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Welcome to IMA South Africa Connecting you to a global professional network! IMA South Africa is part of International Management Assistants (IMA), a global network founded in 1974, connecting over 1,300 Assistants in more than 20 countries. IMA South Africa was established in 2018 with just 11 members and has since grown into a thriving community representing management support professionals across South Africa and the African continent. IMA is committed to the personal and professional growth of management support professionals through quality networking, relevant training and events. As a non-political, self-development organisation, we focus on knowledge-sharing, member engagement and raising the profile of the profession. |
Global & National Governance The IMA Council, made up of the Executive Committee and all National Chairs (one representing each country), is the consultative and policy-making body that sets the strategic direction of the Association. Input from every country is invited each year during the Council Meeting. Members are encouraged to get involved by attending their National AGMs as well as the Global Annual Meeting. IMA South Africa is registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) in South Africa: 2017/585475/08. |
Training & Development Overview
IMA South Africa will host a range of professional development opportunities in 2026, including a National Training Day, Learning Labs and Member Masterclasses. Members are encouraged to consider which offerings best align with their current role, professional development goals and availability for the year.
Below is an overview of the planned activities. Please note that additional opportunities may be added, and dates are subject to change as required.
National Training Day | Friday, 31 July 2026 | Cape Town
Influential Leadership: Leading from the 2nd Seat
This full-day, in-person Training Day combines focused leadership development with valuable networking opportunities. Designed for a larger audience, the event will be facilitated by two experienced presenters and offers an engaging, interactive learning experience.
As a larger-scale event with dual facilitation and expanded networking opportunities, the registration fee is slightly higher than that of the Learning Labs. The programme focuses on strengthening leadership presence, influence and strategic contribution when operating in a supporting role to senior executives.
Learning Labs
The Learning Labs are practical, in-person professional development sessions designed specifically for Assistants and Office Professionals who support leadership in dynamic environments. These sessions provide an opportunity to strengthen key workplace skills, share experiences with peers and engage in meaningful discussion in a smaller, interactive setting.
Sessions
- 6 March – Cape Town: Exploring Transactional Analysis
- 26 June – Johannesburg: Exploring Transactional Analysis
- August – Cape Town: Stepping Up: The Transition to Becoming a Team Co-ordinator
- September – Johannesburg: Stepping Up: The Transition to Becoming a Team Co-ordinator
- October – Cape Town: Exploring Transactional Analysis
Session Themes
March, June and October | Exploring Transactional Analysis (TA)
These Learning Labs focus on understanding workplace interactions through the lens of Transactional Analysis, helping participants strengthen communication, emotional awareness and their professional impact.
August and September | Stepping Up: The Transition to Becoming a Team Co-ordinator
These sessions explore the transition to becoming a team co-ordinator, including managing shared priorities, coordinating projects and workflows, strengthening communication within teams and developing confidence in guiding and supporting colleagues.
Cape Town and Johannesburg sessions are repeated where applicable to allow for regional participation. All Learning Labs carry the same registration fee to support consistent budgeting, and attendance is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful interaction and practical application.
Member Webinars & Masterclasses
IMA members also benefit from online Masterclasses during the year at no additional cost:
- Tuesday, 17 March | Webinar: Navigating the Job Market with Confidence, with Margot Julies
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Tuesday, 12 May | Masterclass: The Quiet Impact of Change: Managing the Invisible Load, with Dr Renate Scherrer
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Tuesday, 28 July | Masterclass: From Strengths to Success: Positive Psychology Meets Practical Frameworks, with Diana Brandl
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Tuesday, 22 September | Masterclass: Topic to be confirmed
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Tuesday 10 November | Webinar: Member Spotlight
Members will receive a meeting invitation for Masterclasses and Webinars with the relevant event details ahead of each session.
Upcoming National Events
| Upcoming Global Events
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