Date: Tuesday 12th April 2011
Venue: International Convention Centre Cape Town
Present: As per attendance register. Quorum present.

1. Apologies
Prof D Bizos
Prof J Oettle
Prof J Krige
Dr W Matshoba
Dr K Baatjies
Dr T Ngcobo
Prof M Smith
Dr F Ghoor
Dr J Mook (Surgicom)

2. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Professor Martin Veller presented his report as follows:

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – APRIL 2011
The executive committee for the period of 2009 to 2011 has come to end of its tenure. The executive committee thanks the ASSA for having entrusted the society and its functions for this period to it. This was a large executive committee with a number of co-options and ex-officio members.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
President: Prof. Sats Pillay
Chairman: Prof. Martin Veller
Vice Chairman: Prof. Brian Warren
Secretary: Dr. Modise (Zach) Koto
Treasurer: Dr. Ines Buccimazza
Past President: Prof. Taole Mokoena
Elected and co-opted:
Dr. Karin Baatjies,
Dr. Tim Hardcastle,
Dr. Mike Klipin,
Dr. Jonathan Leith,
Dr. Thifheli Luvhengo,
Dr. Wonga Matshoba,
Dr. Thula Ngcobo,
Prof. Eugene Panieri,

AUGMENTED EXCO:
College of Surgeons of SA: Prof. Del Kahn
ASSA Congress 2011: Prof. Martin Smith, Prof. Damon Bizos
International Soc. Surgery: Prof. Ken Boffard
PAAS: Prof. Paul Goldberg
Registrars: Dr. Martin Brand
Surgicom: Dr. Jan Mook
Editor – SAJS: Prof. Jake Krige (UCT)
Heads of Department: Prof. Hennie Becker, Prof. Roelf du Toit, Dr. Faizel Ghoor, Prof. T. Madiba. Prof. Adupa Dhaffala

On a personal note I wish to thank the committee for all they have achieved.

At the outset of the committee’s time in office a strategic review was performed. The outcome of this review was that the various key functions of the executive committee were assigned to various subcommittees.

STRATEGIC REVIEW:
Sub-Committees:
Steering, membership, administration, finances, all communications, liaison with professional and
statutory organisations (for Surgicom and affiliated societies including SASSiT)
Surgeon advocacy and lobby; developing ASSA’s influence and legitimacy. Communication (official structures, external factors, SAMA)
Patient advocacy
Academic and scientific (Congresses, SAJS, research and training issues, data collection)

One of the key functions was to take the development of the Federation of South African Surgeons (FoSAS) to its fruition. This idea had been perceived by Sats Pillay and would ensure that the 11 or 12 organisations working in the general surgical sphere would be integrated based on their common purpose and goals. This was finally achieved and the inaugural meeting of FoSAS was held in February 2011. Sats Pillai is the inaugural chairman and I have been elected secretary-general. The primary goals of this organisation are to integrate the various functions of these organisations, to ensure that they synergise when appropriate, that all are adequately represented in all spheres in which we work and to develop a common advocacy group.
A strategic review of the Pan African Association of Surgeons was held prior to this congress. During this meeting it was noted that the Surgical colleges have a substantial influence on the African continent. As a consequence it was agreed that their function would be included into the name and that this organisation would be no called the Pan African Association of Surgeons and Colleges (PAASC). The leadership of the member organisations has re-evaluated the role and goals of the PAASC and with a newly motivated executive committee, looks forward to achieving continued growth. Professor Christopher Samkange is the new President while Paul Goldberg continues to be the Secretary-general. Martin Smith has been elected to be the President-elect by ASSA.
The Cape Town 2011 congress has been well attended by both international and local surgeons. The current attendance is in excess of 1750 people. For their efforts the organising committee and the professional congress organisers will be appropriately thanked by ASSA. A particular highlight of this congress was the large amount of money raised for African scholarships which eventually allowed in excess of 40 African colleagues to attend this meeting.
The association uses the opportunity of the annual general meeting to thank individuals who have contributed in an extraordinary manner to surgical services or the association of extended periods. On this occasion the executive committee has agreed that Distinguished Service Awards should be given to Stan Cooke, Julien Oettle and Carl Schulenberg. The citations will be read at the time of handing over these awards. A certificate of appreciation will be given to Yvonne Pyne-James. The executive committee also has the honour of nominating Peter Jeffrey to become a honorary life vice-president of ASSA for his many years of service to the association. The AGM will be asked to vote on this still during this AGM.
FFinally, we would again thank the members of giving us this opportunity and wish the incoming executive committee great success.
MARTIN VELLER 2011

3. Obituary
Dr Herbie Penzhorn on 23 February 2011.

4. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 25 May 2010 were taken as read, and it was agreed that the minutes were a true reflection of the proceedings.

5. Cape Town 2011
Attendance was more than expected with 1500 delegates of whom 900 were international delegates. 60 countries were represented.

6. Minister of Health “10-point plan”
Suggestions made in the January 2011 exco meeting will be taken forward. The patient advocacy subcommittee will need to work with FoSAS to achieve this goal.

7. WHO Checklist
The awareness of WHO checklist has increased and is accepted by the majority of hospitals. The new ASSA exco, together with FoSAS, will investigate the cost of printing the WHO checklist on an A3/A2 poster with FoSAS / ASSA as the logo. These posters will be distributed to all private and government hospitals. The WHO checklist should be incorporated into the training of Theatre nurses.

8. Road Safety Initiative
Department of Transport welcomed ASSA’s involvement with the department after a successful meeting on 29th March 2011. ASSA’s participation was requested in the upcoming symposium.

9. Budget and Financial Report
The financial report was presented by Dr I Buccimazza.

10. Membership and Membership Services
Membership Report as at 31st March:-

Membership base was 443
2 members have resigned
8 members have retired
4 members deceased
5 new members have joined since Jan 2011
Membership base now at 429

Payments received as at 31st March: - 45
Outstanding membership payments: 384

• 1 payment - R 3,000.00 – membership for 2009,2010 & 2011
• 7 payments - R 2,000.00 - membership for 2010 & 2011
• 37 payments - membership 2011

11. Membership Survey
Only a few surveys have been received. This will be re-sent to all members, and an online version will be developed.

12. Department of Health – Essential Equipment List Statement of Intent
An e-mail was received from the Department of Health requesting ASSA’s assistance in the Essential Equipment List. Statement of intent was completed and returned to the Department of Health on behalf of FoSAS who will represent all the 11 societies. Assistance will be required from everyone.