Bio
Mthetho C. Tshemese is a South African clinical psychologist and frequent expert panelist on television shows.
Tshemese's career began with an internship in counseling psychology at the Centre for Student Counseling at the University of the Western Cape in 2000, where he provided psychological counselling and broader psychological services to the students as well as the general staff at the university.
This was followed by a clinical psychology internship at Stikland psychiatric hospital in 2001, where he was mainly focussed on psychiatric assessment and treatment of patients.
In both internships he worked with individuals, groups, families and did community outreach programmes.
After the successful completion of the two internships Tshemese was employed as an Associate Lecturer at the School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand from February 2002 until February 2004, where he taught both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In recognition of his passion for and commitment to human and community development work he was selected as a Clinton Democracy Fellow, a programme initiated by former presidents, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Bill Clinton, aimed to build a global network of young leaders committed to citizen service: a tool to promote collaboration, reduce prejudice, and help people assume responsibility for their countries.
Tshemese's Masters Research, which focussed on alcohol abuse by university students, was presented at an International conference held in Beijing, China, by Professor L.C. Simbayi in 2004.
In 2003 he co-presented papers dealing with citizen service in South Africa at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology (M.I.T.) and George Washington University, both in the United States of America.
In addition, he sat on the panel at Stanford University (California, USA) that discussed the role of young people in the development of their countries with specific reference to South Africa.
Currently, Mthetho is a fulltime lecturer at the School of Human and Community Development, Psychology department, at the University of the Witwatersrand and teaches both at under-graduate and post-graduate levels.
He draws his professional identity from the integration of both his background in political science and psychology. He firmly believes in the broader relevance and availability of professional psychological services to the often marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Tshemese is a sought-after speaker and social commentator (especially on matters affecting the youth) and has appeared on various TV shows such as Asikhulume, Let's Talk, The Big Question, Chartroom, 3 Talk with Noeleen and the Felicia Mabuza Suttle Show, giving expert opinion on various psychological issues.
He also appeared on the third one-off TV special of quiz show Test The Nation (National Parenting Skills), as an expert panelist.
In addition, he has been a guest on various radio stations such as Umhlobo Wenene, Radio Ciskei, Ukhozi fm, Bush Radio and Kaya fm, focussing on programmes dealing with broad socio-psychological issues ranging from young offenders, youth and drugs, depression and youth, masculinity, language and identity development, and HIV and AIDS.
He is also a script consultant for the SABC1 drama Soul City.
He is a member of Keiretsu Corporate Solutions, one of the three companies contracted by the South African Football Association (SAFA) to provide life skills to young soccer players across the country.
Academically, Mthetho holds a BA degree in political science and psychology, an Honours degree in psychology, and a Masters degree in psychology, all from the University of the Western Cape where he was trained both in Clinical and Counselling psychology.
He also holds a Certificate in Facilitative Leadership from the Interaction Institute for Social Change in Boston, USA.
Currently, he is completing his Phd proposal with his research focussing on masculine identity with specific reference to traditional male circumcision among amaXhosa in the Eastern Cape Province.
Furthermore, he has written newspaper articles and letters on matters affecting young people's psychological wellbeing and has recently completed two chapters for a book on community psychology focussing on homelessness and poverty.
Tshemese is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (PS 0087076) and with the Board of Health Care Funders (Pr No. 086 000 0199931) and has a small private practice.