Prema Naidoo
Chapter Chairperson: Western Cape
Prema Naidoo hails from a very devoted-to-community family and was actively involved from a young
age in volunteer work. She was a scholar in East London and was inspired to pursue a career in
Psychology as she followed a path in what she refers to as “her calling”. She obtained her graduate and
post-graduate qualifications at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2009 and 2010. Following
the recommendation of her mentor, she achieved in a specialization programme having completed her
board exam in Trauma Counselling at UNISA in 2011. This propelled her to register with the Health
Professions Council of South Africa. One of her career highlights was her first working experience as a
Trauma Counsellor at iThuthuzela Care Clinic in Zwide, Port Elizabeth. She relocated to East London
where she opened private practice in 2012 until 2019. Prema worked with a wide array of institutions
within the helping profession; universities, clinics, hospitals, motor vehicle and rail industry, NGO’s as
well as NPO’s. This included assisting in the relaunch of EAPA-SA Ikhala Chapter in 2012, where she was
elected as an executive member. The people she met inspired her to carve her niche in the field of
Employee Wellness, where she was employed at PRASA Rail Eastern Cape as an Employee Wellness
Manager in November 2019. Prema later transferred within PRASA to Western Cape in September
2023, where she also joined the Western Cape chapter and was elected Chairperson.
Prema describes herself as a passionate South African helping professional. She believes there are two
important days in one’s life. The first is the day you were born and the second is when you find out why.
She further believes that she is fortunate to have found her purpose that has shaped her into who she is
today. Her motto she lives by is “together we can achieve” and believes that in the working
environment one should always “try it”.
Committee Portfolios:
– Chairperson: Prema Naidoo
– Vice-Chairperson: Rozelda Elliot
– Finance: Patrick Egan
– Education and events: Chanville Esterhuizen
– Marketing and media: Blanche Claasen-Hoskins
– Membership: Michelle Buis
- Growing Membership
- Increasing the value of EAPASA membership
Past Events
31st July 2024 - Western Cape Annual Summit 2024
EAPA-SA Western Cape Annual Summit 2024: A Transformative Event for Health and Wellness Professionals
On 31 July 2024, the EAPA-SA Western Cape hosted its first-ever Annual Summit at the Parc du Cap Auditorium in Bellville. This hybrid event, combining both online and physical sessions, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including CEOs, HR professionals, occupational therapists, coaches, and peer educators, making it a landmark event for the health and wellness industry.
Event Highlights:
Opening Session:
The summit kicked off with arrival refreshments, registration, arrival gift bags and EAPA-SA T-Shirts to all delegates, stall visits, and a warm welcome from Ms. Prema Naidoo, EAPA-SA Western Cape Chair. The event received a vote of support from Mr. T. Mamaila, Manager of EAP and Wellness, City of Cape Town, highlighting the city’s commitment to innovation in employee assistance programmes and support to the Western Cape Chapter.
Insightful Presentations:
Morning Session:
Artificial Intelligence and EAP: Ms. Radhi Vandayar (ThruVision), EAPA-SA President, delivered an impactful session on the influence of AI on the EAP industry, providing attendees with forward-thinking strategies.
Chronic Stress: In an online session, Ms. Nicola Keeve from JVR Africa shared insights into the impact of chronic stress on the brain and body, emphasizing effective stress management techniques.
Incapacity and Absenteeism Management: Experts Ms. Thiloshni Govender (Department of Health EC), Ms. Haniefa Dalvie, and Ms. Grace Cairns (both from Alexander Forbes) presented valuable perspectives on managing incapacity and absenteeism from an occupational health and wellness viewpoint.
Networking and Engagement:
Participants enjoyed a networking lunch, followed by messages and lucky draw prizes from sponsors such as Metropolitan/Momentum, Discovery Healthy Company, Old Mutual, Liberty, FNB, and Alexander Forbes, reinforcing their support to the EAP community/health and wellness industry.
Afternoon Session:
Research and Trends: Ms. Angela Valente (JVR) provided an overview of the latest research and trends in the EAP health and wellness industry.
EAPA International and CEAP Accreditation: Mr. Ian Quamina (EAPA International) and Ms. Radhi Vandayar offered global insights and discussed the importance of CEAP accreditation and the impact on our registered and potential registered members.
Health and Wellness: Mr. Kelly Manzini (Metropolitan/Momentum) inspired attendees with strategies for holistic health and wellness.
Celebrations and Acknowledgements:
The Summit concluded with a group picture and awards ceremony, recognizing excellence in the EAP field, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks. Virgin Active sponsored energizing stretch sessions, FNB provided gift bags, Liberty offered co-branded T-shirts, Discovery and Old Mutual sponsored catering, adding a special touch to the event. The following members were recognized for their outstanding contribution to EAPA-SA:
Ms. Yolanda Mhlakela – Practitioner of the year
Ms. Ella Khanyile – Professional of the year
Ms. Nikiwe Mashumi – Mentorship programme completion
Ms. Joycelyn Esterhuizen – Chairperson’s Award
Mentorship and CSI Initiatives:
The Summit also highlighted EAPA-SA Western Cape’s mentorship programme and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting registered members and the broader community.
Impact and Inclusivity:
This Summit was a milestone event, showcasing the power of inclusive, hybrid sessions that bring together various professionals dedicated to health and wellness. The diverse attendance underscored the comprehensive approach needed to address employee wellness effectively.
The EAPA-SA Western Cape Annual Summit 2024 was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience that fostered collaboration, innovation, and a renewed commitment to improving employee wellness across industries.
June 21st 2024 - Men's Wellness Day at Clicks Head Office: A Focus on Health and Wellbeing
Men’s Wellness Day at Clicks Head Office: A Focus on Health and Wellbeing
On June 21, 2024, the EAPA-SA Western Cape Executive Committee Members had the pleasure of attending and supporting Ms Elliot at the Men’s Wellness Day at Clicks Head Office in Woodstock, Cape Town. This event was a remarkable success, attracting over 478 employees who participated in a range of activities designed to promote health and wellbeing.
The primary focus of the day was on the importance of wellness assessments. Attendees had access to essential health screenings, including BMI, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. These assessments are crucial in helping employees understand their health status and take proactive steps towards maintaining or improving their wellbeing.
In addition to the health screenings, the event featured more than 20 providers from various industries, all dedicated to different aspects of overall wellbeing. These providers held engaging exhibition stands offering a variety of services. Employees enjoyed haircuts, beard trimming, grooming, facials, and express massage treatments. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the availability of complimentary coffee and muffins, which provided a welcome treat for all attendees.
Every employee who attended the wellness day received a gift bag filled with products sponsored by generous suppliers. The excitement didn’t end there; suppliers also sponsored hampers for lucky draws, which significantly boosted participation and added an element of fun to the day. The high level of employee engagement and the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the event’s success.
The Men’s Wellness Day at Clicks Head Office underscored the importance of comprehensive health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. By providing employees with access to valuable health services and creating an enjoyable environment, Clicks Group demonstrated its commitment to the holistic wellbeing of its workforce.
Building on the success of this event, Clicks are excited to announce that a Women’s Wellness Day will be hosted at the Clicks Head Office on August 23, 2024. They look forward to another event focused on promoting health and wellbeing among their employees.
Ms Elliots, on behalf of Clicks Head Office, extends her heartfelt thanks to all service providers, sponsors, employees and EAPA-SA executive members who contributed to making the Men’s Wellness Day a resounding success. Your participation and support are invaluable to them.
EAPA-SA Western Cape committee are in support of their member’s awareness campaigns and initiatives to promote health and wellness in various EAP industries.
May 15th 2024 - Western Cape Chapter Session Recap: “Silence is Golden”
EAPA-SA Western Cape Chapter Session Recap: “Silence is Golden”
On May 15, 2024, the executive board members of EAPA-SA Western Cape hosted an enriching chapter session, delving into the intriguing topic of “Silence is Golden”
To honour Mother’s Day, our executive board arranged for a talented, Mr August West saxophonist, to serenade us with heartfelt melodies, adding a touch of warmth and appreciation to the event. The soothing tunes were met with great applause, dance and gratitude from all in attendance.
The session commenced with an engaging online panel discussion led by EAPA-SA Board members and Service Providers. This panel explored the crucial aspects of confidentiality and its alignment with EAPA-SA Standards and Ethics, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field.
The main presentation of the day, titled “The N-Word: How to Cope with a Narcissistic Colleague in the Working Environment” was expertly delivered by Dr. R. Scherrer from JVR. Attendees gained valuable strategies for navigating challenging workplace dynamics and fostering healthier relationships in professional settings. Attendees were rewarded with 3 CPD points for their participation, recognising their commitment to continuous professional development.
The session took place at the prestigious venue of Old Mutual, located in Pinelands, Cape Town, providing a conducive environment for learning and networking. In alignment with EAPA-SA Western Cape’s commitment to social responsibility, and in partnership with Old Mutual, attendees were encouraged to contribute to our identified CSI project by bringing a pack of sanitary towels to the session. This collective effort to support the community reflects the ethos of compassion and
solidarity that defines our chapter.
Overall, the chapter session proved to be an enriching experience, offering valuable insights, training, networking opportunities, and a moment of musical delight. EAPA-SA Western Cape extends its gratitude to all attendees, presenters, and partners for their contributions to the success of the event. Stay tuned for updates on future chapter sessions and initiatives as we continue our journey of professional growth and social impact.
EAPA-SA Western Cape Chapter Stakeholders Meeting
EAPA-SA Western Cape Chapter Engages with Key Stakeholders for a Productive Morning of Collaboration!
EAPA-SA Western Cape Chapter recently hosted an invigorating Breakfast Engagement session at the prestigious Protea Fire and Ice Hotel in Cape Town, and it was a resounding success!
Our esteemed stakeholders, including representatives from Metropolitan Wellness, Old Mutual, Careworks, ICAS, Sanlam Sky, and iMAS, came together for a dynamic exchange of ideas and support. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, passion, and a shared commitment to the chapter’s upcoming calendar events.
At the heart of our initiatives lies the belief in holistic wellness and community support. We are thrilled to announce that our renowned breakfast engagement is made possible through the invaluable partnership of our dedicated stakeholders. The session was nothing short of inspiring, filled with enthusiasm, joint passion, and unwavering support for our chapter’s upcoming calendar events.
Stay tuned as we continue to create meaningful connections and foster a culture of well-being in the Western Cape community!
Embrace the power of collaboration with EAPA-SA Western Cape Chapter. Together, we can make a difference!