About us

Bringing together specialists in the field.

‘Fundamentals of Behaviour Change in South Africa’ is a unique partnership between leading behavioural scientists from around the world, who have worked and published together for more than a decade, and the University of Cape Town – the highest-ranked university in Africa and one of the most influential in the world.

Why the partnership matters

By uniting the practical, real-world expertise of our team with the university's research strength and credibility, we're creating applied behavioural science training rooted in South Africa's realities but informed by international best practices and peer-reviewed research.

It's not just theory. It's evidence that works in practice. The tools you will learn support a practical, ethical approach to behaviour change, rooted in empathy, awareness and respect for people's lived experiences.

The University of Cape Town and the Centre for Behavioural Medicine

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is consistently ranked among Africa's top universities, recognised for its innovation and academic excellence.

The Centre for Behavioural Medicine, part of UCT's Neuroscience Institute, conducts research and training at the intersection of behavioural and biomedical processes, focusing on mental and physical health. Its work develops and applies interventions that address health, behaviour and biopsychosocial challenges in South Africa and beyond.

The Behaviour Change Agency (BCA)

The Behaviour Change Agency (BCA) is South Africa’s first specialist behavioural science consultancy. BCA translates insights from psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience into interventions that shape real-world outcomes, whether in public health campaigns, financial decision-making, road safety or organisational culture.

With a track record across business, government and civil society, BCA brings the applied experience to ensure this course goes beyond theory to practice.

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.

The first five delegates to register will receive a Behavioural Scientist subscription – the go-to magazine for the most exciting ideas in behavioural science.