025, taking a gap year could be an option, but it’s important to first consult with a career psychologist and speak with former learners who have taken a gap year to gain insight into their experiences. Another possibility is accepting part-time work or engaging in constructive activities. Again, speaking to learners who have navigated similar situations can be helpful.
Ultimately, remember that you know yourself and your preferences better than anyone else. While others can provide general information and psycho-educational advice, only you can make the best decisions for your future. Others can offer valuable insights, but they cannot guide you on the most appropriate career trajectory for you. Trust in your own judgment and execute the advice you give yourself.

5. Discover a Sense of Meaning and Purpose in your Career-Life Journey

Sometimes, the twists and turns in our life trajectories lead us to unexpected, exciting, and fulfilling destinations. Nurture a genuine sense of meaning, hope, positivity, expectation, and purpose in your future career by consulting with someone who can help you clearly understand why you want to study, your life’s purpose, and your guiding “North Star.” View your career trajectory as a “story” that you are authoring.
Work with career psychologists to discover and pursue what truly matters to you – your central life themes – beyond just your job goals. Align your career choices with your core values to increase the likelihood of lasting fulfillment, meaningful social contributions, and the creation of an inspiring legacy.
Take time to articulate your career-life mission and vision, addressing important existential questions such as: “Why do I live?”, “Is life worth living?”, “Why do I want to work?”, “What is the meaning of my life?”, and “Where am I headed?”. By doing so, you will establish a strong foundation for the future.
See John’s (pseudonym) story for an example of how a key life theme can help you live a meaningful and purpose-filled career. He said, “I want to become a nuclear scientist specialising in renewable energy, work on nuclear fusion, and produce much more energy than by burning oil and coal (career choice), so I can (personal meaning) fulfill my need to be creative, use my analytical and mathematical skills, and work in a structured, high-level environment. Through this process (social meaning), I aim to help people become less dependent on fossil fuels, make the world a healthier place, stop the abuse of natural resources, prevent the sixth mass extinction, create jobs for others, and change the lives of people who, like me, grew up in a desperately impoverished township where air pollution was a major problem.”
The common thread that weaves through people’s career-life stories is the transformation of personal sadness, heartache, pain, or ‘suffering’ into accomplishment and social contributions. This process involves actively mastering passive suffering. By helping others overcome similar challenges, you address the pain you’ve experienced. Finding pride and joy in this work includes honoring the legacy of loved ones in the best way possible – each time you help others heal, you heal yourself too.

For information on bursaries, study techniques, relaxation methods, and more, visit www.kobusmaree.org.

PsySSA Intern, Ms Indira Pillay, wins AOSIS Award

by Web Admin | Dec 10, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Mental Health Advocacy, PsySSA Announcements

Congratulations to PsySSA Intern Member, Ms Indira Pillay, whose article, “The impact of inequality and COVID-19 on education and career planning for South African children of rural and low-socioeconomic backgrounds,” has been awarded the prestigious AOSIS Award for achieving the most citations in the four-year period (2020–2023)

Click the button below to view the insights into the ‘African Journal of Career Development’ Editor’s Choice article:

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16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024 (3)

by Web Admin | Dec 6, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

Global and Local Context of Gender-Based Violence

By Mrs Rekha Kangokar and Ms Shaazia Patel – Executive committee members of RCP

The United Nations describes Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as “Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life” (WHO, 2024).
In South Africa, where GBV is described as the “second pandemic” by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the government has introduced legislative reforms to protect women through The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, enacted in May 2024, which aims to ensure safety for women and children (SONA, 2024). Despite these efforts, GBV remains alarmingly high, with reports indicating over 42,780 rape cases in 2022-2023 alone (Commission for Gender Equality, 2024).
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that ending violence against women is achievable if action is taken collectively (WHO, 2024). The World Health Organisation (WHO) asserts that “Ending violence against women is possible, but only if we act together, now.” They are now doing 16 days of activism against gender-based violence from November 25 to December 10, 2024 (WHO, 2024).. WHO’s ongoing “16 Days of Activism” campaign highlights that GBV is a global issue, exacerbated in areas of displacement and conflict. Survivors face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly mental health support, due to stigma and patriarchal norms (WHO, 2024)..
Recently, there has been a phenomenal increase in advocacy and awareness for GBV, with advocates bringing cases to light through film. In October 2024, Netflix released a Hindi film – Do Patti which explores the pervasive issue of GBV through the lens of twin sisters, Saumya and Shailee. The film showcases the complex familial, psychological, and emotional factors that impact and influence Saumya and those closest to her. Saumya’s story reflects the experiences of countless women who endure abuse in silence, trapped by societal expectations and personal guilt. The film highlights how deeply trauma can impact individuals, particularly within the context of domestic abuse, cultural pressures and patriarchal dominance. If it were not for one woman in law enforcement, Saumya would have possibly suffered the same fate as her victimised mother.
The summary formulation presented below is for educational purposes and serves to highlight key aspects that are common in cases of GBV against women. This article and its contents do not serve as a medical or professional mental health opinion or diagnosis. If you or anyone you know might be experiencing any of the points below, we strongly urge you to reach out for support via the helplines and contact centres found at the end of this article.
A Summarised Formulation Employing a Person-centred Methodology for Saumya Pundir’s Character in Do Patti (2024):

Sources of Trauma Experienced by Saumya
• Domestic Abuse
• Family Trauma
• Psychological Impact
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Internal Conflicts

Person-centred Interventions – This approach is especially relevant for trauma survivors, who are grappling with emotional wounds and self-blame. The goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment, allowing one to process her feelings and heal.
To provide Saumya with therapeutic support, a trained and qualified psychologist would likely focus on:
• Creating a supportive environment
• Building self-compassion
• Reconnecting the victim with her strengths
• Gradual trauma processing

By considering the above case in the South African context, GBV infiltrates the social, political and economic structures within a patriarchal society, and power inequalities which include gender, sexuality and race. Patel et al. (2020) report that the most affected by violence and inequalities in South Africa are women and children (as cited in Mazana, 2022), and it is believed that while exact statistics are lacking on the rate of sexual based GBV in South Africa, there is certainty that a woman is killed every 3 hours in our country (Wilkinson, 2020). The role of law enforcement and strong legislation is another core theme of the film and this is a crucial element to combating GBV and facilitating empowerment and support to affected individuals. Various Bills passed by the government are implemented to protect against domestic abuse, trauma, and mental health. The National Strategic Plan on GBV includes extensive legal reforms, psychological support, and the establishment of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which provide comprehensive services to survivors, from medical care to legal assistance. There are currently 63 centres across the country (SONA, 2024).

Support Services and Interventions
South Africa has implemented various measures to support GBV survivors:
• Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) offer holistic services, including medical exams, legal support, and counselling. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_speech/THUTHUZELA%20Care%
20Centres.pdf
• TEARS foundation – TEARS believes that responding to sexual violence in our society and holding perpetrators to account starts with supporting survivors in ways that are respectful of their dignity, healing, and choices. HELPLINE: 08000TEARS | 0800 083 277
• The Warrior Project aims to address Violence based on gender and Domestic Violence by providing information and access to help.
• People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) – is a South African, feminist, women’s rights organisation established in the 90’s. POWA provide free counselling, sheltering, skills development opportunities, legal services, sector capacity building and strengthening as well as public awareness and education to assist abused women. POWA also engages in advocacy to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and thereby improve women’s quality of life.
• She Conquers – is a three-year national campaign with an aim to improve the lives of adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. https://sheconquerssa.co.za/sexual-gender-based-violence/
• WHO also provides training for healthcare providers on managing cases of rape and intimate partner violence, especially in crisis settings.
• Gender-Based Violence resource guide – https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/images/GBV%20_booklet.pdf
• SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) and Lifeline provide counselling services, helping survivors access mental health care.

A recent article by Mail and Guardian, titled Gender-based violence affects one in three women regardless of income group, reports that shelters and homes are no longer safe havens for women (Comins, 2024). Women mention that the only “safe space” they are lucky to have is their workplace (Comins, 2024). The importance of showcasing this film also speaks to the grave extent of GBV across the globe and appropriate depictions such as films and social media may become tools of change and empowerment. Integrating movies such as Do Patti in articles brings awareness by not only shedding light on the employed and unemployed individual suffering but also highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and mental health support for GBV survivors worldwide.

References:
Comins, L. (2024) Gender-based violence affects one in three women regardless of income group. Mail&Guardian. Retrieved from https://mg.co.za/news/2024-08-28-gender-based-violence-affects-one-in-three-women-regardless-of-income-group/
Mazana, N. N. (2022). Bayasibulala:# AmINext? an analysis of Instagram as a tool for activism against Sexual Gender-Based Violence in South Africa. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/37515
Wilkinson, K. (2020). Five facts about femicide in South Africa. News24. Retrieved from: https://www.news24.com/news24/5-facts-about-femicide-in-south-africa-20190905
https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/priorities/making-communities-safer/gender-based-violence#:~:text=New%20Legislation%20to%20fight%20GBV,law%20on%2024%20May%202024
https://www.who.int/campaigns/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/2024
https://www.parliament.gov.za/storage/app/media/OISD/Reports/Commission_for_Gender_Equality/2024/01-08-2024/GBV_Index_Report.pdf
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

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Newsletter of the Professional Board for Psychology

by Web Admin | Dec 3, 2024 | Community Engagement, Events and Announcements, HPCSA Regulations and Compliance, Professional Development

Explore the latest issue of the Professional Board for Psychology Newsletter! Find insights on mental health advocacy, workplace well-being, updates on professional compliance, and strategies for empowering patient choices. Stay informed about developments shaping the future of psychological practice.

Complete the free CPD activity in the newsletter and stand a chance to earn 2 CEUs!

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16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children – 25 November-10 December 2024

by Web Admin | Dec 2, 2024 | Community and Engagement, Decolonising Psychology (DP), Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Health Calendar

16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

Many hoped that the lifting of apartheid would herald a better future for the majority of women in South Africa, easing their struggles and opening pathways to equality. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Many women remain excluded from the social, political and economic mainstream, grappling daily with the persistent threat of violence and abuse. The government, once a symbol of liberation, has often fallen short in addressing their oppression.

As South Africa embarks on its annual campaign against violence towards women and children, we must confront the shadows and vestiges of our nation’s history. This painful legacy has profoundly shaped gender dynamics in contemporary South Africa and continues to fuel the cycles of violence that plague our society.

South Africa continues to grapple with unacceptably high levels of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner aggression, femicide, workplace harassment, and digital abuse. These forms of violence are compounded by the pervasive injustices and exclusions inherent to systemic inequality. To address this, we must necessarily and actively challenge dominant colonial, gendered, and violent discourses while fostering counter-narratives that amplify the voices and actions of survivors and their communities, enabling resistance, agency, solidarity, and healing, while supporting multi-pronged anti-violence initiatives that include inter-sectoral collaboration, community-based involvement, and the privileging of knowledge systems and practices deemed meaningful and appropriate by communities themselves. It is through such comprehensive and inclusive efforts that we can hope to dismantle the violence that perpetuates harm and work towards sustainable, transformative change. It is equally vital for us in South Africa to forge partnerships and draw lessons from other critical and liberatory movements across the continent and globally in the fight against gender-based violence. Simultaneously, we call for genuine socio-economic liberation that disrupts the entrenched status quo, where women and children disproportionately bear the brunt of poverty, inequality, and multiple intersecting disparities.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we are reminded that countless institutions and organisations dedicated to supporting women and children in distress are shutting their doors due to dwindling funding. These organisations continue to serve communities tirelessly, often without government support, remaining passionate advocates for change while facing immense financial challenges. It is therefore imperative that we support and pay tribute to these organisations that strive to serve women and girls and support their liberation from violence, oppression, and exploitation.

One such organisation is The Cradle of Hope in the West of Krugersdorp. For 18 years, this independent social upliftment and community development organisation, with its core focus on assisting women and children, has been a sanctuary and support hub for destitute, vulnerable, and abused women – many of whom are survivors of domestic violence, sexual trauma, or human trafficking. The Cradle of Hope provides a safe refuge for up to 30 women and their children, who come from all corners of South Africa. Many arrive in the dead of night, often with little more than the clothes on their backs, bearing physical and emotional scars, fearful and traumatised, where they are met with compassion, support, safety and care. With 15 active programmes, The Cradle of Hope directly impacts the lives of more than 2 000 marginalised adults and children every day, offering essential assistance to those in desperate need. More than just a shelter, it is a space of compassion, love, kindness, and care, dedicated to rebuilding lives and fostering futures rooted in healing and agency.

To learn more about The Cradle of Hope and explore ways to support their vital work, please visit their website at www.thecradleofhope.org, call their offices at 076 262 0452, or email them at information@thecradleofhope.org.

BE THE DIFFERENCE!

– PsySSA Decolonising Psychology Division

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