This article from 1976 is the transcript of the opening presentation at the first Vona du Toit Memorial Lecture by Alicia Mendez who worked alongside Vona since they met in Israel in 1964. The article provides details of Vona's career and contributions to the occupational therapy profession during the 1960's and 70's.
The article then focuses on the international growth and development of occupational therapy education comparing differences and challenges.
The final part of the article stresses the need for research, acknowledging at the time 'we have been rightly accused of being slow to undertake research' (Mendez, A, 1964, p.6). She identifies the future key words for the development of the profession as transition and modernisation and suggests ten areas of competence in which OT's should develop.
Mendez, A (1976) Withering Occupational Therapy? The South African Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2-6.