Saths Cooper

Sathasivan "Saths" Cooper (born 11 June 1950) is a clinical psychologist in South Africa who was born in Durban of Indian-South African background. He began to identify with the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) and joined the South African Students' Organisation (SASO), and was one of the so-called "SASO Nine" student leaders arrested in 1974 for their anti-Apartheid activities. During this time Saths spent nine years banned, house arrested and jailed, including over five years in Robben Island where he shared a cell block with Nelson Mandela. Quotes Psychology needs to remain attentive to how it is organized and applied to contemporary societal issues. Cooper mentioned this while reflecting on the legacy of psychology in apartheid South Africa, arguing that the discipline must continually examine its role in society and work toward justice. I became aware of psychologists in the prison system when I got to Robben Island. He described his first encounters with prison psychologists and explained how psychology was used by the apartheid prison administration. The major issue for them was, are you adjusting to prison life? Are you co-operative? explaining that the focus was not rehabilitation but compliance with the apartheid prison system. The psyche of Black South Africa remains blighted by the mental subjugation of white as the aspirational standard. She discussed the continuing psychological effects of apartheid and the importance of Black Consciousness in restoring dignity and self-worth. Psychology in the current democratic dispensation enjoys a high profile and is actively engaged in ongoing and reflexive self-examination to ensure that it is more accessible and truly serves humanity. She reflected on the transformation of psychology after apartheid, emphasizing the profession's responsibility to become inclusive and socially relevant. Steve had a psychological insight into human beings... People have potential, even if that potential had been thwarted by structural and other elements in society. Speaking on Steve Biko's philosophy during an interview discussing Black Consciousness, emphasizing Biko's belief in human dignity and unrealized human potential. Today, more than ever before, we need to claim our common humanity and a joint quest to restore pride, compassion and caring for one another to survive as a nation. Cooper wrote this in an opinion article marking the legacy of Steve Biko, urging South Africans to embrace shared humanity and reconciliation. As I write this, I'm acutely aware that the interrogation of Bantu Stephen Biko... was well under way 46 years ago. Recalling the events surrounding Biko's detention and death, drawing on his own experience as a fellow Black Consciousness activist. External links Category:Psychologists from South Africa Category:Activists from South Africa Category:Anti-apartheid activists Category:Prisoners Category:1950 births Category:Living people