Dear PsySSA member
As you would know by now, President Cyril Ramaphosa has implemented a 21-day nationwide lockdown from midnight 26 March to help flatten the COVID-19 curve, and contain the spread and human costs of the pandemic. PsySSA supports the President’s targeted interventions to protect the health and safety of the citizenry.
The pandemic spells an unprecedented public health crisis in our country’s history, accompanied by an array of emotional, family, social, occupational, institutional and economic impacts that bear on all of us. It is in this very moment, too, that our fraternity is looked upon to assume leadership, composure and considered action as we rise to the call to share our skills, resources and wisdom, and act in solidarity in service of the collective mental health and well-being of our country. This is a moment when we will likely be asked to fulfill multiple roles and responsibilities – to provide care and compassion, foster a sense of safety and security, reduce negative emotional contagion, promote community connectedness, offer reliable information, and advocate for just outcomes for all. In this time, we will also need to remember to hold space for ourselves as we simultaneously support our patients, clients, colleagues and loved ones.
As the PsySSA Presidency, we want to assure our members that our service to you remains a priority. We are committed to navigating the current crisis, and implementing necessary plans in ways that allow us to continue to support you, engage with you, and uphold the Society’s vision and mission. We hope that we can also draw on your expertise and strength as we work collectively towards ensuring the best possible outcomes during this pandemic for the multiple service users and publics whom we serve.
We will continue to communicate with you through the PsySSA Office, which remains operational. In the meanwhile, please feel free to direct any queries or requests that you may have to PsySSA Executive Director, Fatima Seedat at fatima@psyssa.com.
We trust that we will prevail in the face of one of the most serious health crises to ever face not only our country but the world.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika!
In Solidarity.
PsySSA Presidency