The master's-degree students in Clinical Psychology at the North-West University (NWU) have taken an important step towards becoming mental health professionals. They pledged to uphold ethical standards, protect patient dignity and serve communities with compassion.
The students took their professional oath during a ceremony hosted by the subject group Psychology at the Mahikeng Campus on 30 October 2026. The event marked the completion of their clinical training and celebrated their hard work, resilience and commitment to improving mental healthcare in South Africa.
Pastor DMJ Ntooele, who delivered an address to the class of 2026, reminded students of their professional and spiritual responsibilities. He explained that clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat mental health and behavioural conditions through psychological testing, therapy and consultation.
He also highlighted the growing need for professionals who can support people experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and emotional distress.
In his keynote address, Sello Boshomane, Psychology subject group deputy leader and lecturer, urged the students to build their careers on three principles: integrity, compassion and lifelong learning.
He said integrity requires psychologists to protect confidential information, maintain professional boundaries and place patients’ interests first.
Compassion, he explained, means listening carefully and recognising the person behind every diagnosis. Sello reminded the students that effective psychological care involves more than identifying symptoms. It requires understanding people’s experiences and helping them regain hope.
He also encouraged graduates to remain curious, pursue research and seek professional supervision as psychological knowledge develops. Another key message concerned the mental health of practitioners themselves.
Sello warned that psychologists who neglect their own well-being risk burnout, which can affect their ability to care for others. He reminded the students that they cannot “pour from an empty vessel” and encouraged them to seek support when necessary.
Nikiwe Kwaeng, a lecturer in the Psychology subject group, said the ceremony marked an important milestone for the four students. “The oath represents a commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, respect for human dignity, professional accountability and the well-being of patients,” she said.
Nikiwe explained that clinical psychology requires more than academic knowledge. Practitioners must also show integrity, empathy and respect when working with people facing mental health challenges. She said the programme equips students with skills in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, clinical practice and professional ethics. Students also receive practical training at the NWU Psychology Clinic, Mahikeng Provincial Hospital and Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital.
These facilities serve people from different backgrounds, including disadvantaged communities where access to mental healthcare remains limited. Through supervised placements, students gain experience in treating psychological difficulties while learning how poverty, culture and social conditions affect mental health.
Nikiwe said this experience prepares the potential graduates to provide appropriate care in communities with limited resources. “South Africa continues to face significant mental health challenges, particularly in underserved communities, and we need clinical psychologists who are committed to making psychological services more accessible to those who need them most.”
She encouraged the students to contribute to research, mental health awareness, community engagement and the training of future psychologists.
Ngobile Mbongwa, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the four students, reflected on their demanding academic journey. She recalled the challenges they faced, and the determination needed to complete the programme.
Ngobile thanked the lecturers, supervisors and others who supported the group throughout their training. She encouraged her fellow students to remember the human stories behind psychological symptoms and diagnoses, and to pursue doctoral studies and return to academia to mentor future generations of psychologists.
Nikiwe concluded by reminding the graduates that professional success should not be measured only through qualifications or career achievements. “Ultimately, I would like them to understand that the true measure of their success will not only be their professional achievements, but also the positive difference they make in the lives of the people they serve,” she said.
The ceremony celebrated four emerging professionals whose training has prepared them to contribute to more accessible, ethical and compassionate mental healthcare.
Students, academics and guests gathered at the Mahikeng Campus on 30 October 2026 for the master’s degree in clinical psychology oath-taking ceremony.
