The IMA journey

International Management Assistants (IMA) is a global and high-quality network of management support professionals and currently represented in more than 30 countries.

Founded in 1974 as European Association for Professional Secretaries.

In 1999 the members renamed it EUMA - European Management Assistants and in 2016, it was named the IMA - International Management Assistants.

IMA South Africa was established in 2018 and joins over 30 other countries where IMA is represented.

IMA South Africa has just over 40 members, mostly from South Africa and a few members in neighboring African countries representing various sectors and enterprises.

Vision and Mission Statement

The Association is a self-development organization, with no political aims and will not engage in political or trade-union activities.

The Association aims to stimulate members' personal and professional development through networking, seminars, company visits and project work.

We are committed to be the leading international network of management support professionals by:

• providing high quality development training;
• promoting knowledge and information sharing;
• encouraging interaction among members; and
• monitoring and promoting the development of the management assistant profession.

Our Association distinguishes itself from others with its international dimension. Members have access to a professional network which includes a vast range of business cultures, languages and lifestyles and provides an atmosphere where everyone is on common ground and surrounded by like-minded peers.

Each year a member country hosts the annual international conference and in 2023, South Africa (Cape Town) will be the first country outside of Europe to host this prestigious event, with the topic of  Company Culture Ambassador.

Registration will open during June 2023, and the final programme will be confirmed and shared.

Our National Committee