Behavioural science that works for Africa.
The Behaviour Change Academy offers practical courses in behavioural science, designed for the African context.
The Academy brings together the Behaviour Change Agency, the Centre for Behavioural Medicine at the University of Cape Town, and leading experts in applied behavioural science.
Learn to turn insights into action in real-world settings.
Fundamentals of Behaviour Change in South Africa
A one-day course giving professionals, students, and change-makers across sectors the tools to understand behaviour, apply proven behaviour change frameworks, and design interventions that fit South Africa's unique social, cultural and organisational contexts.
Start exploring our first course
Fundamentals of Behaviour Change in South Africa – a one-day course giving professionals, students, and change-makers across sectors the tools to understand behaviour, apply proven frameworks, and design interventions that fit South Africa's unique social, cultural, and organisational contexts.
This one-day course introduces you to the essentials of applied behavioural science, with a focus on South Africa's realities. It gives you practical tools to understand why people act the way they do and how to design behaviour change solutions that are relevant, ethical and effective. Whatever your sector – business, government, health, education or community development – you'll see how behavioural science can strengthen decisions, improve communication and support lasting change.
- ■ Course format: In person
- ■ Who it’s for: Professionals, corporates, NGOs, healthcare workers, policymakers
- ■ What you will learn: Actionable behavioural tools you can apply immediately
'This course is about more than theory – it's about equipping people to create change that is ethical, empathetic and lasting.'
Upcoming courses
We're expanding the Behaviour Change Academy with a suite of short courses designed for South Africa's real-world challenges.
Social & Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)
Create campaigns that change minds, not just share information.
Behaviour Change in Healthcare Settings
Design interventions and services that improve adherence, prevention and trust.
Fundamentals of Behaviour Change in South Africa (Hybrid version)
Hybrid version: Offered In-Person & Online
Learn to create change that is lasting.
Made for SA
In a country as diverse as South Africa, one-size-fits-all solutions don't work. Behavioural science shows us how to design strategies that fit real people in real contexts.
Fundamentals of Behaviour Change in South Africa teaches you how to do exactly that.
It’s made for South Africans by South Africans.
About us
The Behaviour Change Agency and the University of Cape Town are bringing behavioural science to South Africa: courses that are practical, local and designed for impact.
Start with our one-day course to gain actionable tools you can apply immediately.
It's a first step in a growing learning pathway for professionals, students and change-makers across sectors.
Meet the course leaders
This course is led by a team of behavioural science practitioners from UCT and The Behaviour Change Agency. Each brings specialist knowledge, practical experience and a commitment to training the next generation of behavioural science practitioners.
Prof. John Joska
MBChB
MMed (Psych)
PhD
FC Psych (SA)
Director, HIV Mental Health Research Unit,
University of Cape Town
John is an experienced neuropsychiatrist with a strong background in the higher education sector. He is skilled in clinical supervision, medicine, research, psychology and psychiatry. His work encompasses neuroHIV, neuropsychiatric disorders in older adults, service development and clinical interventions. His approach is grounded in understanding individuals within their broader biopsychosocial context.
Pat Govender
MSc (Behavioural Science)
MBA
Member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS)
Founder and CEO,
Behaviour Change Agency / Course Facilitator
The founder of BCA, Pat is a pioneering behavioural scientist and communications expert with over 35 years of experience shaping public and corporate strategy in South Africa and internationally. He combines rigorous academic training with extensive real-world application, bridging the gap between behavioural theory and practical outcomes in both public and private sectors.
A/Prof. Stephan Rabie
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD (Psychology)
Cross-Cultural and Community Psychology
Associate Professor & Chief Research Officer,
University of Cape Town / Course Facilitator
Stephan is a psychologist with expertise in community-based research and programme implementation. He has a decade of experience in mental health research, focusing on the intersection of mental illness and chronic conditions, with a particular emphasis on behaviour change interventions. He is also the training and education core lead at the Centre for Behavioural Medicine.
Jorique Fourie
MSc (Med) Neuroscience
BSc (Med) Hon Neurophysiology
Member of the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS)
Head Behavioural Scientist and Researcher,
Behaviour Change Agency
Jorique is a behavioural science practitioner and UCT alumna with an academic background in neuroscience. She holds an MSc in Medicine (Neuroscience of Psychiatry) and has worked across academia, healthcare, and industry to translate research into practical strategies for learning, decision-making, and behaviour change in real-world challenges.