36TH ANNUAL IMASA CONVENTION 2016
IMASA has once again hosted a very successful 2 day conference at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town with a breath taking view of the iconic Table Mountain and the soothing sounds of the lapping waves providing an attractive backdrop for this year’s event.
A jam-packed and fully CPD accredited programme took place on 30th April 2016 and the 01st May 2016 hosted by the IMA Cape Town Branch. This year’s theme being; “Integrative Healthcare—Holistic, Ethical, Spiritual” covered a number of academic presentations and discussions quite comprehensively. Another aspect which makes the IMASA conference unique is the presentations by various and well-known Islamic scholars who elaborate on the spiritual upliftment of oneself.
Over 250 delegates, including; spouses, students, youth and kids under the age of 10 years got to enjoy a programme put together with thorough preparation and consideration from the convention committee ensuring that each and every delegate was catered for and occupied with something of interest.
Our International Guest Speaker; Sheikh Mirza Yawar Baig and local Guest Speaker; Dr Razeen Gopal provided excellent talks and workshops that kept the delegates riveted and fully engaged. The rest of the academic programme was made up of equally dynamic local speakers with interesting topics and numerous parallel workshops and plenary sessions which were of a very high standard and enjoyed by our delegates.
A full day separate Dental Programme was offered over the 2 days with a very clinical and practically directed session, which was well received by the many dental delegates in attendance.
Four medical students from the Gauteng region were selected this year as representatives of the IMA Johannesburg Student Wing. The aim is to groom them for the future roles they would play in the organization and as Muslim Health Professionals in society. The exposure to such conferences and IMA outreach programmes instils in them the confidence to be active members and the proud flag bearers of IMASA. Besides attending various medical talks during the convention, the students were fortunate to sit in the company of the Honourable, Sheikh Mirza Yawar Baig who facilitated an interesting Marriage Workshop. Their participation and eagerness is admirable and we are excited to build stronger relations with MSA so that in future the student programmes can be of benefit to many more medical students nationally Inshaa Allah.
A special thank you to AWQAF SA & members of IMASA Johannesburg Branch who generously sponsored our students and who acknowledges the need for our younger generation to be given these opportunities where they are able to be a part of the broader medical fraternity before graduating.
The Youth Camp was based at the Seaside Cottages Resort situated on the beachfront of Fish Hoek. Mr Muneer Dalwai and his team who are avid hikers, were very enthusiastic to engage on our youth holistically, Alhumdulillah. The programme involved day hikes and trips to nearby Simons Town & Cape Point. Many of our youth who have been attending this event annually have gained life-time friendships over the years and are usually very excited to attend and rekindle those friendships and to spend quality time catching up since the last convention.
The younger delegates ages 4-10yrs were kept occupied and entertained through out the day with various activities such as: action ball etc. The weather conditions were very conducive to having the kids out on the beachfront for some fun in the sun!!!
Our exhibitors were setup in the atrium where coffee and tea was being served during tea breaks. All the delegates were encouraged to visit the exhibition stands as part of the Conference House Rules.
A special thank you to our Main Sponsor: OASIS Group Holdings [Pty] Ltd.
It is tradition to host a splendid Gala Dinner at each convention where delegates get to dress smart, enjoy a lovely meal with special Guest Speakers and get to socialize with colleagues and friends.
Drumming Session at the Gala Dinner
This year’s event had some very memorable moments with the Lifetime Award presented to Dr Kassim from Zimbabwe; a Stalwart member of IMASA who has but only missed one convention from the 36 hosted. We make dua Allah [SWT] grant him the strength and health to continue honouring us with his presence at future conventions Inshaa Allah.
A special acknowledgement was made to our very first staff member of IMASA, Sr Shirin Cassim. 25 years later she continues to play a vital role in the everyday running of IMASA and remains dedicated and loyal to the needs of the organization. We make dua that Allah [SWT] rewards you abundantly Dunya, Qabr & Aaghirah and that the years ahead may be just as fruitful and fulfilling as the many years you have committed to us AAMEEN. Our appreciation cannot be expressed with words only, however our duas will continue to be with you and your family.
The convention indeed allowed family, friends and colleagues to re-connect and interact. It again provided the delegates with the opportunity to improve their knowledge base within an Islamic ethos and with Islamic values as its core.
Election of new NEC at the IMASA AGM 2016
On the 01st May 2016, our outgoing President; Dr Riaz Ismail and the rest of the IMASA National Executive; Dr Shamsuddin Imamdin and Ms Shabnim Parker thanked the members for their support over the past 2 years and handed over the reigns to the newly elected NEC. We would like to thank the past NEC for all the hard work they have put in to ensure the smooth running of the organization and the sterling work they have done.
The newly elected NEC as follows:
President: Solly Suleman
Vice President: Ebrahim GM Hoosen
Secretary: Muhammed Imraan Khan
Ass Secretary: M. Raiman
Treasurer: Mohammed Ebrahim Mayet
Ass Treasurer: Ebrahim Khan
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