Dr. Palesa Mahlangu started her career as a social worker in the 1980s, not knowing that her future would lead her on a journey abroad to study Psychology in The United States of America. Dr. Mahlangu's life has been what many may term ‘a journey into no man's land.’ She has experienced educational barriers and seen immense pain and suffering in her practice, and she has thus ensured that she provides exceptional services to her patients. Dr. Mahlangu's educational journey began in neighboring Lesotho, but after returning to South Africa, she, unfortunately, struggled with university acceptance based on having studied outside of the country. Thankfully, she had a vision in mind, which she used to guide her, resulting in her reality of studying medicine.

Dr. Mahlangu's journey saw her working within a community program at Mzimhlope Hostel for migrant workers who had sustained injuries in the mines. She worked very closely with the patients and discovered the extent of their trauma caused by the negligence and incompetency of the doctors behind the walls of the Hostel. The trauma encountered by the patients at the Hostel culminated in Dr. Mahlangu discovering her interest and lifelong calling in Psychology. To get the migrant workers the proper care needed, Dr. Mahlangu delved deep into trauma and psychology books, researching every facet of this subject outside the hostel walls.

Upon furthering her education and obtaining a Master of Science (MSc) in Personality Psychology and a Doctorate in Literature and Philosophy (D. Litt et Phil.), Dr. Mahlangu worked at WITS in the Human Resources Council. Still, her passion lay in clinical work, and she struggled to shake that calling. Despite her love for community work, especially around mental health issues, Dr. Mahlangu felt she would serve better by opening her own practice as a Clinical Psychologist specializing in trauma counseling, which she eventually did. Currently, Dr. Mahlangu consults out of the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital in Auckland Park.

Clinical psychologists like Dr. Mahlangu work with a wide range of people with mental health issues to reduce distress and promote psychological well-being. However, with the negative impact of climate change and other environmental concerns, the effects of these harmful changes and adverse social conditions expose people to negative ecological issues, increasing harm to people's mental well-being and making workplace productivity even harder to achieve. As an employer, it is essential for management to integrate a Social focused strategy derived from the overall Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, which will thrust a spotlight on the fact that all organizations operate within a broader society, including its employees.

Nosizo Palesa Wellness Consulting, Dr. Mahlangu's company, became a beneficiary of Barloworld Siyakhula in 2019 after a long-term patient introduced her to the organization. The relationship between Siyakhula and Dr. Mahlangu has been mutually beneficial as she also provides services to Barloworld. Dr. Mahlangu's product offering includes holding workshops on mental health management and awareness for corporate wellness programs. She also offers individual counseling and provides a “train the trainer” service too. Undoubtedly, community work still emerges top of her list of priorities which ensures that she jumps at every invitation to partake in programs and community projects. She does this as Pro bono work, as her way of “giving back,” to express her gratitude for all she has achieved thus far in her life.

Initially, when Dr. Mahlangu started trauma counseling, she thought she could utilize a linear approach to solving patient trauma, which typically is:

• The trauma diagnosis,
• Extracting the point of pain or suffering then,
• Therapy/counseling.

Little did Dr. Mahlangu know that her work would overarch and resolve sexual incompetency issues in relationships due to trauma, resulting in paralysis in some cases. Most of her patients are males who have experienced spinal injuries, which has left them with feelings of inadequacy, leaving many angry, frustrated, and feeling incompetent. The final stage revolves around incorporating the family, educating and guiding them on dealing with paralysis, and finally, managing expectations. Unresolved issues from the past may arise, bringing with them anger or betrayal, feelings of self-hatred, pity, or shame, whereby Dr. Mahlangu employs different coping techniques to assist her patients and their families.

The best part of this job for Dr. Mahlangu is that most of her patients are long-term and become part of the family, leaving her feeling grateful and blessed to do the work that she does. “It is my calling, not a job,” she explains.

For Dr. Mahlangu, the following points are crucial for any entrepreneur who might be keen on following a path similar to hers:

• Prepare yourself mentally for community service. It will be as if you are working through an internship for at least two years.
• Do not have high expectations of instant success and huge profits. It takes time and hard work.
• Entrepreneurship is based on emotional fulfillment and not monetary gain.
• Accept what you do not know and be open to learning from anyone, in any situation, at any time.
• And the secret: Gratitude, gratitude to those you serve, those who are ahead, and those behind. Give thanks, and good things shall come to you in every situation.

Dr. Mahlangu expresses the importance of being contextual in treating people in relation to religion, traditions, culture, and race. She further explains the need for one to become flexible in dealing with the differences between each individual. Dr. Mahlangu's long-term vision includes future involvement with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and advocating for persons with physical and mental health issues globally.

NOSIZO PALESA WELLNESS CONSULTING
 Tel: +27 11 489 1205
Emal: nosizo@global.co.za
 Website: www.global.co.za
Address: Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, Banting Road, Auckland Park, 2118

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