Two members of the Division on Occupational Therapy (OT) have been elected to key positions on OT bodies – one which represents African occupational therapists and the other which represents OT students in South Africa.​

Munira Hoosain, a lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy, was recently elected Treasurer of the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) executive committee, which represents the growing body of occupational therapists on the continent.

Ashley Richardson (BOT II student) has been elected Chairperson of the newly-established Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa – Students (OTASA-S). This organisation will promote the interests of OT students nationally, and help develop a new generation of leadership in the profession.

Hoosain, who was elected Treasurer of OTARG at its annual congress in Kigali, Rwanda this year, said she was excited to be working with OTs from across Africa in her new position. OTARG's mission is to promote OT in Africa.

Her job will entail managing the day-to-day finances of OTARG. “I will be tasked with keeping records of finances and managing all income and expenses for the next congress in 2021. The two countries which have bid to host the congress are Tanzania and Namibia."

“Interacting with OTs from across Africa has been really meaningful. South Africa has an important role to play in promoting OT on the continent as we have access to resources and a long history of OT practice and training. We also have a lot to learn from other African countries, particularly regarding making OT context specific and decolonising OT teaching and practice."

Hoosain said another aim of OTARG is to facilitate interaction between OTs from different African countries. “In collaboration with WFOT, OTARG has also been involved with starting up OT training facilities in a number of African countries."

Hoosain said the new executive committee of OTARG is a diverse representation of African countries – with chairperson Dr Matumo Ramafikeng from Lesotho and other members from Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda.

“It's a young and dynamic new committee and we are working well together."

“I am looking forward to assisting with developing OT even further in Africa. It's a privilege to do this. I also believe we can learn a great deal from other African countries on a range of issues."

Richardson said that, as chairperson of OTASA-S, she will be responsible for the overall functioning of the association.

“Essentially my job will be to represent the student OTs, to advocate for the student body - and to ensure their voices are heard at meetings of the “mother" body. I will plan and manage meetings and manage communications between OTASA and the student branch."

Richardson said she was excited to be part of the student grouping. “I'm passionate about OT, so it's great to be able to represent the profession at a student level. There is huge scope for initiating development in the profession and for connecting with students from other universities. There is such a great philosophy behind OT. It's a holistic way of looking at healthcare. It is an emerging profession and there is great capacity for change and development."

Professor Nicola Plastow, Associate Professor and Head of Division: Occupational Therapy, said: “We are delighted by Munira's appointment to the executive committee of the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group. This appointment will strengthen our connections with the growing number of occupational therapists and occupational therapy programs across the African continent.

“Ashley Richardson's appointment as the chairperson of the newly-established student branch of the Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA-S) is important to give voice to the unique needs of occupational therapy students in our country. Ashley's appointment continues the commitment of our Division to the development of occupational therapy in South Africa, and is an excellent opportunity to develop a new generation of leaders."

Banner caption: Ms Munira Hoosain.

Insert captoin: Ms Munira Hoosain (second from right) together with the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) executive committee in Kigali, Rwanda.