On 26 May, SAMED held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year, guest speaker, Cas Coovadia, spoke about the changing workplace and trends stemming from the pandemic shaping global workplaces. Coovadia highlighted hybrid models with hot desks and smaller office spaces as a reality for the workplace going forward. Automation and artificial intelligence were also key features of post-pandemic businesses as they moved to shorten supply chains and create a more flexible labour market.

Coovadia stated that for business to recover, it had to not just rebuild the economy but reconfigure it. This would include reimagining transformation that delivers growth, inclusivity and sustainability. It would be imperative to look at education and academics to upskill the labour force with lifelong learning opportunities for employees. It would also mean addressing vulnerable sectors and socio-economic challenges as well as creating a more resilient informal employment sector.

The AGM is members’ opportunity to engage with SAMED on our strategy, finances, and activities. It is also an opportunity for ordinary members to elect the Board leadership for the year ahead. We used the opportunity to outline our engagements, challenges and successes over the past year as well as share the strategic focus of the association going forward. SAMED remains in a financially strong position even though the VAT matter will likely impact SAMED’s current reserves.

We congratulate the seven elected Board members and look forward to the contributions that will come with their diverse expertise.

  • Bulelwa Maponya – Head: Market Access & GA, Boston Scientific
  • Dave Roberts – General Manager for Southern Africa, Johnson & Johnson Medical
  • Donata Kubheka – Reimbursement & Market Access Lead, Medtronic
  • Kenneth Abrahams – Director: Business Solutions & Government Affairs, Stryker
  • Madeleine Pearce – Senior Quality & Regulatory Systems Manager, Philips
  • Neil Venter – Managing Director, SA Biomedical
  • Sabashini Naicker – Managing Director, Smith & Nephew

For those who were unable to attend our AGM, please access a copy of the presentation here.