Message from the president

Every year we get to the end of November and I ask myself where the time has gone. This year is no different and has indeed been an exciting and fast-paced year for many of us. The same applies to ADSA as an organisation, with 2022 having been a year of ‘returning to normal’ and meeting in person at events while continuing to navigate the hybrid world we have become accustomed to. We made the best of this opportunity, visiting five branches for the ADSA Exec Roadshow during October and November 2022. The presentation on ‘Navigating true north: finding direction in the profession’ and the ImpENSA presentation on ‘The first 1000 days - why it matters’ sparked insightful discussions and offered a great opportunity to connect and engage with our members.

Several branches have also hosted events during the last quarter of the year. The commitment of the branch committee members and support of these events are acknowledged and appreciated. I encourage our branches and members to utilise the events not only as opportunities for formal continuing professional development, but also to engage in discussions about the profession and the role we play, individually and collectively, to represent and develop the profession. As we start planning our diaries for 2023, make sure to block off 18 to 20 April to join us in Cape Town for the National Nutrition Congress. The congress theme, ‘Synergy & reconnection in a diverse nutrition world’ promises thoughtprovoking exchange of ideas and knowledge and an opportunity to cherish old and embrace new collaborations. The draft programme has been launched and holds exciting opportunities to update, upskill and network with colleagues.

If you are taking a break during the festive season, rest well and stay safe. We are looking forward to again picking up the reins in January 2023, representing and developing the profession of dietetics.

Best wishes

Maria van der Merwe

ADSA PRESIDENT, 2021 TO 2023