VEREENIGING – Local pioneer Dr. Marina Basson, a Specialist Wellness Intimacy Coach, is enjoying a landmark year of national recognition for her dedicated work in personal transformation and relationships.

In August, Dr. Basson was honoured with the prestigious Imbokodo Woman Achievement Award in Health and Wellness.

Her impressive streak continues as she was recently named a category winner in the 2026 Mail & Guardian Power of Women Competition.

Dr. Basson’s signature approach to intimacy coaching was forged through her own healing journey, which she transformed into a structured methodology for understanding how deep life experiences shape human emotion and behaviour.

Today, this framework forms the cornerstone of her coaching practice and serves as the curriculum she uses to train the next generation of wellness intimacy coaches.

Her work is grounded in a remarkably versatile background spanning psychology, sociology, emotional wellbeing, and criminology.

As a Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg studying human sexuality, Dr. Basson holds a doctorate in sociology, a master’s and honours degree in medical sociology from North-West University, and a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from Unisa.

Her qualifications also extend to crime scene investigation (SASSETA) and financial accounting (FMISA).

Adding to her diverse accomplishments, Dr. Basson is a licentiate dance teacher with the South African Dance Teachers’ Association and Asia Samia, having earned numerous titles as both a competitive dancer and choreographer.

Her multifaceted career stands as an inspiring example of academic rigor, personal resilience, and holistic achievement.