Welcome

The mission of the Optentia Research Unit is to develop and organise knowledge for the optimal expression of individual, social and institutional potential, with a specific interest in the African context. The research unit utilises the inputs from multiple disciplines: Economics, Educational Sciences, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, Philosophy, Psychology (Work and Organisational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology), Risk Management, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Sociology. We study the optimisation of the potential of people and institutions by focusing on pathways from precarity to capability and optimal functioning. Optentia's research is organised into six programmes. 

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Symposia

17th International Federation on Ageing Conference - 09 to 12 September 2025

Join us for an insightful and impactful event dedicated to exploring the diverse dimensions of ageing and its implications on society. As the world’s population continues to age, it’s imperative that we come together to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic shift. Our conference features thought-provoking keynote addresses, inspiring symposiums, skill-building workshops, interactive oral and poster sessions and most importantly the voices of older people from around the globe. Go to the following link for mor
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Recent news

NWU shines as global host for BRICS skills development and innovation challenge

The North-West University (NWU) made history by hosting the prestigious BRICS Skills Development and Technology Innovation Competition from 24 to 28 November 2024, at its Vanderbijlpark Campus. This event, coordinated by the ...Read article

Empowering meaning-making in every domain: A transformative workshop on holistic life crafting

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit hosted a two-day workshop that focused on equipping professionals with tools to help individuals craft purposeful, meaningful lives.

The workshop, t...Read article

Healthy ageing is important for a better Africa

While Africa is a continent with a rapidly growing population of young people, it is crucial for the region to pay attention to the global agenda on ageing.

The United Nations declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the &quo...Read article

Professor Ype Poortinga urges cross-cultural psychology to focus on global unity

Professor Ype Poortinga, emeritus professor at Tilburg University and the University of Leuven, delivered an insightful lecture at the Optentia Research Unit at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. His talk, titled “Exploring the Hist...Read article

Newsletter, July 2024