Speakers & Presentations

Kevashini Govender-Naidoo is a clinical psychologist and a specialist organisational development and support consultant. After approximately 20 years of clinical experience, she co-founded Impilo Consulting. She uses a systems-psychodynamic approach to work with organisations within South Africa and the United Kingdom. She has a special interest
in issues of mental health, race, power and gender within organisations.

Ayesha Booley-Schreuder, is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology in 1995 as well as her Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2007, both at the University of Cape Town. Ayesha has diverse experience In the NGO and community sectors as a specialist organisational development and support consultant. She co-founded Impilo Consulting in 2017 and prior to this has had extensive clinical experience working with individuals of all ages, groups and organisations, both in private practice and within the context of the University of Cape Town. Her special area of interest is in working psychodynamically with groups and organisations. Ayesha has years of clinical expertise In working with students and young adults of different ages, student wellness services at the tertiary level, scholarship funds, and a keen interest in mental health and wellness within corporate and NGO settings. Her diverse experience within these contexts span across race, ethnicity, class, and issues of power and conflict in a broad range of organisations.

Difference in race between people has always been recognised and felt in groups but rarely is it ever openly engaged with or discussed. Raising issues of race or racism at work often creates a deep discomfort, anxiety, and fear for all involved. Quick fix interventions or short-term performative actions fosters resentment, anger and even greater mistrust, fear and disengagement between employees and towards the organisations. The workshop will explore why we can’t talk about race, how we defend against the fears and anxieties that race brings up and suggest ways to intervene within organisations, ensuring authentic conversations and lasting impact.

Learning Objective 1: Explore main anxieties that race evokes in groups and organizations

Learning Objective 2:  Psychodynamic understanding of defences to cope with anxities around race

Learning Objective 3:  Considering ways in how to talk around race within an organization

Paula Quinsee: Accredited Coach, analyst and trainer, international speaker and author with over 16yrs experience in the corporate sector and human development space.

Cheryl specialises in talent management solutions. She has a strong recruitment background across small and large employers in the public and private sector aligning employee performance with organisational strategy. She loves the different dimensions of human behaviour, understanding where a person’s strengths lie and what motivates them as well as what happens to them when under pressure, empowering them to manage change effectively.

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Paula and Cheryl have over 30yrs experience in the corporate sector across the human capital management value chain and bring a wealth of knowledge and insights with them to share with the audience having worked with blue chip clients such as: Allan Gray, FirstRand Group, Thebe Investments, Ashburton Investments and Royal Haskoning Netherlands to mention a few.

Together they provide a holistic, hands on approach to creating human centric workplaces where people and organisations can thrive.

Post COVID the employee has far more power than before and is not afraid to use their power to meet their own needs resulting in the current trends of The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, Quiet Firing and more.
Employers in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment are facing a significant challenge: finding the delicate balance between fulfilling the objectives of their organisations and addressing the growing demands of employees for flexibility, meaning, and purpose. On one hand, organisations strive to remain competitive, achieve profitability, and meet their strategic goals. This often involves setting clear targets, implementing efficient processes, and maximizing productivity. On the other hand, employees are increasingly seeking a more flexible work environment that allows them to have a healthy work-life balance, pursue personal interests, and find fulfillment in their roles. They are yearning for meaningful work that aligns with their values and provides a sense of purpose.

Learning Objective 1: Do you know your real vs perceived organisational culture?

Learning Objective 2: Is Psychological safety a nice to have?

Learning Objective 3: Why you need to take your people on the journey with you?

Susan’s interest in workplace bullying as a new phenomenon in 1994 led her to be South Africa’s pioneer in raising awareness and educating about workplace violence including workplace bullying. She became an international activist by starting internet groups for victims of workplace bullying and researchers in 1995 while her first publication saw the light in 1997.

Dr. Marion Borcherds has worked within the field of Employee Assistance for the last 20 years in both a senior manager and executive position. She is currently employed at AfroCentric Health as the Senior Manager: Head of Wellbeing. She is a thought leader in the employee wellness space, having designed, implemented and managed EWP programmes for both government and parastatals over the years. She has also worked in academia and private and her expertise in mental health and gender and reproductive health is worthy of noting. Dr. Borcherds is a regular speaker at local conferences on various Employee Wellness related topics. She has also has participated at a number of international conferences such as the international Nursing summit, the International Health conference and the International Employee Assistance conference at which she has delivered papers on Integration within employee wellness, the strategic positioning of Employee wellness within HR, EAP as a behavioural risk assessment tool as well the Management of violence in the workplace, amongst others.

The presentation is thus aimed at:

Creating awareness of a healthy work environment.
Unpacking the leader and employee archetypes within a toxic culture.
Focussing on what workplace bullying is and is not.
Providing an understanding of how to handle complaints and investigations of workplace bullying.
Exploring the solutions of
– Coaching the Bully.
– Creating a psychologically safe workplace through work practices.

Learning Objective 1: Creating awareness of a healthy work environment.

Learning Objective 2: Unpacking the leader and employee archetypes within a toxic culture.

Learning Objective 3: Focussing on what workplace bullying is and is not.

Radhi obtained an honors degree in Social Work at the University of Witwatersrand which was followed by 17 years in practice. She further obtained short courses to enhance her business and OD skills and knowledge. She worked in the UK in the Mental Health and Social Service setting. Her working experience in South Africa has primarily been in the field of EAP consultancy. Her work has been in various environments, including government, corporate and non-governmental organisations. She has developed skills in change management, organizational development processes, counselling, facilitation of various training and leadership coaching. In addition, business skills have been acquired through exposure to various business processes, including the development and implementation of strategies and individualized programmes for a broad based client group. She received her MBA and Coaching qualifications through Henley Business School in 2012 and 2017. She has also been a part of EAPA South Africa for the last 11 years and has been a board member for the last 7 years. She currently holds the EAPA-SA President Elect position and was previously the Conference portfolio and before that held the Egoli Chairperson portfolio for 2 terms.

As the founder and owner of Healthy Living Consulting (HLC), Ronald championed the development of the globally successful HLC 7-CELL WELLBEING MODELTM, which aligns business drivers with wellbeing drivers to achieve a measurable result for the business and the people of the organisation. Ronald is an entrepreneur that started his first business with less than $10. Ronald is a qualified physiologist with a degree in Physical Education and Human Movement Sciences and he is a qualified 5th degree black belt in karate and 3 times world chamopion.

As a renowned radio and television wellbeing expert, Ronald wins the hearts and minds of audiences through his practical approach to overcoming challenges and the honest belief that wellbeing is not a lofty aspiration but something that every person deserves and can attain with the right information and tools to fix what might be perceived as broken or breaking. In his keynote talk Ronald redefines successful living and offers readers a new life currency to build on, one that is steeped in wellbeing…Wellth! Ronald inspires audiences on his own Television show called SHAPE YOUR LIFE, broadcast on DSTV and has regular radio slots on numerous national and international radio stations. He is currently the driving force behind some of Africa’s largest digital health engagement platforms – MyHealth360.

His company also syndicates digital content in South Africa and globally impacting close to 1000 000 lives , giving access to health and wellbeing content, advice and and community.

Radhi and Ronald are Directors of Healthy Living Consulting. They are passionate about learning and development. Their business is to ensure their team develops content and tools to drive people to their best selves both from a wellness and goals perspective.

Discover the Future: Explore the relationship between AI and humans in this eye-opening session. We’ll break down the myths, unveil opportunities, and provide real-world strategies to navigate the AI era. Come ready to learn, question, and transform your perspective!

Learning Objective 1: Unravel the Paradox: Participants will dissect the dual nature of AI, where it both challenges and enhances human capabilities. They’ll understand the balance of technology and ethics, and the importance of aligning AI with human values and goals. Get ready to dive into the deep-end of a topic that’s redefining our world!

Learning Objective 2: Unlock Opportunities: Through real-world examples and dynamic insights, attendees will discover how to leverage AI’s potential for individual and business growth. They’ll explore innovative strategies to harness AI’s power, ensuring it aligns with their personal and organizational visions. It’s time to seize the future, today

Learning Objective 3: Human-Centric Approach: Attendees will learn to prioritize the human element in AI, recognizing the importance of empathy, ethics, and connection in technological advancement. We’ll explore how to design AI systems with humanity’s needs and values at the core. By understanding the human benefit, participants will be empowered to create AI solutions that not only drive efficiency but enrich lives. It’s not just about machines; it’s about making technology work for people.

Liezl is a registered clinical psychologist and a human behaviourist with a specific interest in employee wellness, and organizational wellness, with a keen interest in assisting clients to create wellness from. Her clinical and occupational experience straddles public and private psychiatric institutions, academia, the public sector and the corporate environment.

Dr Fundile Nyati is a qualified family physician and seasoned healthcare entrepreneur, who currently heads a leading Employee Wellness Company, Proactive Health Solutions (Pty) Ltd as the Chairman and Chief Executive.

He is a much sought after conferences speaker. Past EAPA EduWeek speaker during the last five EAPA-SA conferences, with overwhelming majority of conference participants on feedback rating his presentation ability as good to excellent.

Contextualising relationships, exploring infidelity and presenting different perspectives / options / solutions to clients presenting with relationship challenges

Learning Objective 1: Rethinking traditional counselling interventions for relationship challenges.

Learning Objective 2: Adding new knowledge to existing approaches for relationship counselling.

As a pioneer in EAP in the Public Service in South Africa, Dr P A Bhoodram is recognised both Nationally and Internationally. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field . He received two International awards. Dr Bhoodram has served on National and International committees and presented at more than 25 conferences. He is currently an EAPA-SA Board member.

Join me in this playful method which will create a powerful shared picture of moments in your life. The big purpose of this tool is to create more vulnerability with each other. By using the metaphor of a dotted mandala, this activity will support participants to think differently about how they are feeling and builds trust when shared. Individuals can use this method to introduce themselves in a fun and descriptive way; a group can use it to understand and reflect on the past and imagine the future of a project; and it can be used to build a shared view compiled of different and perhaps differing perspectives.
Mindful Art often induces a Flow State and you are encouraged to notice your breath, thoughts, sensations, emotions, etc while making art. Mindful Meditative Art is a creative form of meditation. Whether you’re an experienced artist, meditator, or have no previous experience this practice is for you!

Learning Objective 1: Understand what mandalas are and how they represent the architecture of the cosmos.

Learning Objective 2: How mandalas are constructed and what they represent.

Learning Objective 3: Draw their own dotted mandala with the tools provided.

Learning Objective 4: Understand how the process of constructing their mandalas is meditative.

Conrad (NCAC, FDAP, BACP) is a Specialist Addiction Consultant and Therapist with 22 years of experience in this field. His passion for making recovery accessible to all communities led to the launch of Project Exodus, an NPO focusing on developing and bringing cutting-edge recovery solutions to all communities.

Karin Ussher (BA Hons.) is a director of Project Exodus and has been integral to its launch and successful growth. Her own journey of recovery led her to realise there were far more effective ways to achieve sustainable recovery. Among other responsibilities Ussher is a programme developer at Project Exodus.

What if multidimensional recovery services were available in every business and community? What if all businesses offered evidence-based outpatient programmes? What if all families had affordable access to life-saving addiction interventions?

Through the application of innovative strategies, businesses can be equipped and empowered to increase the accessibility and affordability of effective addiction recovery solutions internally. No longer will admission to a treatment centre be the only option available for an employee battling with an addiction.

There are other accessible ways of helping those in your employ to walk in greater freedom. Not only will there be benefit to them as an individual and as a family, but as a company, you will sense a healthy shift in company culture as employees shift from shame into freedom.

Together, let’s expand the culture of recovery.

Learning Objective 1: Understand that addiction is multi-dimensional and requires a multi-faceted approach if recovery is to be sustainable.

Learning Objective 2: Understanding that addiction includes both substance use disorders and addictive behaviours.

Learning Objective 3: Understand that every community is able to launch a recovery programme through the provision of training, resources and ongoing support.

Alex is a passionate ambassador in the health and wellness arena, and firmly believes that every person has the potential to improve themselves through coaching and self assessment. He is a Fatigue, Fitness for Work and Sleep specialist and has been consulting to numerous Companies in the past 10 years, by facilitating behavior change workshops ranging from Senior Management to the entire workforce.

As wellness practitioners, we need to show that what we are doing in our wellness strategy actually contributes to the company’s bottom line. This implies that employees and supervisors have certain skills to ensure that they are physically, mentally and emotionally ok, when they arrive at work every day. The content that will be covered in tis Masterclass topic of “Enriching wellness in the workplace through Fitness for work” will enable you as a wellness practitioner or consultant to create a culture toward fitness for work, and it will give you the 4 building block of content that you can use to ensure that Supervisors have the necessary skills to manage employees towards fitness for work and that you furthermore can give employees the necessary skills to ensure they are physically, mentally and emotionally fit for work every day.

Learning Objective 1: What is Fitness for Work, and how can you create such a culture in your company to ensure employees take self responsibility.

Learning Objective 2: Building blocks of a Fitness for work culture: “Supervisory Skills towards Fitness for work”

Learning Objective 3: Fitness for Work initiatives/skills to empower employees: Mental Health, Healthy Lifestyle and Better Sleep Solutions

Kelly Manzini was an EAPA SA Board Member from 2004 – 2017 and elected as President in 2017 where he co-authored the EAP Standards (SA). Kelly holds qualifications in behavioural sciences and postgraduate business studies, with over 25 years’ experience in designing and implementing EAP and wellness programmes, both for public service and JSE-listed corporates. Kelly served in multiple inter-ministerial committees during his 10 yearsin the Public Service. The former Senior Manager for Organisational Development for Edcon Group, Human Resources Executive for Clicks Group and CEO of Careways Group. Kelly designed and implemented successful business turnaround strategies for both Careways and Metropolitan Wellness. Kelly holds extensive experience and knowledge in delivering strategic plans aligned to business growth, performance and operations, including experience in human capital optimisation, customer relations and stakeholder management. A reputable scholarly and business publications contributor. A proud finisher of Ironman races, multiple Comrades Marathons and recently the London to Paris Tour de France cycling tour.

Can your body manage your work, family and lifestyle demands, are your physically fit for your purpose. Let’s talk about ways to help you and your employees implement sustainable lifestyle options!

Learning Objective 1: Designing an effective health and wellness programme.

Learning Objective 2: Identify and plan to mitigate the barries to change.

Learning Objective 3: Making lasting lifestyle commitments and support.

Buyani Zwane is the founder and Managing Director of Breakthrough
Development, a leadership and management consultancy that has been
helping organisations find their true north and achieve great results for over two decades.
A master strategist with extensive experience in human resources (capital) management and leadership development, Buyani believes that all people are born capable, and with the right guidance, can transform and step into their greatness as individuals and as contributing team members. Having grown up in rural KwaZulu Natal he has navigated many different work environments, including leading Franklin Covey Southern Africa, represented in 14 Southern African countries and Indian Ocean Islands, and CEO at one of nation’s top financial services companies.

Post pandemic working conditions and patterns challenge leaders to rescript how they steward talent in their charge. Beyond strategic objectives based on the what to deliver/produce to mindfully and heart-fully taking care of production capable talent. Enabling and grounding dynamism and agility. Reframing core of business and enabling talent to be & stay engaged, and win continuously, consistently, passionately. Leaders shaping talent for top performance, holistically. A turning point and/or movement opportunity like no other in 3rd decade of 21st century.

Learning Objective 1: Reigniting whole person leadership

Learning Objective 2: Bettering employee engagement

Learning Objective 3: Connecting and equipping talent

John Manyike is passionate about helping ordinary South African’s to achieve their lifetime financial goals through Financial education and awareness. He believes in the power of financial education to free South Africans from issues such as poverty, inequality and unemployment. John joined Old Mutual in 1995 and
worked in various managerial positions before taking up his current role in 2010. As both head of the department and media spokesperson, he has since helped Old Mutual to reach millions of people through its comprehensive and free Financial Education programme which is available in many formats including social media, online, face-to-face and at work sites in South Africa as well as 7 African Countries. John holds an undergraduate degree from the University of the Limpopo and a B.Admin Honours degree in Industrial Psychology from UNISA.

Changing financial behaviour is one of the hardest thing to do. Old Mutual has a story to tell about monitoring and evaluation of behaviour through the deployment of digital platforms and artificial intelligence while incentivizing good behaviour. We look forward to revealing our brand new tool and to share how we can partner.

Learning Objective 1: Understand the need to measure and track financial behaviour to make data driven decisions on employee wellness.

Learning Objective 2: Appreciate the power of artificial intelligence towards building financial knowledge and financial wellbeing.

Learning Objective 3: Introduction to a multichannel and multidisciplinary approach to Employee Financial Wellbeing.

Celine Bentley has over 25 years’ HR experience in the petroleum and retail industry, and prior to that, as a social worker, working primarily with addictions and trauma related issues. Currently a Life Coach, her primary interest is in the field of neuroscience, enabling individuals/groups of individuals to develop their potential and to overcome challenges through accessible coaching and counselling solutions.

EAP practitioners/wellbeing consultants/HR practitioners and line managers will gain new insight into the importance and value of adopting a systems perspective in addressing absenteeism, resent’eeism, present’eeism and resignations in the workplace. Practical solutions will be shared and explained through real case examples which will enable employee wellbeing practitioner’s or relevant stakeholders, to advocate for a broader approach within their client organisations to address these trends in a sustainable manner.

Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate an understanding and new insights into a systems perspective in addressing absenteeism and employee morale issues in the workplace.

Learning Objective 2: Understand the importance of advocating for an organisational systems view for addressing negative trends in absenteeism and morale.

Learning Objective 3: Gain practical skills as an EAP Practitioner to influence the organisation to adopt a more holistic view of the concept of organisational wellness.

With a background in health care delivery, financing, as well as a masters’ degree in business administration,Margot holds over 25-years of experience in the design and implementation of health risk management, health claims management, medical fund governance, and workplace wellness solutions.
Margot has been the Executive Director of several health risk management and information technology companies, as well as the Principal Officer of two closed medical funds in the South African mining industry. Margot also served as the Deputy General Manager of Medical Risk Management operations at Discovery Health for three years. Margot is passionate about interrogating human behaviour and has invested significant time studying various aspects of behavioural science including neuro-semantics, psycho-neuro-immunology and developing both personal and group transformation coaching methods and skills.

Charlotte Kemp is a Futurist Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader who helps organisational leaders develop new ways of thinking about the future to lead their teams and companies into vibrant, preferred futures scenarios.

53 years ago Alvin Toffler popularise a term called ‘Future Shock’, the shattering stress we experience when faced with too much change in too short a period of time. Toffler could never imagine the exponential nature of that change and the accompanying pressure on our mental health and our ability to cope in a world, constantly changing.

The best way to help our people to cope with this frantic future, is to develop a futures focussed mindset, and make this available to everyone in our organisations.

Learning Objective 1: We will explore a practical framework to reframe the current experience of change.

Learning Objective 2: We will unpack a mental model of time to anticipate the future with hope instead of anxiety.

Learning Objective 3: We will develop new ways to steer conversation and workplace communications to equip and upskill employees in preparation for continued disruption.

I Tasleem Daffurn. I graduated as a social worker in 1999 from the University of KwaZulu Natal (then known as the University of Durban Westville). I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Johannesburg. During my career I have held roles in the SANDF, University of Pretoria, Child Welfare South Africa, UNISA, ICAS, and had a private practice. My current role is EAP Clinical Supervisor, Wellness at Momentum/Metropolitan. My current focus is the quality assurance and bench marking of clinical work in the EAP space, as well as upskilling clinicians. I also represent Momentum on any forum where a clinical voice needs to be heard.

The presentation will focus on positive ethics as prescribed by the SACSSP and the HPCSA. It will further delve into the EAP clinicians implementation of ethics in a manner that protects the best interest of the client. Positive ethics forces us to focus on the best interest of the client instead of the protection of the clinician, and to do good as opposed to avoiding punishment for violating ethics. This must include the use of well-established techniques and/or methods. Ethics in conjunction with best suited, research driven technologies and theories must be taken into consideration when establishing workplace protocols and SLA’s to ensure best practice.

Learning Objective 1: To understand what ethics in counselling is.

Learning Objective 2: To understand how to apply ethics in the EAP setting.

Learning Objective 3: To understand how to integrate ethics, theory and the best interest of the client.

Dr. Marion Borcherds has worked within the field of Employee Assistance for the last 20 years in both a senior manager and executive position. She is currently employed at AfroCentric Health as the Senior Manager: Head of Wellbeing. She is a thought leader in the employee wellness space, having designed, implemented and managed EWP programmes for both government and parastatals over the years. She has also worked in academia and private and her expertise in mental health and gender and reproductive health is worthy of noting. Dr. Borcherds is a regular speaker at local conferences on various Employee Wellness related topics. She has also has participated at a number of international conferences such as the international Nursing summit, the International Health conference and the International Employee Assistance conference at which she has delivered papers on Integration within employee wellness, the strategic positioning of Employee wellness within HR, EAP as a behavioural risk assessment tool as well the Management of violence in the workplace, amongst others.

Sixolile Ngcobo is the Senior Advisor: Gender and Sustainable Development and has worked as a DEI Practioner with special focus on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for over 15 years. She is a Results -Coach and volunteers her time as the Localisation Lab Navigator for the End GBVF Movement in South Africa.

I Tamsyn Lesch have 17 years of experience post qualification. I hold a Social Work Hons Degree, Social Development Hons & a Masters in Social Work(EAP).
I held roles such a social worker, social worker in private practice, EAP & Organisational Development Practitioner and as Client Relationship Manager. I have worked in the NGO, Government and Private sector.

Mark Attridge, PhD, MA, BA is an independent research scholar in the field of workplace mental health. He has been conducting original research on EAP service delivery and best-practices since 1995. He is President of his own consulting firm in the United States.

As the demand had soared for workplace mental health support since the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of dollars of venture capital has flowed into many companies that are relatively new to this global market. These providers sell some mix of digital Apps and internet platforms. This presentation critically reviews the marketing trends that mischaracterize much of what EAPs do, how they are used, and how effective they are. It’s time to fact check this propaganda against the decades of professionalism and research in our field. The evidence shows the true business value of employee assistance when properly delivered.

Learning Objective 1: To understand the current business context that includes many new companies that are openly hostile to established EAPs in a variety of marketing mis-information campaigns and sales tactics.

Learning Objective 2: To identify the common themes of this mis-information (which center on the purpose, use and effectiveness) in order to prepare an effective defense for the EAP industry.

Learning Objective 3: To fact check the marketing themes against the real data available from decades of professional practices and research evidence that serves as the foundation of employee assistance programming and service delivery.

After graduating in 2008 I worked in private practice within the fields of Neurological & Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity Evaluations, and Medicolegal work. In 2015 I transitioned from the clinical field to the corporate sector, and I have specialising in Incapacity & Disability Management for the past eight years. I am an advocate for individuals living with disabilities / impairments.

The workplace discourse on disability must shift to prioritize accessibility, diversity, and empowerment. Employers should go beyond accommodation and involve employees with disabilities, provide professional development, and foster community. Addressing systemic barriers is crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic offers opportunities and challenges, with AI technology playing a supportive role if designed inclusively. Organizations should value the unique skills and perspectives of individuals with disabilities. The Employment Equity Amendment Act of 2022 in South Africa promotes workforce diversity and equality, ensuring representation of historically disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities.

Learning Objective 1: Participants will be able to explain the shift from a traditional approach to disability in the workplace to a more inclusive approach that prioritises accessibility and diversity.

Learning Objective 2: Participants will be able to identify strategies for empowering employees with disabilities to take an active role in shaping the workplace, including seeking their input on policies, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Learning Objective 3: Participants will understand the potential benefits and challenges of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the workplace for employees with disabilities, and be able to discuss the importance of inclusive and accessible design when implementing AI systems.

Navlika Ratangee is the Managing Director at ICAS SA. A clinical psychologist with diverse experience in workplace wellbeing. She completed her MBA in 2016 as the top student of the programme. With executive education from Harvard Business School, Navlika is a seasoned presenter, chapter author and published editor on corporate mental health.

South Africa rates as lowest in the world on relationships between managers and their employees. This is largely as a result of a lack of soft skills, better known as essential people skills. This is further compounded by toxic behaviours in the workplace and what has come to be known as snakes in suits. Whilst the original term snakes in suits relates to psychopathic behaviour of a leader, there is much we can learn from how to handle toxic behaviour in general in the workplace, and how it impacts mental health and employee wellbeing.

Learning Objective 1: Understanding the impact of employer-employee relationships on mental health.

Learning Objective 2: Practical ideas to protect yourself against toxic relationships in the work environment – particularly between manager and employee.

Learning Objective 3: Understanding what we need from leaders now and into the future in order to groom a work environment for employee wellbeing.

Kerry Janse van Rensburg (BSc, HDE) is a sought-after speaker on the topic of Problematic Pornography Use (PPU). In 2019, Kerry transitioned from high school principal to, now, being a director of Project Exodus NPC. Her primary focus is on creating awareness around and helping those affected by PPU.

Carol is an experienced Social Worker and addiction specialist with diverse skills in clinical, tertiary education and corporate environments.
Carol is passionate about supporting individuals and families grappling with substance and addiction issues from a holistic perspective, understanding them as part of a system and within their home, community and work environments.

Tiego Malibe, the Strategic Head of CX & Digital Experience at Metropolitan Health Corporate is a forward-thinking visionary at the forefront of customer & digital experience innovation. A dynamic speaker and thought leader with a multifaceted journey that spans over 12 years in the realm of customer solutions for industry giants including Discovery and Sanlam. As a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Tiego’s journey has been marked by dedication to understanding clients’ underlying needs and using insights to drive innovation, growth, and market leadership.

Tiego’s qualifications include a degree in Communication Science from Unisa, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the University of St Mark & St John in the UK, an Executive Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) USA, and Design Thinking from Hasso Plattner D-School Afrika. These credentials underscore her commitment to innovation and the pursuit of data-driven cutting-edge strategies.

A Powerful Discussion on Workplace Dynamics: Unveiling Gender-Based Violence

Are you ready to delve into a crucial workplace conversation that demands our attention? Join us for an eye-opening session that sheds light on the often silent struggle of gender-based violence in professional environments.

In this engaging talk, we’ll hear directly from women who have faced these challenges and triumphed over adversity. Their stories will inspire and resonate with professionals across industries, providing unique insights into the realities they’ve navigated.
But that’s not all – we’re not just discussing problems; we’re focused on solutions. Discover how employee assistance programs can undergo transformative changes to effectively address and prevent gender-based violence.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a critical dialogue that has the power to reshape workplaces for the better.

Learning Objective 1: Practical strategies that not only protect employees but also foster a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment.

Learning Objective 2: Definition and understanding of GBV

Learning Objective 3: Upskilling individuals to understand the various signs of GBV

S’lindile Ninela is a young mental health professional who has had the privilege of working with all kinds of people from different walks of life. She has been exposed to different cases which relate to the person and their spirituality. A strong interest to learn and engage more around the topic of spirituality in the workplace has grown to a certain extent.

Healthy expressions of spirituality help employees grow as individuals, however there is danger when spirituality is used as a defense mechanism to receive the psychological help that one needs. This creates a barrier between the individual and authentic growth.

Learning Objective 1: Understanding Spirituality.

Learning Objective 2:  Understanding the concept of Spiritual Bypassing.

Learning Objective 3: The signs, causes and impact.

Julie Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP is a skilled and dynamic non-profit association decades of experience. Julie has worked for such prestigious organizations as Pennsylvania State University, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the Purple Heart Foundation, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and the American College. Julie was the head US Synchronized Swimming and of the National Postdoctoral Association. She is now the CEO of the EAPA.

Dr Fundile Nyati is a qualified family physician and seasoned healthcare entrepreneur, who currently heads a leading Employee Wellness Company, Proactive Health Solutions (Pty) Ltd as the Chairman and Chief Executive. He is a much sought after conferences speaker. Past EAPA EduWeek speaker during the last five EAPA-SA conferences, with overwhelming majority of conference participants on feedback rating his presentation ability as good to excellent.

Suzan Tashobya Tabaro, is a Counselling Psychologist. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical and Psychological Counselling (MCPC) and has 11 years’ experience in counselling. Suzan is the Managing Director/ Founder of RAPPORT COUNSELLING-SMC LIMITED. She has positioned her company as the lead Employee Assistance Program service provider in Uganda.

Ven. Adelowo Adesina is a certified counsellor, mediator, facilitator and a seasoned EAP practitioner. A much sought after conference speaker, he has facilitated a host of training workshops, management retreats and team bonding sessions in all sectors of the economy across the African continent.

Julie Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP is a skilled and dynamic non-profit association decades of experience. Julie has worked for such prestigious organizations as Pennsylvania State University, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the Purple Heart Foundation, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and the American College. Julie was the head US Synchronized Swimming and of the National Postdoctoral Association. She is now the CEO of the EAPA.

Patience Osekre is a Consultant Psychotherapist and a Wellness Expert trained in the UK with a wealth of experience and expertise in providing Health and Well-being Services for Individuals, Groups and Organisations. She has worked for many years in Managerial position within the Public/ Statutory, Private and Voluntary Sector in the UK prior to relocating to Ghana.
She is currently the Managing Director of Supreme Healthcare Management services and EAP-Africa (Subsidiary) in Ghana a pioneering initiative in Sub Saharan Africa which provides 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing Services /Consultancy for
Banks, Oil/Companies, Mining Industry, Embassies, Schools, Clinics, hospitals, and other Corporate Institutions and sectors to enhance Employee wellbeing, performance and productivity. She leads a Multi-disciplinary/Multi-Lingual Team of Professionals in delivering a wide range of multifaceted Employee Well-being Services in Ghana and across the continent.

With over twenty-three years of experience in Employee Assistance, Ian is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional who delivers strategic guidance on the development, implementation, management, delivery and evaluation of quality Employee Assistance Programs in the Caribbean and most recently on the African Continent.