The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), in collaboration with various African psychology societies and universities, under the auspices of the Pan-African Psychology Union (PAPU) organised the first-ever continental psychology congress. The theme of the congress was Psychology for Society. This theme aimed to exemplify the ideals to which the discipline of Psychology should be striving towards. These ideals include achieving a better and more just world where well-being is enhanced; and reducing inequalities, human rights abuses, health related challenges and suffering. The congress took place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on from 18 to 21 September 2017.

The team from the Department of Educational Psychology that attended the congress included Prof Salome Human-Vogel, Prof Ruth Mampane, Dr Maximus Sefotho, Dr Suzanne Bester, Dr Alfred du Plessis and Dr Funke Omidire.

The Symposium was titled ‘Resilience-enhancing approaches that inform educational psychology interventions in South Africa’

There were five presentations in the symposium as listed below:

A survey of educational psychologists' utilisation of dynamic assessment – Dr Suzanne Bester and Dr Alfred du Plessis

Disability: Expressions of resilience as social inclusion through transition into the world of work – Dr Maximus Sefotho

Identity and meaning in relation to self-regulation, commitment and achievement – Prof Salome Human-Vogel

The development of critical thinking skills as an enabler of resilience in multilingual environments Dr Funke Omidire

Acknowledgement of cultural practices and belief systems as an enabler of family resilience Prof Ruth Mampane