SUMAYA LAHER (PhD) is currently the Head of Department of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Her areas of research interest include the utility of psychological assessment in multicultural populations and cultural conceptions of mental health and illness. Prof Laher’s research is guided by the need for indigenous knowledge production and the integration of this knowledge with mainstream approaches to have a more universally applicable science. Her research has contributed to creating a more critical practice of psychology and psychotherapy that is cognisant of indigenous beliefs and practices. Prof Laher plays an active role in Professional Psychology and has represented South Africa at the International Union of Psychological Science as well as the International Test Commission. She has recently completed a term as the President of the Psychological Society of South Africa.
