Occupational Therapy, University of Pretoria, SA

15/08/2025

Elianna de Clercq and Dr Helga Lister are currently at the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) conference in Durban, where they presented today on the occupational therapy SLCE programme at the University of Pretoria.

04/08/2025

Caregiving is a deeply meaningful role, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. This webinar is designed to explore evidence-informed strategies for reducing stress, preventing burnout, improving communication, and building a network of support.

Join us for a compassionate and practical conversation on how to care for others without losing yourself in the process. This webinar offers strategies to support those who care for others, and is relevant to all health professionals, community caregivers, and family members.

📥Kindly direct queries to Mrs Nthabiseng Phalatse: nthabiseng.ramodisa@up.ac.za

📝Registration form: https://forms.gle/VTEnwGSiEivFp9i39

📧 Send proof of payment to boitumelo.kube@up.ac.za to confirm your booking and receive the webinar link

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_Have you followed the UP OT Department on social media?_

📸 https://www.instagram.com/upoccupationaltherapy/?hl=en

📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054377956834

28/07/2025

4th Year Class of 2025💚

28/07/2025

OT Merch 2025 is now available💚

Please note that the orders close on 05 August 2025!

Merch order form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxptCao_mkp3wuKgYgDhyd_1H61gH3wRPA-cx82zE63nZ_Sg/viewform?usp=dialog

POP’s must be uploaded here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FtcFKH5cWp53nnZft7BGxiUUnRz3sn4r?usp=sharing (Merch orders will only be sent through if a POP is uploaded)

03/07/2025

Tuks Alumni making us proud at the 13th OTARG Congress in Tanzania 🇹🇿. Presenting their 2024 final-year undergraduate research study titled, The Kawa Model as a Self-Reflection Tool: The Experience of Occupational Therapy Students During Mental Health Work Integrated Learning.

Proudly supervised by Mrs. Nthabiseng Phalatse, the group represented their hard work and findings alongside occupational therapists from other African countries, providing valuable connections and insights.

We are proud of the following therapists from the class of 2024:
- Michaela Goncalves
- ⁠Kayla Jenkinson
- Aqeela Naidoo
- ⁠Justancia Sithole
- ⁠Inaminkosi Zwane

30/06/2025

From Limitation to Liberation: Exploring Adaptive Switches

🎙️Presenters:
Prof Kitty Uys & Dr Karin van Niekerk

Join us for an interactive webinar where you'll explore how adapted switches can transform the lives of people with disabilities, enabling greater independence, communication, learning, and leisure. Whether you're a therapist, caregiver, educator, or simply passionate about inclusion, this session will introduce you to the tools and techniques that make everyday devices accessible for everyone.

Come learn how technology can break down barriers and help individuals move from limitation to liberation through the power of accessible technology.

👥This webinar is relevant to health professionals in clinical and education settings, educators and caregivers.

📨Kindly direct any queries about the webinar to Prof Kitty Uys: kitty.uys@up.ac.za

📝 Book your spot by completing the registration form: https://forms.gle/pMGkmJf9UmJLmR6V9

📧 Please send proof of payment to boitumelo.kube@up.ac.za to confirm your booking. The webinar link will be sent to you once proof of payment is received.

13/06/2025

Community in Action!💚

The 4th years had the honour of hosting Pfuna Vanhu, beneficiary and social worker involved in the 4th years project implementation.

Activity based groups incorporating the social workers. Beneficiaries shared how it’s made a massive impact on their sense of dignity and humanity at the shelter💚

Grateful to be part of something that reminds us what true community looks like.

29/05/2025

Emerging Trends in Occupational Therapy Education 📚🎓

🎙️Presenters:
Mrs Raashmi Balbadhur, Mrs Veronica Ramodike, Mrs Nabeela Kharva and Dr Helga Lister

This webinar will provide new knowledge and practice-based insights from occupational therapy education.

🗂️ The webinar will:
- Explore how spirituality enhances therapeutic practice by offering a holistic approach to healing. It will demystify the role of spirituality in clinical settings and highlight its integration into the OT curriculum.
- Allow you to gain insight into students' and community service occupational therapists' perceptions with regard to professional behaviours and quality of practice, and the need for objective evaluations by supervisors during fieldwork.
- Consider how international online collaboration can enhance student-directed learning, offering practical considerations for implementing and facilitating global learning opportunities in occupational therapy education.

This CPD activity is relevant to occupational therapy educators, clinicians working with students, as well as educators and clinical supervisors from other health professions interested in gaining up to date knowledge on these topics, to apply within their own fields.

📨Kindly direct any queries about the content of this webinar to Helga Lister: helga.lister@up.ac.za

Book your place by completing the registration form and making payment: https://forms.gle/PeMN5t7KAMtsHbXJ6

📧 Please send proof of payment to nabeela.kharva@up.ac.za to confirm your booking. You will be sent the link to the webinar thereafter.

16/05/2025

♦️Fresh perspectives on Harm Reduction in Substance Use and Mental Health♦️

🎙️Presenters:
Mr Henry Msimango, Dr Helga Lister, Dr Michelle Janse van Rensburg

Rethink substance use and mental health through the lens of harm reduction 🔎 This webinar will explore new knowledge and practice-based insights into the use of harm reduction strategies, with a focus on work within COSUP, a Community Oriented Substance Use Programme in the City of Tshwane.

This webinar will allow you to gain up-to-date knowledge on harm reduction and equip yourself with actionable strategies you can use tomorrow to strengthen your practice in mental health and substance use rehabilitation.

👥 This webinar is relevant to occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, psychologists, clinical associates and others, working within the area of substance use rehabilitation and/or mental health.

🗳️ Kindly direct any queries about the content of this webinar to Henry Msimango: henry.msimango@up.ac.za

📝 Book your place now! Registration form: https://forms.gle/6ZBBY1UfqqsLZzx3A

📧 Once you have made payment, send your proof of payment to boitumelo.kube@up.ac.za. The webinar link will be sent to you thereafter.

Cost: R300
CPD: 2 Clinical CEUs

06/05/2025

This project is a reminder that the movement for better mental healthcare is already in motion—and every voice matters.
What began as a simple pin-up board in the BMS corridor transformed into a powerful library of support, hope, and solidarity.
Thank you to each student who contributed a note—your words may have felt small, but they carried weight and meaning for someone who needed them most💚

06/05/2025

The OT department recently enjoyed a meaningful team-building session—an opportunity to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness💚

Moments like these remind us of the value of unity and shared purpose in the work we do💚

22/04/2025