Obituaries
2023
Coralie Trotter
The South African psychoanalytic community is mourning the loss of a true icon, Coralie Trotter, who passed away on March 12, 2023. As a highly respected analyst with the South African Psychoanalytical Association (SAPA), Coralie's contributions to the field were truly exceptional.
Coralie's work in the Life Esidimeni arbitration and the Brick Mother report was groundbreaking and pivotal in exposing the Gauteng Health Department's mistreatment of vulnerable psychiatric patients. Her work resulted in a landmark legal ruling and an unprecedented award to the families of those who had died. Coralie was recognized for her remarkable efforts with the inaugural IPA community award for Law and Psychoanalysis in 2019.
Coralie was a fierce advocate of human rights.She also had extensive clinical experience in various settings focusing on crisis and trauma interventions particularly for the Detainees Counseling Service and the Trauma Clinic of the Centre for Violence and Reconciliation. She was a facilitator for racial conflict resolution groups leading up to the dissolution of Apartheid.
Coralie was not only a respected analyst but also the founder of GRASP (the Groups for the reading and study of psychoanalysis). Her tireless dedication to teaching, mentoring, and supervising made her a revered figure in the field. Her fierce drive and extraordinary mind inspired all those who had the privilege of working with her.
The loss of Coralie Trotter is felt deeply by the psychoanalytic community, her loved ones, and her son Kai. We celebrate Coralie's life and mourn her passing, knowing that her remarkable work has left an indelible mark on our lives.
Elda Storck, President of the South African Psychoanalytical Association