On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) celebrated the professorial inauguration of Prof. Annie Temane, a prominent figure in psychiatric nursing and the acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The ceremony, held at UJ, was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. Sehaam Khan, DVC: Academic, and Prof. Craig Vincent-Lambert, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The event featured Prof. Temane’s keynote address, titled “Achieving Mental Health for Our Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” and was followed by a response from Prof. Marie Poggenpoel, a Professor in Mental Health at UJ.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Prof. Temane began her address by referencing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statement that “without mental health, there can be no true physical health.” She emphasized the critical role of mental health in overall well-being and productivity, aligning her vision with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to promote mental health and well-being by 2030.
Highlighting the considerable burden placed on caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions, Prof. Temane stressed the importance of supporting these caregivers to ensure the delivery of quality care. She also underscored the fundamental rights and freedoms of people with mental health conditions, advocating for their potential to recover and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Opportunities for Enhancing Mental Health Services
Prof. Temane outlined her future research priorities, with a particular focus on student mental health, which she identified as a critical concern in psychiatric nursing. She called for a revision of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002, which has guided mental health promotion for over two decades. Prof. Temane suggested that updating specific aspects of the Act, particularly those concerning admission and access to mental health services, could significantly improve service delivery.
“Policy advocacy is crucial for achieving mental health in our communities,” Prof. Temane stated. “The role of advanced psychiatric nurses must be elevated within the framework of the Mental Health Care Act. Like other professionals in psychology and social work, they are trained extensively in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.”
In her closing remarks, Prof. Temane reflected on her academic journey and the insights gained in advancing mental health. She advocated for inclusivity, reducing stigma, and fostering a compassionate society that supports individuals regardless of their mental health status. Her vision is for a community that embraces mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.
A Distinguished Career in Psychiatric Nursing
Prof. Temane’s esteemed career began with a basic nursing degree from the University of North-West, where she earned an academic excellence award in Pharmacology. Her passion for psychiatric nursing was ignited by an engaging lecture on the DSM-III and further developed through mentorship and seminars. After gaining practical experience in psychiatric hospitals, she completed her Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing at Rand Afrikaans University (now UJ) in 2004 and earned her PhD in 2010.
Her career is marked by extensive teaching, research, and supervision, guiding numerous Master’s and doctoral students. Prof. Temane has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Her leadership roles include heading the Department of Nursing, serving as Vice Dean of Research and Innovation, and acting as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. She is a registered advanced psychiatric nurse with the South African Nursing Council and has contributed to various prestigious committees and advisory boards, demonstrating her profound commitment to mental health and research.
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