Trauma Counselling
Children, families, & adults
Gender-Based Violance
Trauma debriefing
Stress management
Depression
About Us
PMAT Therapeutic Interventions is the brainchild of Pumza Matiwane. Here is her journey:
Bridging hope and healing in South Africa
In the rolling hills of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Pumza Matiwane’s life was sown early with the seeds of resilience and compassion. Today, as the founder and CEO, of Pmat Therapeutic Interventions, Pumza stands at the forefront of trauma counselling and community healing, drawing on a lifetime of personal experience, academic achievement, and an unwavering commitment to social upliftment.
Born in the town of Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape and raised in Umtata, Pumza’s early life was marked by both challenge and inspiration. She lost her biological mother at a young age, a tragedy that could have derailed her future. Instead, Pumza found strength in her father, Gladstone Matiwane, a respected academic and Deputy Registrar Academic at the former University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University). “He was both a mother and a father to me,” Pumza recalls, describing his profound influence on her values and determination.
Education became both her sanctuary and her springboard. Pumza completed her primary and secondary schooling in Umtata, steadfastly resisting the distractions and hardships that often beset young women in her community. “I told myself I have to focus. I need not disappoint my father or myself,” she says. While many of her peers struggled with teenage pregnancy or left school, Pumza’s resolve never wavered.
Academic and professional journey
Pumza’s academic journey led her to Walter Sisulu University (UNITRA), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and an Honours in the same field. Her first professional role was with the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape, where she spent four years supporting vulnerable individuals and families. However, her vision extended beyond local borders.
Seeking to broaden her expertise, Pumza relocated to the United Kingdom and enrolled at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. There, she pursued postgraduate studies in Health and Social Care, driven by a desire to merge her social work background with health services. “I wanted to combine health and social care to serve my community better,” she explains. During her time in the UK, she gained practical experience as an Assistant Care Coordinator, embracing the challenges and rewards of international practice.
A vision born from experience
Returning to South Africa after six years abroad, Pumza brought with her a wealth of knowledge and a unique vision. She transitioned from private practice to founding her non profit organisation, Pmat Therapeutic Interventions, in 2023. “The concept was never tested before, not here or anywhere else. It just came from my mind,” she says, underscoring her pioneering spirit.
Pmat Therapeutic Interventions was established with a bold mission: to unify therapists across South Africa and beyond, providing accessible, high-quality therapeutic services to communities in need. The organisation brings together a team of psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists who work collaboratively to address trauma, gender-based violence, family issues, and more.
“We want to take therapy to the communities,” Pumza asserts. “Most people in South Africa don’t know about therapy or professional access. We want to change that.”
On the frontlines of trauma
Pumza’s work often places her at the epicentre of crisis. One notable case involved a traumatic armed hostage situation at a local security firm. Employees, shaken and distressed, turned to Pumza for trauma counselling. “It was a very traumatic event for everyone involved,” she recalls. Her intervention provided immediate relief and long-term support, earning praise from staff and management.
Her reach extends internationally.She handles complex cases involving families with cross-border ties, such as children caught in custody disputes between South African and foreign parents. Pumza’s international experience equips her to navigate these sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Challenges and advocacy
Despite the urgent need for mental health services, Pumza has faced significant obstacles in securing government support. “The Department of Social Development told me they can’t fund psychologists and occupational therapists,” she says. However, Pumza remains undeterred, advocating for policy change and greater recognition of integrated mental health services. “For something new to start, it needs support. We must challenge policies and find ways to meet each other halfway.”
Funding for the nonprofit poses a significant challenge, as it depends on donations and referrals from community stakeholders, counsellors, and WhatsApp groups. Despite these obstacles, Pumza’s commitment is unwavering: “We want everyone who needs these services to have access to them, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Beyond therapy: Tackling social issues
Pumza’s compassion extends to some of society’s most marginalised individuals—those living on the streets. She challenges the notion that homelessness is not normal or acceptable, advocating for greater support and understanding. “It’s not normal for a human being to sleep outside. Many are there because of trauma, loss, or lack of support,” she says.
She is also a vocal advocate against gender-based violence, a pervasive issue that transcends all social classes. “Even in affluent homes, gender-based violence is often hidden behind closed doors,” Pumza notes. She is organising events to raise awareness and foster dialogue, involving men, women, and children in the conversation.
A legacy of hope
For Pumza Matiwane, the greatest reward is the positive feedback from those she helps. “If you make someone smile, that matters most,” she says. Her work is not merely a career, but a calling—a mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
As Pmat Therapeutic Interventions continues to grow, Pumza’s vision remains unwavering: to build a network of support that brings therapy and healing to every corner of South Africa. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the significance of compassion, and the transformative effect of dedicated service.
Through her leadership, Pumza Matiwane is not only bridging the gap in mental health services but also inspiring a new generation to have faith in hope, healing, and the potential for change.
Challenges and advocacy
Despite the urgent need for mental health services, Pumza has faced significant obstacles in securing government support. “The Department of Social Development told me they can’t fund psychologists and occupational therapists,” she says. However, Pumza remains undeterred, advocating for policy change and greater recognition of integrated mental health services. “For something new to start, it needs support. We must challenge policies and find ways to meet each other halfway.”
Funding for the nonprofit poses a significant challenge, as it depends on donations and referrals from community stakeholders, counsellors, and WhatsApp groups. Despite these obstacles, Pumza’s commitment is unwavering: “We want everyone who needs these services to have access to them, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Beyond therapy: Tackling social issues
Pumza’s compassion extends to some of society’s most marginalised individuals—those living on the streets. She challenges the notion that homelessness is not normal or acceptable, advocating for greater support and understanding. “It’s not normal for a human being to sleep outside. Many are there because of trauma, loss, or lack of support,” she says.
She is also a vocal advocate against gender-based violence, a pervasive issue that transcends all social classes. “Even in affluent homes, gender-based violence is often hidden behind closed doors,” Pumza notes. She is organising events to raise awareness and foster dialogue, involving men, women, and children in the conversation.
A legacy of hope
For Pumza Matiwane, the greatest reward is the positive feedback from those she helps. “If you make someone smile, that matters most,” she says. Her work is not merely a career, but a calling—a mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
As Pmat Therapeutic Interventions continues to grow, Pumza’s vision remains unwavering: to build a network of support that brings therapy and healing to every corner of South Africa. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the significance of compassion, and the transformative effect of dedicated service.
Through her leadership, Pumza Matiwane is not only bridging the gap in mental health services but also inspiring a new generation to have faith in hope, healing, and the potential for change.
Organisations we work with
