By The Division of Communications & Advancement
“Rocklands: On Becoming the First Generation of Black Psychologists in Post-Apartheid South Africa” by Professor Liezille Jean Jacobs offers an essential narrative, blending personal history with professional insight to underscore the challenges Black psychologists face in a transforming South Africa.
This narrative reflects Jacobs’ triumphs and a broader commentary on the complexities of identity, race, and professional development in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Jacobs’ experiences mirror the struggles of many South Africans who had to navigate an educational and professional landscape shaped by the legacies of Apartheid. Yet, her reflections transform the work into something much larger — an exploration of the interplay between personal growth and societal expectations in a profession historically lacking representation for Black individuals.
Born and raised in Cape Town and having spent formative years in Rocklands, a township characterised by both its socio-economic challenges and strong community ties, Jacobs’ early life was steeped in the realities of racial and social stratification. Relocating to King Williams Town in her teenage years, these formative environments indelibly shaped her perspective on the world. Her academic journey began in 1995 at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where she pursued studies in Psychology and Philosophy, eventually completing her master’s degree in Psychology. This early educational journey laid the foundation for her subsequent scholarly and professional undertakings, taking her across the globe to institutions like Howard University in Washington DC and, later, Stellenbosch University, where she completed her doctoral studies.
Jacobs’ professional path is illustrative of a career steeped in public health, psychology, and population health, focusing on Substance Use Disorders. Her contributions to prominent South African institutions like the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) further reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in fields that intersect with public health and psychology. Her international work at Antwerp University in Belgium, her collaboration with Stanford University, Emory University (Atlanta) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) highlights her global influence in these domains.
Her appointment at Rhodes University in 2018 marked a significant milestone for her career and the institution. Becoming the first Black woman to head the Psychology Department in Rhodes University’s 120-year history was ground-breaking. It symbolised the progress made in the country’s Post-Apartheid transformation and the work still needed regarding representation and equity within academic spaces. Jacobs’ leadership signifies a reclamation of space in a profession historically dominated by White academics, and her journey to this position is emblematic of the broader struggles and victories of Black South Africans in academia.
At the heart of “Rocklands” is a reimagining of psychology not merely as a career but as a calling that intertwines deeply with one’s personal and societal contexts. From her childhood in Mitchell’s Plain to her position at Rhodes University, Jacobs’ life exemplifies the profound interconnectedness between the individual and society, personal experiences, and professional responsibilities. Her reflections urge readers to see psychology as more than a field of study; it is a movement towards understanding human behaviour and identity in ways that can transform society.
Central to her work is the concept of ‘giving psychology away,’ a term used to describe the process of making psychological knowledge accessible and usable by the public. Jacobs advocates for a shift from careerism within the field, instead promoting a psychology grounded in shared values and committed to addressing societal issues. This perspective is particularly vital in a country like South Africa, where the psychological effects of apartheid still reverberate through communities, families, and individual lives. Jacobs’ approach to psychology, as outlined in her book, embraces activism and advocacy, particularly in the face of ongoing systemic oppression. Her narrative calls for a psychology that does not simply serve academic or professional interests but one that actively contributes to the healing and empowerment of communities.
Jacobs’ PhD work on women’s secret drinking, which explored the intersection of race, gender, and identity, adds another layer of depth to her understanding of human behaviour. Her insights into how societal pressures and personal struggles manifest in substance use offer a poignant commentary on the hidden burdens carried by women, particularly in patriarchal and racially stratified societies. This research forms a significant part of her contribution to the field, revealing the often-overlooked personal battles that intersect with larger societal forces.
“Rocklands” is also a response to the transformation imperative within psychology — a call for the profession to become a site of activism against historical and systemic injustices. Jacobs’ work encourages readers to view psychology not merely as an academic discipline but as a tool for societal transformation that must be wielded against the legacies of oppression. Her call to ‘give psychology away’ challenges psychologists and academics to step outside their institutional confines and engage with the broader societal issues that impact individuals, families, and communities.
Ultimately, “Rocklands” profoundly contributes to psychology and South African scholarship. Jacobs’ work is a testament to the transformative power of education, advocacy, and perseverance in the face of systemic obstacles. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intersections of race, identity, and psychology in a country still grappling with its past.
“Rocklands” is not just an autobiography but an invitation to reconsider how psychology is practised, taught, and understood. Jacobs uses her platform to advocate for a psychology that is inclusive, accessible, and transformative. The book, described by her peers as both “courageous” and “inspired,” pushes the boundaries of conventional academic writing. Her contemporaries, such as Professor Jonathan Jansen (Stellenbosch University), Professor Cheryl Potgieter (Durban University of Technology) and Professor Norman Duncan (University of Pretoria), acknowledge the manuscript’s ability to provoke deep emotional and intellectual responses.
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“I read the manuscript four times, and I was triggered, troubled, traumatised, and totally impressed by this scholarly work. I am not aware of any other South African scholarly work which recognises how a country’s political climate impacts individuals, families, and communities and then inserts the personal and dare I say, the intimate, to produce an academic text of this stature.” – Professor Cheryl Potgieter.
“When I first read the manuscript, I was excited and disturbed in equal measure.” – Professor Jonathan Jansen.
“Liezille Jacobs offers us a courageous and captivating read. The book is both inspired and inspiring.” – Professor Norman Duncan.
This story was first published by the Rhodes University Communication Division.
