UKZN Academics Shine at Occupational Therapy Congress in Namibia

UKZN Academics Shine at Occupational Therapy Congress in Namibia

Academics and students from UKZN’s Discipline of Occupational Therapy (OT) participated in the 12^th Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) Congress held in Namibia.

The theme of the congress was: Transforming Health and Well-Being in Africa Through Occupation.

Among the participants were UKZN Academic Leader Mr December Mpanza and colleagues Ms Nonjabulo Ndaba, Dr Thavanesi Gurayah, Ms Phakeme Mkhize, and Mr Luther Monareng. 

This international event provided an ideal opportunity for occupational therapists from around the world to convene and reconnect following unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The UKZN delegation actively contributed to proceedings by delivering presentations, chairing sessions, engaging in spirited discussions, and fostering connections with fellow delegates. They noted that the congress served as a valuable platform for networking with potential international postgraduate examiners, registering prospective national and international postgraduate students, and nurturing future research collaborations with colleagues and Higher Education Institutions. 

Said Mpanza: ‘Some essential issues that resonated with the UKZN team were education for transformation, championing critical occupational therapy, promoting occupational justice, occupation-based practice for transformational change, and the role of occupational therapy in Primary Health Care, encompassing Promotion, Prevention, Cure, Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care. Given the contemporary climate and the evolving needs of our society, these themes hold immense relevance for our Institution and the broader African context. 

‘Therefore, the congress provided a forum for our team to engage in discussions that will shape meaningful conversations and research priorities within the field of Occupational Therapy and African Scholarship.’ 

Reflecting on the congress’ impact, Mpanza said his team was keen to integrate the knowledge gained into their teaching and learning processes, research endeavours, and collaborative efforts. He also emphasised the prevalent African spirit of Botho/Ubuntu/Ubumuntu, creativity, and unity that permeated throughout the conference. These qualities not only strengthened collegial bonds but also fuelled the team’s collective passion for advancing the profession of occupational therapy. 

The UKZN delegation’s active participation and valuable contributions have further solidified their commitment to enhancing occupational therapy and promoting well-being in Africa through meaningful occupation-based practices. 

Funding for UKZN delegates came from publication funds, the New Generation of Academics Scholarships (NGAP), Dean’s Strategic Funds from the School of Health Sciences, the National Research Foundation (Black Academics Advancement Programme – BAAP), and the University Capacity Development Grant Funding (UCDP) from UKZN. 

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied