Join us in Cape Town - registration is now open. See the link below to secure your place.
IMA South Africa invites you to our 2026 National Training Day. This year’s theme: Influential Leadership: Leading from the Second Seat recognises the unique and strategic support position Assistants hold within organisations. You may not always be in the spotlight, but your influence and insight shape outcomes at the highest levels. This is your opportunity to strengthen your impact, sharpen your leadership capability and connect with peers who understand the demands of your role.
What to Expect
This high-impact, in-person Training Day will provide you with:
- Practical 2nd seat leadership tools for influencing from a support role
- A fresh perspective on how to reframe and align your support role as a leadership-enabling function
- Insight into navigating executive partnerships effectively
- The know-how to apply the 5 core capabilities of 2nd seat leadership: anticipation, judgement, communication, alignment and executive discipline.
- Greater skill and confidence to apply first-class communication intelligence strategies
- Advanced level strategic communication (‘first voice’) skills to adapt, influence and align messaging strategically.
- The ability to listen deeply, connecting dots and shaping conversations at work
- The capability to influence the direction of communication: upwards, downwards and lateral.
- Meaningful networking opportunities with like-minded professionals
- Engage and interact with peers from different companies and industries who also serve from the 2nd seat.
Meet Our Facilitators
Jo Thomson is a leadership strategist and executive coach with over 35 years of experience working with boards and executive teams across Africa, Europe and India. He specialises in aligning leadership teams, translating strategy into action, and building high-performing, accountable cultures. Guided by his belief that Insight Inspires Action, Jo helps leaders turn clarity into measurable, sustainable results.
Nontabiso Mthembu is an experienced consultant and change facilitator with over 21 years of corporate and consultancy experience across Africa. She focuses on leadership development, organisational culture and driving meaningful behavioural change. She is widely recognised for advancing female leadership and strengthening resilience, confidence and growth within organisations.
Training Day Fees
- IMA Members: R3,500
- Non-Members: R4,500
- Post-Training Day Cocktail Networking (optional): R400
Programme
Friday, 10 April 2026
National Training Day
Time: 08:00 – 17:00
Venue: Century City Conference Centre (CCCC), Cape Town
Format: Fully in-person (no virtual option available)
Dress Code: Professional office wear
Post-Training Day Cocktail Networking
Following the formal programme, join us at Urban Umami Restaurant (Urban Square Hotel, Century City) for a relaxed cocktail networking session - the perfect opportunity to deepen connections and reflect on the day’s learning.
Saturday, 11 April 2026
Networking Morning Gathering
07:30 - Meet at Gusto Urban Italian Restaurant, Century City
08:00 - Relaxed networking walk/run
Cost for ParkRun participation is free
Prefer not to walk? Simply join the group at 09:00 at Gusto Urban Italian Restaurant. Hotel guests can enjoy breakfast as part of their stay, while non-residents are welcome to join and cover the cost of their meal.
Register HERE
Registration Period: 5 – 25 March 2026
Open to both IMA members and non-members.
Exclusive Non-Member Training Day Offer: As a non-member delegate you will enjoy the benefit of having your 2026 IMA South Africa membership fee included in your registration, extending your access to professional development, networking and resources beyond the Training Day.
Accommodation
Special accommodation rates are available for Training Day participants on 9 and 10 April 2026.
R2 400 per single superior room at Century City Hotel Urban Square, inclusive of VAT, breakfast and WIFI
Availability is limited, and we encourage early booking to secure your reservation.
Bookings:
Century City Hotel Urban Square
Anschen le Roux
Email: reservations@cchotels.co.za
Tel: +27 21 204 8000
Booking code: IMA2026
Payment Terms for the Training Day
- All invoices must be paid in full by Friday, 3 April 2026.
- Registration is confirmed only upon receipt of payment.
- Admission to the Training Day is limited to fully paid delegates.
- Registration fee excludes accommodation, flights and travel-related costs.
- Payment must be made via EFT into the official IMA South Africa bank account as reflected on the invoice.
- International payments are subject to a R50 transaction fee.
Cancellation Policy for the Training Day
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Event Coordinator.
- Full refunds (less a R150 admin fee) will be granted for cancellations received on or before 25 March 2026.
- Cancellations after 25 March 2026 are non-refundable.
- Substitutes may attend in place of the registered delegate at no additional cost.
- No-shows on the day will not receive a refund.
Important Information
- Please bring your digital registration confirmation.
- Complimentary parking and is available at the venue.
- Sessions will not be recorded.
- IMA South Africa NPC cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss of property.
Download a letter of support and programme from our website.
IMA South Africa NPC is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (2017/585475/08)
