Public Health Association of South Africa
MINUTES OF THE PHASA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2003 AT THE EASTERN BOULEVARD HOLIDAY INN, WOODSTOCK, CAPE TOWN

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The meeting was chaired by Dr Lilian Dudley.

1. WELCOME AND OPENING
The chairperson welcomed everybody to the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES
There were no apologies.

3. MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
Dr A Kimambo delivered a message of support from the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), as well as greetings from the Tanzanian Public Health Association. He challenged the membership to build PHASA into a strong organization that promotes public health in the country, as well as the SADC region at large.

4. MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Minutes of the ESSA annual general meeting of 24 February 200 were read and accepted as correct (Vuma Magaqa and Neil Cameron).

5. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
The brief given to the Public Health Association of South Africa since the previous annual general meeting related mainly to the transformation of ESSA to PHASA. Since then PHASA had been established and registered, a mission statement developed and key objectives set. Registration of PHASA with the WFPHA is to be approved on receipt of the minutes of the first PHASA AGM. Despite the delay in holding the first PHASA conference, there was an overwhelming response to the conference announcement with significantly higher numbers than expected in attendance.

6. TREASURER'S REPORT
The treasurer's report was read and accepted.

7. PHASA CONSTITUTION
PHASA had been registered as a Section 21 company on 10 April 2001, and a Memorandum of Association and Certificate of Corporation prepared. A brochure had been developed which gave the mission statement and 7 key objectives. The meeting agreed that the new Executive Committee should further develop the mission statement and objectives taking into consideration the suggestions made at the AGM.

8. PHASA LOGO
A PHASA logo had been developed, which the meeting accepted

9. MEMBERSHIP, FEES STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
It was agreed that the fee structure remain as it is, but that the new Executive be tasked with its revision. It was stated that institutional membership should not preclude the payment of individual fees. Priorities for the new Executive Committee should include the appointment of a part-time administrative/secretarial assistant, active fundraising and the further development of mechanisms for the receipt of payments, including electronic and credit card payment facilities. Allowances should be made for those unable to pay.

10. DISCUSSION OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
David Sanders outlined how the structure and functioning of many Public Health Associations were based on the formation of Special Interest Groups (SIG). An appeal to the membership to initiate such SIGs had been included in the first PHASA newsletter, but the response had been poor. A discussion on SIGs followed, with its value in the recruitment of new members, contributions to policy and practise in public health, and as a mechanism for allowing the organization to "live between conferences" being highlighted. It was agreed that the incoming Executive Committee prepare an initial list of SIGs which might be formed, and circulate this to the membership for amendment and expressions of interest (David Sanders). It was also noted that an offer of assistance had been received from the American Public Health Association in relation to the building of PHASA.

11. ELECTION OF NEW EXECUTIVE
According to the constitution, the PHASA Executive Committee will comprise no fewer than 4 and no more than 14 members. Twelve nominations were received, and appointed to the Executive Committee:

• Paul Britz
• Debbie Bradshaw
• William Pick
• Shan Naidoo
• Noddy Jinabhai
• Vuma Magaqa
• Hazel Bradley
• David Sanders
• Mmipe Modise
• Costa Gazi
• Nomathemba Mazeleni
• Mamisa Chabula

12. OTHER BUSINESS

12.1 Co-hosting of conference with International Association of Health Policy
A request had been received from the International Association of Health Policy for co-hosting with PHASA of a conference in South Africa. The meeting agreed to accept, in principle, the idea of a co-hosted conference, but deferred the final decision to the incoming Executive Committee.

12.2 International Epidemiological Association
Professor Noddy Jinabhai proposed that PHASA become affiliated to the International Association of Epidemiology. The meeting approved, in principle, the idea of a working relationship with the IAE, but, in light of potentially high associated costs, deferred the matter to the incoming Executive Committee for further consideration.

12.3 PHASA Statement on Treatment for HIV/AIDS
Following lengthy discussion of this matter, a decision was taken to draft a statement covering key issues emerging from the conference, including the issue of treatment for HIV/AIDS. The Executive Committee was tasked with coordinating this.