Welcome Messages
Welcome from
WFOT President
Marilyn Pattison
President
World Federation of Occupational Therapists
WFOT Congress 2018
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the WFOT Congress 2018 being held in Cape Town, South Africa, 21 – 25 May 2018. The Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) was a founding member of WFOT in 1952, and the Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) has had regional membership status since 2004. WFOT is delighted that South Africa are hosting the Congress in 2018.
The WFOT Congress 2018 Committee has planned a stimulating Congress programme, with a flavour of South African culture and occupational therapy practice, encompassing an international programme. There are eight WFOT approved entry level occupational therapy educational programmes in South Africa, and faculty and students are excited to support the international occupational therapy community’s visit to their country for the WFOT Congress 2018.
The presence of an international Congress in the African region, with the theme of “Connected in Diversity: Positioned for Impact” provides a unique opportunity for Congress 2018 delegates to learn about the issues and successes of occupational therapy practice on the African continent, and identify issues that may be common across many regions and countries.
I know this theme will encourage presentations, discussions and debates on some of the key elements of occupational therapy and future visions for the profession. This Congress will build on the success of previous WFOT Congresses combined with networking with old colleagues and making new occupational therapy friends.
I look forward to meeting many of you in Capetown.
Kindest regards and warm wishes
Marilyn Pattison
President
World Federation of Occupational Therapists
Welcome from
2018 Co-Convenors
Lana Van Niekerk and Ritchard Ledgerd
Congress Co-convenors
Welcome
As co-convenors of the 17th World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress we offer you a warm and sincere welcome to the website that will feature all you need to know about the event that will be held in Cape Town, South Africa in 2018. We urge you to start making your preparations now to attend this unique and historical event that will celebrate the first ever WFOT Congress to be held in Africa. You are promised a Congress like no other.
Our theme is CONNECTED IN DIVERSITY: POSITIONED FOR IMPACT that recognises the strength of our profession as this relates to different interpretations of occupational therapy concepts and practice.
We look forward to welcoming you and learning from you. We aim to enrich your understanding, stimulate your thinking and shape your ideas. Visit this website regularly and follow announcements that will be made on social media and the WFOT website.
We are excited about meeting you in Cape Town,
Lana Van Niekerk and Ritchard Ledgerd
Congress Co-convenors
Welcome from
OTASA President
Helen Buchanan
President
Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
Welcome
It is an honour to be hosting the 17th World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress in Cape Town, South Africa in 2018. This congress is going to be special in so many ways, not least because it is the first time that a WFOT congress will be hosted on African soil.
The theme “Connected in diversity: positioned for impact” will provide opportunities to showcase practice around the world while appreciating that the core tenets of occupational therapy bind us together. We are creating an exciting and diverse programme that offers opportunities for sharing knowledge and expertise, reflection, dialogue, and networking with colleagues from around the world.
Cape Town is a vibrant city with two UNESCO World Heritage sites on its doorstep: Table Mountain - home to one of the World’s six floral kingdoms; and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. And in your time out, you can look forward to a host of attractions including historic sites, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, art and culture, wine tasting and state of the art shopping at the nearby Waterfront.
There is much excitement about this congress in our occupational therapy community – both locally and across the continent. Your arrival in Cape Town is eagerly awaited and we look forward to sharing our South African hospitality with you.
Helen Buchanan
President
Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa
