Ms Mapitso Thaisi

My occupational therapy practice and scholarship are within the area of Work Practice (WP). As a serial entrepreneur who has branched a little out of traditional OT practice, I am particularly interested in research and practice that promotes employment, especially within the youth. I want to be able to empower more young people to establish businesses and be independent. My research interests include entrepreneurship, the role small businesses play in curbing the youth unemployment rates in South Africa, capacity building within organisations through health promotion, retreat groups as a source of healing and the potential role of occupational therapists within travel and tourism, and the Fashion industry (for e.g. sustainable and inclusive fashion). 

My Master’s research explored the challenges between education policy and implementation for learners with disabilities in Cape Town schools. A key finding was the need for tailored education support for learners with disabilities, especially within poorly resourced schools, who remain at a backlog. I supervise undergraduate students across a range of topics within Work Practice that are aligned with my interests including access to dignified work, return to work for people with long COVID and occupational therapy approaches to health promotion within various industries. 

Qualifications:
BSc (OT), UCT.
MPhil human Rights Law, UCT.

ORCID ID: 0009-0004-2093-9223