Welcome to
Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa

OTASA News and Updates

Reflection on Occupational Therapy Services by Dr. Alicia Porter, Psychiatrist

Occupational Therapy changes the trajectory of recovery, moving us from symptom management to meaningful function. In a country like South Africa, where families and schools are under enormous pressure, functional gains matter deeply. Occupational Therapists translate diagnosis into daily life. A recent reflection from my clinical work… Over the past few months I’ve been reflecting on the role of Occupational Therapy in mental health, particularly in my work with children and families. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I prescribe medication daily and I value it,it can reduce anxiety, lift mood and improve attention. It stabilises the storm. But there are places medication simply cannot go. It cannot teach a child how to organise their school day, regulate a sensory

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A review of the book: Crouch and Alers Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health. 6th Edition

This book highlights the value of contextually relevant research that strengthens occupational therapy practice and supports improved health and participation outcomes. Research published in SAJOT contributes to evidence-based practice and helps guide occupational therapists in responding to the diverse needs of communities. We are proud to see the continued contribution of research published in the South African Journal of Occupational Therapy (SAJOT), a journal that has long played a vital role in advancing occupational therapy knowledge in South Africa and beyond. The article highlights the value of contextually relevant research that strengthens occupational therapy practice and supports improved health and participation outcomes. Research published in SAJOT contributes to evidence-based practice and helps guide occupational therapists in responding to the diverse

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Become a Peer Reviewer with the South African Journal of Occupational Therapy

Are you passionate about advancing research and strengthening evidence-informed practice in occupational therapy? This is your opportunity to contribute to impactful scholarship across Africa. Become a Peer Reviewer: Join our SAJOT Reviewer Community! Are you committed to advancing research and strengthening evidence-informed practice? The South African Journal of Occupational Therapy (SAJOT) invites you to help uphold rigorous scholarly standards and support the publication of meaningful, impactful research for occupational therapy in Africa. Why become a SAJOT reviewer? Stay current with emerging evidence in your field. Grow your scholarly profile and strengthen your CV. Build confidence and skills in peer review. Learn from experienced reviewers through available mentoring. Earn 3 CEUs for every completed review. Contribute to a collaborative and supportive

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Testimonials

"Being an Occupational Therapist has opened my eyes to the resilience and potential within every person. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strengths, and the lessons they’ve taught me have shaped my own growth. As an OTASA member, I’ve experienced the impact of strong leadership and mentorship that truly supports and strengthens our profession. OTASA has provided a platform for advocacy, connection, and continuous personal and professional development.

Through OTASA, I’ve had valuable opportunities to advocate for OT and continue growing personally and professionally "

Being a member of OTASA, first as a student and then for the following 42 years, has really enriched my OT career, not only by keeping me informed about professional aspects and developments, but also by enabling me to widen my networks and engage with OTs nationwide, due to the membership benefits such as the free Focus newsletter and Congresses and workshops and webinars which are far more affordable for members. As a member, one gets to know how much is being done by OTASA to promote the profession and support the workforce, and realises the excellent value for money the membership fee is. I am so glad I have been able to show appreciation to OTASA by giving back in service such as joining my branch committee and then the Publications standing committee. Thank you OTASA!

Announcements

Health Professions Council of South Africa Key 2026 Ethical Rule Changes:

The HPCSA has introduced significant ethical rule changes effective in late 2025 and 2026, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, end-of-life decisions, and corporate employment of practitioners.

Key updates include new guidelines for AI use (Booklet 20), revised rules for withholding treatment (Booklet 7), and strict pre-approval requirements for unregistered employers (Rule 18).

• Booklet 20 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Care (New, 2025/2026): Establishes
ethical guidelines for using AI, emphasizing that accountability remains with the
practitioner, not the technology. It requires transparency with patients regarding AI tools
in their care, data privacy adherence, and ethical training for practitioners.

o Accountability: Explicitly states that AI cannot replace professional clinical
judgment; practitioners remain ultimately responsible for all clinical decisions
and interpretations of AI output

o Transparency: Patients must be informed if AI tools are being used to inform their care.

o Validation: Only AI systems validated for reliability and cultural appropriateness in South Africa should be used, aligning with SAHPRA regulatory requirements.

• Booklet 7 – Withholding/Withdrawing Treatment (Updated): Strengthens patient autonomy, requiring consultation with patients or their representatives on end-of-life decisions. It now codifies a “hierarchy of consent” for when patients cannot make decisions themselves and allows for withdrawing treatment if it brings little benefit, even if family requests it.

o Patient Representatives: Formally recognises a person nominated by the patient to make healthcare decisions if the patient loses capacity.

o Hierarchy of Consent: Provides a clear order of authority for decision-making (e.g., spouse first, then parent, etc.) if no representative was appointed.

o Futility and Best Interests: Reaffirms that practitioners may withhold or withdraw treatment they deem futile, provided the decision is grounded in the patient’s best interests and dignity …Read More