Public Health Association of South Africa
Minutes of the PHASA Annual General Meeting held at 17h45 on 6 June 2004
in Billiard Room, Durban Manor, Durban

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The meeting was chaired by PHASA Chairperson, Professor William Pick, and attended by 33 participants.

1. Welcome and apologies
   Professor Pick welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no apologies.
   
2. Finalise agenda
   There were no additions to the agenda.
   
3. Confirmation of minutes of AGM, 25 March 2005
   The minutes of the PHASA AGM, 25 March 2005 were accepted.
   Proposed: Prof Noddy Jinabhai
   Seconded: Dr Shan Naidoo
   
4. Matters arising
   

   4.1 Constitution

   It was requested that a copy of the PHASA Constitution be put onto the PHASA Website.

   It was reported that the current executive committee had spent sometime working an amended “Aims and Objectives” for PHASA but these were not yet finalised. It was agreed that this matter be taken forward by the incoming executive committee.

   4.2 WFPHA

   PHASA is an affiliate member of the World Federation of Public Health Association. Profs David Sanders and Noddy Jinabhai attended the WFPHA International Conference held in Brighton in April 2004 and reported the following:

   • WFPHA will be approaching PHASA for our subscription fees.
   • There are a number of global campaigns endorsed by WFPHA, including the ‘Hand-washing Campaign', linked to access to water and sponsored by Colgate Palmolive.
   • There are 35 Public Health Associations globally but few in Africa , Asia and Latin America . WFPHA is looking to South Africa to actively engage with Public Health Associations in Southern Africa .
   • The Canadian Public Health Association has provided financial assistance to Tanzania , Mozambique and Zimbabwe PHAs and PHASA should consider looking for funding possibilities.
     
5. Chairperson's Report
   

   A written copy of this report was available to members prior to the meeting.

   David Sanders expressed appreciation for the considerable work of Hazel Bradley (Secretary - PHASA Executive and Conference Organising Committee) and Debbie Bradshaw (Treasurer - PHASA Executive and Vice-Chair Conference Scientific Committee) during the past year.

6. Treasurer's Report
   

   A written copy of this report was available to members prior to the meeting.

   Debbie Bradshaw pointed out that the PHASA website is now up and an electronic distribution list of members has been established that can be used for e-mailing information to members.

   It has not been possible to finalise the accounts for the year as the books from the 2003 PHASA Conference are still being finalised.

   Priorities identified for 2004 were the appointment of auditors and the establishment of new signatories at the bank.

   It was also agreed that the PHASA executive establish a policy around sponsorship.

7. Election of new Executive Committee
   

   The following executive members stated that they wish to step down from the executive committee:

   • Prof William Pick
   • Prof David Sanders
   • Mr Vuma Magaqa
   • Dr Nomathemba Mazeleni
   • Dr Mmipe Modise

The following indicated that they are available to continue as executive committee members:

• Dr Debbie Bradshaw
• Prof Noddy Jinabhai
• Dr Shan Naidoo
• Ms Hazel Bradley

The following new members were elected:

• Prof David Buso Proposed by Prof Noddy Jinabhai.
  Seconded by Dr Shan Naidoo
• Mr David Mametja Proposed by Mr Vuma Magaqa
  Seconded by Prof David Sanders
• Dr Lilian Dudley Proposed by Dr Debbie Bradshaw
  Seconded by Dr Shan Naidoo
• Dr Ruxana Jina Proposed by Dr D Basu
  Seconded by Dr Helen Lewis
• Dr Steve Knight Proposed by Dr Irwin Friedman
  Seconded by Prof Noddy Jinabhai

8. Next Conference

William Pick proposed that the PHASA conference should be an annual event. Noddy Jinabhai suggested that PHASA explore the possibility of holding the PHASA Conference before or after The International Society for Environmental Epidemiology Conference which is taking place in Jo'bug, 25-29 September 2005. Dr Shan Naidoo was tasked to discuss this with the ISEE Conference Committee. It was proposed that this matter be taken forward by the incoming executive committee.

9.  Any Other Business

9.1 Membership
It was emphasised that PHASA should focus on increasing its membership both at the conference and beyond. Special Interest Groups may be a means of sustaining interest throughout the year. It was noted that PHASA should actively encourage senior management to join in their individual capacity.

9.2 PHASA position statements
Concern was expressed by PHASA's deficiency in declaring its position on issues of health and public health.

It was proposed that this issue be taken forward by the new executive committee.

9.3 Public Health Journal
William Pick agreed to pursue the establishment of a Public Health Journal on behalf of PHASA Executive.

9.4 International Health Representative
David Sanders agreed to take on the role as PHASA International Representative.

9.5 Finance
There was some discussion around the fee structure and a sliding scale of fees was suggested.

It was also suggested that PHASA engage in some income generating activities.

These matters to be taken forward by the incoming executive committee.

9.6 Regional/Provincial representation
This matter was raised and the incoming executive was tasked to investigate further.

9.7 Special Interest Groups
The incoming executive committee was tasked to explore this issue further.

10. Concluding remarks
William Pick thanked everyone for attending and for their contribution to the PHASA and wished them well in the future.