Muhammad Coovadia
Counselling Psychologist
Phone:
+27 63 195 7487
Email:
Address:
Xavier Boulevard
Corner Vleiroos & Xavier Roads
Winchester Hills
2091
Education
My training bridges two traditions, psychological and Islamic.
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Master of Social Science in Counselling Psychology (UKZN)-Cum Laude
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Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology (SACAP)-Cum Laude
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Counselling (UNISA)
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'Ālim Fādhil/Islamic Studies Course (Jāmi`ah al-`Ulūm al-Islāmiyyah, South Africa)
Recipient of the Academic Dean's Award for Academic Excellence at SACAP.
Accreditations & Leadership Positions
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Member of the Cognitive Behavioural Association of South Africa (CBTASA)
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Executive Member of the Artificial Intelligence Division (AID) of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA)
Publications
My writing and research focus on men's mental health, faith, and critical issues facing the South African community.
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Coovadia, M. (2025). Men don’t cry or counsel? Healing the masculinity crisis in the psychology profession. Daily Maverick. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2025-11-12-men-dont- cry-or-counsel-healing-the-masculinity-crisis-in-the-psychology-profession/
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Coovadia, M., Ledwaba, S., Houndalas, A., & Naidoo, P. (2025). Why Psychology? An investigation into the career motivations of male psychologists. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398232046_Why_psychology_An_investigation_into_the_career_motivations_of_male_psychologists_practising_in_Johannesburg
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Coovadia, M. (2026). SA’s ‘education’ system is warehousing children, not educating them. Daily Maverick. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2026-01-02-sas-education-system-is-warehousing-children-not-educating-them/?dm_source=blocks-horizontal&dm_medium=card-link&dm_campaign=inform
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Coovadia, M. (2026). Ramadan and the lost art of self-control. IOL. https://iol.co.za/news/opinion/2026-03-12-ramadan-and-the-lost-art-of-self-control/
Public Speaking & Academic Presentations
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Oral presentation at PsySSA’s Annual Congress 2025 titled: Why Psychology? An investigation into the career motivations of male psychologists practising in Johannesburg.
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Speaker at The Parenting Convention hosted by Qurtuba Islamic Academy.
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Multiple interviews on eNCA, Cape Talk, Power FM, SAfm, Hilaal TV, Voice of the Cape, Radio Islam International, Radio Al Ansaar, Channel Islam International, Salaam Media, and Phiri FM.
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Presented various workshops at schools and organisations across South Africa.
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Conducted numerous presentations with the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA).
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Spoke at multiple mosques across South Africa and Ireland.
Work Experience
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Executive Director and Clinical Lead @RUH Centre, South Africa
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Intern Counselling Psychologist @University of the Free State, UNIBS
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Student Support Advisor & Educator @Qurtuba Islamic Academy
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Co-Host of The Ummah Squad on Air @Radio Islam International
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Student Registered Counsellor @Company Wellness Solutions (EAP)
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Student Treatment Professional @South African Responsible Gambling Foundation
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Co-Founder of The Ummah Squad
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Arabic & Islamic Studies Lecturer @Jamiah Online
