Fellows & Grantees

Anele Siswana

Project Title
Bridging Mental Health interventions and African healing practices: The role of AmaGqirha (Xhosa Divine Healers) in advancing an integrative model of clinical practice.

Bio

Anele Siswana is a Clinical Psychologist and Igqirha (Xhosa Divine Healer) and a thought leader affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities at the University of the Witwatersrand. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Rhodes University, a BPsych (Counselling) from Nelson Mandela University, and a Higher Certificate in Theology from Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC). He is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Anele’s clinical experience spans public and private health sectors, including public institutions, and the private sector, such as Life Hospital and Akeso Crescent Psychiatric Clinic in Johannesburg. His work uniquely integrates African spirituality and African situated psychology, offering culturally grounded interventions within clinical settings. Currently pursuing a PhD at UNISA, Anele’s research explores the role of AmaGqirha in developing integrative mental health models. His scholarly interests include African-situated psychology, decolonial theory, and epistemic justice in mental health care. He is a published scholar, corporate wellness consultant, and media contributor on mental health, identity, and African healing. Through public engagement and clinical innovation, Anele remains committed to transforming mental health services to be inclusive, accessible, and culturally resonant in South Africa.

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