The Acting Executive Dean of the University of Venda Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, has been elected as the 2023-2024 Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) President. She was confirmed as the new PsySSA President during the congress which took place recently at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg where over 700 participants attended this year’s annual congress. The PsySSA Annual Congress is the highlight of the South African Scientific Psychological calendar, attracting academics and practitioners nationwide and abroad. PsySSA is the professional body representing Psychology professionals in South Africa which currently has over 1700 members.
In her acceptance speech, Prof Mulaudzi indicated that it is an honour for her to lead PsySSA as its President. Prof Mulaudzi acknowledged the effectiveness of the President-elect, President, and past President model, because it equips one with knowledge and skills to run the presidency, and it also offers support to the current president and President-elect. She congratulated the PsySSA President-Elect (Prof Jace Pillay) and appreciated the support that she was given by the outgoing President (Prof Floretta Boonzaier) and Previous President (Prof Shahnaaz Suffla).
She said she was looking forward to working with the PsySSA Presidency, the Executive, the Council, and the entire PsySSA members. She acknowledged the support that she received from her employer, the University of Venda for allowing her to attend and participate in PsySSA activities. She also acknowledged staff from the University’s Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning (CHETL), Human Resource Department, Department of Psychology, and Student Affairs Department and some of the students who attended and presented research papers at this year’s congress.
“I would not have done justice if I did not acknowledge the foundation that was laid by my former Psychology HoDs who are also PsySSA past Presidents (Prof Norman Duncan, 2008 – 2009 and Prof Tholene Sodi, 2017 – 2018). They encouraged me to attend and present papers during PsySSA congresses. Their continued support does not go unnoticed,” she said.
The year 2024 will be an extremely busy year for PsySSA with many expectations from members and the public as PsySSA will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in collaboration with Pan – African Psychology Union (PAPU) which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. “PsySSA has a very efficient team led by the Executive Director, Dr Fatima Seedat. “I am greatly confident that the 30th anniversary celebration, in collaboration with PAPU, whose President, Prof Saths Cooper is also PsySSA’s past President (1996 – 1999; 2006 – 2007) will be a success. The celebration will be showcased throughout the year with its peak during the congress which will take place on 08 – 10 October 2024 at The Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg,” said Prof Mulaudzi.
Some of the UNIVEN staff members who attended the 2023 PsySSA Congress
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 08 November 2023
