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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 South Africa is registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) in South Africa: 2017/585475/08. 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. |
Upcoming National Events
Upcoming Global Events
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Training & Development Overview
IMA South Africa will host a series of Learning Labs, a National Training Day and Member Masterclasses in 2026. Members are encouraged to consider which of these opportunities align most closely with their current role, professional development goals and availability for the year. Below is an overview of the planned professional development opportunities. Please note that additional opportunities may be added, and dates are subject to change where necessary.
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.
Planned sessions:
Friday, 6 March – Cape Town (register here)June – Johannesburg
August – Cape Town
September – Johannesburg
October – Cape Town
Cape Town and Johannesburg sessions are repeated where applicable to allow for regional attendance. All Learning Labs carry the same registration fee, allowing for consistent budgeting. These sessions are intentionally limited in size to ensure meaningful interaction and practical application.
March and June Topic
- Exploring Transactional Analysis (TA): focusing on understanding workplace interactions through the lens of Transactional Analysis, strengthening communication, emotional awareness and professional impact.
August, September & October Topics
- The remaining Learning Labs will focus on leadership development, with themes centred on influence, strategic contribution and professional presence when supporting leadership. Detailed topics will be shared once finalised.
National Training Day (Friday, 10 April 2026) - Cape Town
Topic: Influential Leadership: Leading from the 2nd Seat
- This full-day in-person event will combine training and networking for a larger audience and will be facilitated by two experienced presenters.
- As a larger-scale event with dual facilitation and expanded networking opportunities, the registration fee will be slightly higher than that of the Learning Labs.
- The focus will be on strengthening leadership presence, influence and strategic contribution when supporting senior executives.
Member Masterclasses
IMA members also benefit from online Masterclasses during the year at no additional cost:
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Tuesday, 17 March
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Tuesday, 12 May
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Tuesday, 28 July
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Tuesday, 22 September
These sessions complement the in-person events and provide continued professional development throughout the year.
