In commemoration of World Mental Health month, it was deemed significant to finally launch and celebrate the existence of the Eswatini Psychology Association (EPA) this mental health month, October 2022. The launch was held on Saturday the 15th of October 2022 at the Mountain View International Hotel by BON Hotels, Mbabane. The Association was pleased to invite professionals and stakeholders in the mental healthcare space, whether in private practice, government or corporate entities as we celebrated the history and milestones achieved by the Association at its official launch themed “Mental Health in an Evolving Context”.

Beyond the endless foundational and organisational steps taken since 2015 to start up a member lead professional body, EPA’s successes and milestones have included but are not limited to:

• Defining and clarifying the scopes of practice to guide ethical practice
• The development of a specialized referral database of psychology professionals
• Providing psychoeducation on mental health and wellness via various media platforms to increase reach
• Relationship establishment with organisations and networks advocating for mental health in the country through networking events and collaborations
• Fundraising initiatives
• The development of the EPA website and social media pages

Furthermore, a major achievement being the recognition of the varied spheres of psychology and the ability to open up and diversify registration through the Eswatini Medical and Dental Council. The Association took this opportunity to celebrate all these achievements, acknowledge its contributors and appreciate the extent of growth that has been realised as an association, particularly in relation to the chosen theme. Additionally, thanks were given for the acknowledgement of EPA as a regulated healthcare profession and the role it has played in the development of relevant local policy through its advisory role and partnership with the Eswatini Medical and Dental Council (EMDC). Emphasis was placed on acknowledging that being a regulated profession, all members are to practice according to the professional scope which is being prescribed by EMDC, the regulatory authority.

The evening comprised an outline of the Association’s milestones, the different registration cadres of psychology, as well as a mental health engagement session on related challenges in the country – individually, in the workplace and at community level. Context-specific issues surrounding mental health and access thereto were discussed emanating from the Keynote Speaker’s address, delivered by Lomkhosi Magagula, CEO of CMAC. Awards in recognition of key contributors to the Association’s growth, a raffle draw of sponsored prizes, as well as artist performances by the likes of Ndosh the comedian, Ashley Earnshaw, Judah and DJ Tibza were also enjoyed over a buffet dinner. Through this event, organisations sponsored the attendance of their employees as a demonstration of their commitment toward issues related to mental health and wellbeing. The Association was extremely privileged to host the following organisations at the launch; The World Health Organisation, Eswatini Revenue Authority, Oracle Insurance, UMELUSI Fund Managers, African Christian College, Eswatini Medical Christian University, MVA, CMAC, Children’s Cup, Nedbank, MTN, Stefanutti Stocks and Intelchoice Wellness.