On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) proudly hosted the professorial inauguration of Prof. Annie Temane, Professor in Psychiatric Nursing and acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The event was attended by Prof Sehaam Khan, VC Functionary – DVC: Academic, and the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Craig Vincent-Lambert. The inauguration featured Prof. Temane’s address titled, “Achieving Mental Health for Our Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” followed by a response from Professor Marie Poggenpoel, Professor in Mental Health at UJ.
Addressing mental health challenges
Prof. Temane began her address by underscoring the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) assertion that “without mental health, there can be no true physical health.” She emphasised that mental health is crucial for overall well-being and productivity, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to promote mental health and well-being by 2030.
Prof Temane highlighted the significant burden placed on caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions, stressing the need to support their well-being to ensure they can provide quality care. Prof. Temane also pointed out the fundamental rights and freedoms of people with mental health conditions, advocating for their potential to recover and function optimally in their communities.
Opportunities for improving mental health services
Prof. Temane outlined her future research directions, focusing particularly on student mental health, which she identified as a pressing concern in psychiatric nursing. She called for a revision of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002, which has been guiding mental health promotion for over two decades. She believes that updating certain aspects of this Act, especially regarding admission and access to mental health care services, could significantly enhance service delivery.
“Policy advocacy is imperative in achieving mental health for our communities. The role of the advance psychiatric nurses needs to also be elevated, in the Mental Health Act Care that was promulgated in 2002. Like other professionals in psychology and social work, they have undergone extensive training in diagnosis and treatment of people living mental health conditions,” said Prof Temane.
In concluding her address, Prof. Temane reflected on her academic journey and the lessons learned in promoting mental health. She advocated for inclusivity, reducing stigma, and fostering a compassionate society that supports people regardless of their mental health condition. Her vision is for a more accepting and caring community that values mental health as an integral part of overall well-being.
A remarkable journey in Psychiatric Nursing
Prof. Temane’s illustrious career began with a basic degree in nursing from the University of North-West, where she excelled and received an academic excellence award for Pharmacology. Her interest in psychiatric nursing was sparked by an engaging lecture on the DSM-III, and further solidified by mentorship and seminars in the field. After gaining practical experience in psychiatric hospitals, she completed her Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from Rand Afrikaans University (now UJ) in 2004, and later earned a PhD in 2010. Prof. Temane has a rich history of teaching, research, and supervision, having guided numerous Master’s and doctoral students.
She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Her leadership roles include serving as head of the Department of Nursing, Vice Dean of Research and Innovation, and acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof. Temane is also a registered advanced psychiatric nurse with the South African Nursing Council and has been involved in various prestigious committees and advisory boards, reflecting her deep commitment to mental health and research.
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