WSU RURAL PSYCHOLOGIST MAKING WAVES IN MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY

In the heart of the Eastern Cape lies a beacon of hope and change in the form of Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU) Ziyanda Mavumengwana(32), a rural psychologist whose journey from humble beginnings in mental health advocacy is nothing short of inspiring.

Mavumengwana was recently awarded with the Young Achiever Award of the 9th annual Titanium Awards by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF): Dr. Clarence at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The WSU Student Health and Wellness Cluster has since professed the honor to be associated with her as she is also making valuable contribution to the students' health and well-being in the institution.

Recently, Mavumengwana took on a role as a Senior Psychologist at WSU, where she is instrumental in boosting the institution's efforts in managing student mental health challenges.

Described by those who know her, Mavumengwana is a woman whose dreams transcended the limitations often imposed on rural girls.

With a career spanning both the public and private sectors, Mavumengwana’s innovative approach to her private practice goes beyond conventional therapy sessions.

“I feel deeply honored to be the recipient of the award, I do the work that I do because I believe in its significance, its value because it is so deeply encouraging and I feel affirmed and encouraged and proud of myself,” she said,

Her clinically polished voice frequently resonates across broadcasting platforms, and she generously shares her expertise with aspiring psychology professionals.

Adding to that, her contributions have already been recognized, with a notable presentation at the regional South African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE) conference.

Despite her professional achievements, Ziyanda remains deeply rooted in her commitment to her community.

“For my community it is a gift of proximity, years back beacons and models would be people from television, and really now it is now such a privilege because of proximity and I hope I am a gift for my people for the resources and knowledge that would climb many mountains with easily available resources,” she said.

Her doctoral research at the University of Cape Town focuses on developing contextually relevant cognitive development programs for rural pre-scholars, aiming to enhance their scholastic performance and overall well-being.

Beyond academia, Ziyanda's advocacy extends to the written word. Her self-published book, “You're Okay, But the Stuff That Happened to You Wasn't”, blends personal narratives with psychological theories, offering a therapeutic toolkit for those grappling with life's challenges.

The book's success has not only garnered critical acclaim but also serves as a fundraising endeavor for her ambitious project of establishing an early childhood development center in her hometown.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Mavumengwana leverages digital platforms, such as her YouTube channel "You're Okay," to disseminate mental health education to a wider audience.

“A lot of people do a wonderful work and not always get the recognition so I feel quite grateful that I am the handpicked one and exhibit the profound work that I do,” she added

Moreover, she co-founded "SimTalks," a health education initiative in Mthatha, aimed at promoting proactive health behaviors and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

By Yolanda Palezweni