45th Annual
SAACDHE Conference
15-17 September 2025
The Ranch Resort, Polokwane
Conference Theme
The cycle of life for students and practitioners: Finding balance in the student support ecosystem
SUBTHEME 1: THE AFRICAN BUFFALO
Practices that foster strength, resilience, and adaptability
- Developing resilience in the face of adversity
- Promoting adaptability
- Fostering mental wellbeing
- Using strength-based approaches
- Gender-based violence
- Working with students with disabilities
SUBTHEME 2: THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT
Practices that foster care for the caregiver
- Client care versus self-care
- Mental well-being of professionals
- Practitioner burnout
- Professional development
- Development of new psychology professionals
SUBTHEME 3: THE BLACK RHINOCEROS
Practices that shape and develop our environment
- Evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence
- New age of student services
- Future-ready graduates
- Creative interventions
- The efficient and effective use of resources
- Developing skills and competencies
- Embracing Diversity
- Practices that are inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community
SUBTHEME 4: THE LEOPARD
Traditional and Modern Practices
- Artificial Intelligence
- Online vs Hybrid vs Face-to-Face interventions
- Individual vs Group counselling
- Legislation/policies vs Ethical practices
- Short-term versus long-term therapy
SUBTHEME 5: THE LION
Maintaining healthy balance in the face of challenges
- Managing ethical challenges
- Capacity versus institutional expectations
- Different roles that we are expected to play in our institutions
- Challenges faced by professionals
- Juggling acts of service
Conference presentation guidelines
All conference presentations should encourage delegate participation, evoke thought-provoking ideas, and create an engaging atmosphere where questions can be asked. Conference presentations must demonstrate relevance in respect of the conference theme and subthemes and fit into one of the four abstract categories.
General guidelines
- Written in MS Word and saved as a PDF.
- Single line spacing.
- Calibri 12 font.
- Be linked to a specific subtheme.
- Include the title of the abstract.
- Indicate if it is a presentation, workshop or poster.
Research papers
Research papers are formal presentations based on rigorous research that has been conducted and presented following recognised academic standards. The paper presents the research that has been undertaken, the data analysis and the interpretation thereof. The quality of the research and presentation should be such that the paper qualifies for publication in a recognised journal.
Research paper abstract
250 to 300 words
A conceptual abstract submission should include the title, a statement; share key explorative strategies, include relevant theoretical arguments, and describe findings/experiences.
Conceptual papers
A conceptual paper explores a topic, experience, or idea, rather than presenting empirical data or results. It aims to clarify concepts, propose new ideas, and analyse existing knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of a subject/ experience/ intervention.
Conceptual paper abstract
250 to 300 words
A conceptual abstract submission should include the title, a statement; share key explorative strategies, include relevant theoretical arguments, and describe findings/experiences
Workshops
Workshops are facilitated activities that aim to teach specific skills, demonstrate processes, or highlight a key concept, offering delegate engagement and participation with first-hand learning.
Workshop abstract
250 to 350 words
Abstract should describe the title, purpose and outline of the workshop, the key learning outcomes and the duration and number of attendees
Posters
The poster presentations should clearly and accurately represent the research done in either a research or conceptual paper. Detailed poster instructions will be sent if the abstract is accepted.
Poster abstract
250 to 300 words
The abstract must clearly indicate that it is a poster presentation.
The abstract requirements are the same as for the research or conceptual papers.
Submitting your abstract
LAYOUT OF PAGE ONE
Please make sure that the following information is present on the first page of the abstract submission:
- Title of paper
- Type of abstract (research/conceptual/workshop/poster)
- Relevant subtheme
- Name/s of presenter/s
- Surname/s of presenter/s
- Email address/s of presenter/s
- Institution
- A one paragraph CV of the presenter/s (a more detailed CV will be requested if the abstract is accepted)
LAYOUT OF PAGE TWO
- Title of the abstract in capital letters
- The abstract
EMAIL YOUR ABSTRACT TO
All submissions must have “SAACDHE 2025 Abstract: SURNAME” in the subject line
If you have any problems with or queries related to abstract submission, send an email to Lynne Malan (Malanl@tut.ac.za)
Closing date for abstract submissions
30 June 2025
Abstracts timeline
| First call for abstracts | 15 April 2025 |
| Second call for abstracts | 15 May 2025 |
| Third call for abstracts | 15 June 2025 |
| Closing date for abstract submission | 30 June 2025 |
| Abstract committee send feedback on submissions | 25 April – 31 July 2025 |
| Submission of presentation for preloading | 8 September 2025 |
| Submission of full paper for publication in the JCDHESA | 14 October 2025 |
Conference fee
| SAACDHE MEMBER (FEES PAID UP UNTIL THE END OF JULY 2025) | R5300 INCLUDES EVENING FUNCTIONS |
| SAACDHE MEMBER (FEES NOT PAID UP UNTIL THE END OF JULY 2025) | R5800 INCLUDES EVENING FUNCTIONS |
| NON- SAACDHE MEMBER | R5800 INCLUDES EVENING FUNCTIONS |
| Conference day fee excluding the evening functions | R2200 |
| Conference day fee for Monday including the evening function | R2500 |
| Conference day fee for Wednesday including evening function | R2700 |
Conference venue details
The Ranch Resort in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, is a 4-star hotel within a 1,000-hectare nature conservancy, offering a combination of leisure, sports, and wildlife experiences. It is 25 km south of Polokwane and 280 km north of Johannesburg. The resort features a variety of accommodation options, a 12-hole par 3 executive golf course, and activities like game drives, horseback riding, and more.
Visit The Ranch website for more information on our conference venue and the accommodation options.
Accommodation
Visit The Ranch website for more information on our conference venue and the accommodation options.
All bookings and booking enquiries must be sent to the following persons.
Matau Mohlomi reservations@theranch.co.za 015 290 5000
Virginia Kabe reservations2@theranch.co.za 015 290 5000
Moloko Rasefate fom@theranch.co.za 015 290 5000
Please indicate that you are attending the SAACDHE conference.
Other accommodation options
Conference registration process
Step 1:
Register for the Conference by 5pm on 5 September 2025
Step 2:
A conference invoice will be created based on the information supplied.
Step 3:
Conference payment must be made by 12 September 2025
Step 4:
Proof of payment must be emailed to Lynne Malan.
Step 5:
Conference registration will be confirmed once payment reflects in the conference bank account.
No delegate will be allowed to attend the conference without payment.
