About SMLTSA
The Society of Medical Laboratory Technology of South Africa (SMLTSA) promotes the profession of medical technology in South Africa.
The SMLTSA is the voice of the profession in South Africa, ensuring that the viewpoint of medical laboratory professionals are adequately represented at all levels.
Our Administrative Office is in Pinelands Cape Town.
History
- The SMLTSA was established in 1951, first and foremost with the aim of developing qualifications and to ensure that the profession gains the recognition it deserves.
- Due to the efforts of the SMLTSA the profession has become united, was able to achieve professional status and has advanced to the point where medical technologists may enter into a private practice. In 1991 the ethical rules were amended enabling medical technologists to practice independently.
- SMLTSA has also been involved in upgrading the medical technologist course firstly to a UoT diploma course and then to the current BHSc:Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) degree course.
- Through a scientific approach, the SMLTSA has provided several opportunities for medical laboratory professionals to grow and develop. This is achieved through assistance for members to obtain Continuing Professional Development Education points and an accredited journal (The Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology South Africa)
How we work
An executive committee consisting of 6 members (plus any co-opted members required for their expertise in certain fields.) The management of the Society is vested in the Executive of the Society.
Council consists of a nominated member from each Branch Committee together with all Executive Committee members.
A branch consist of at least 20 (twenty) Associate or Affiliate Members within a reasonable distance of each other. Branches are represented on Council.
Members are individuals in the medical laboratory profession and related professions
Activities of the SMLTSA
The SMLTSA acts as an advisory and consultant body in the fields of education, training and employment.
The SMLTSA promotes and supports scientific knowledge and skills through activities such as congresses, scientific journals, scientific advisory committees and other professional development activities.
Executive Committee Members - EXCO
SMLTSA PRESIDENT
Ryno Freidberg
-Advanced Diploma Teaching, Training and Assessing Learning
-Long standing SMLTSA PE Branch member
-Examiner and Moderator in MT Clin Path Board Examinations
-Previous Chairperson of Clin Path SAC
-Current SMLTSA NEC Chairperson
-Strengths lie in good interpersonal and communication skills, keen interest and experience in training and facilitating, strong work ethic, mentoring of those who wish to grow in the profession, passionate and positive about the future of the profession, good knowledge of SMLTSA processes and functions.
Past PRESIDENT
Dr. Wendy Solomon
-20 years’ experience in the medical laboratory profession which includes 14 years in Higher Education; SMLTSA experience as President, previous Vice-president, branch chair, board exam external moderator, SAC member and NEC.
-Strengths lie in Health Science education, university administration and Biomedical Science research
Carol Massyn
-SMLTSA member for 25+ years
-Past SMLTSA President and PBMT board member. PE Branch Chair.
-Chairperson of Cytogenetics SAC
-Board exam examiner, moderator and part time lecturer at NMU in Cytogenetics
-Strengths lie in Private Practice, experience in SMLTSA and HPCSA matters also training of MTIN’s/MLS.
Dr. Francois Smit
-Long standing SMLTSA Member
-Previous Examiner and Moderator of Board exams, NEC Chair, Clin Path SAC Chair, Current Editor In Chief JMLSTSA
-Strengths: Passionate about the profession, training, good writing skills.
-High regard for the profession and the growth thereof.
-Good knowledge of SMLTSA processes.
Greta Neethling
-Master of Pathology SU
-Pre-doctoral at SU
-Long standing SMLTSA member
-Former Branch secretary
-Cytology SAC Chair and NEC member -Presenter at many SMLTSA Congresses
-Strengths: Passionate about the profession. Dependable, good organizational skills Good knowledge of SMLTSA processes.
Kathy Thavar
-Phlebotomy Training Facilitator
Long standing SMLTSA KZN and now Egoli branch member
Chairperson of Phlebotomy Forum since 2013 and current Phlebotomy SAC Chair
Current co-opted Phleb rep on SMLTSA ExCo
Organiser of Phlebotomy Congresses 2013+2022
Phlebotomy Panel marker
Strengths: Passionate about the profession esp wrt Phlebotomy-growth and development
Excellent work ethic and communication skills
Dependable, good organizational skills
-Good knowledge of SMLTSA processes
Terry van Jaarsveld
-National Higher Diploma
-AACC POCT Professional
-Essentials of QMS in Med Labs certificate Abu Dhabi
-ISO 15189 Accreditation Requirements for Med Labs certificate Abu Dhabi
-Longstanding SMLTSA Cape Branch member
-Phlebotomy Examiner, Panel Marker
-Current SMLTSA ExCo member with Admin portfolio
-Strengths lie in training and mentoring, communication, leadership and management.
-Organizational and analytical skills
-Knowledge of CPD processes
-Good knowledge of SMLTSA processes.