COMENSA – Coaches and Mentors of South Africa – In a world of constant change, coaching and mentoring are playing an increasing role in empowering future generations to realise their full potential.

WELCOME TO COMENSA

COACHES & MENTORS OF SOUTH AFRICA

In a world of constant change, coaching and mentoring are playing an
increasing role in empowering future generations to realise their full potential.
To meet this need, COMENSA ensures that the highest standard of professional
service is provided by serving as the globally recognised, self-regulatory,
professional body for coaching and mentoring in South Africa.

ABOUT COMENSA

Inspire | Enlighten | Empower

We provide a platform for all stakeholders to engage, educate, exchange, and evolve in pursuit of best practice.

We support the ongoing evolution of coaches and mentors through the promotion
of diversity, inclusion, education, and networking through our community of practitioners.

We reinforce professionalism through a process of credentialing,
the maintenance of participation and continued education tracking.

COMENSA VALUES

Accountability | Integrity | Inclusivity | Professionalism | Innovation

Accountability As a Professional Body, we are accountable for our
actions and behaviours to deliver results for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

Integrity We commit to maintaining trust and credibility,
through honest and transparent undertakings that are congruent
with our values, policies and professional purpose.

Professionalism We deliver our services according to professional standards,
and commit to continuous improvement thereof to the benefit of all our stakeholders.

Inclusivity We welcome non judgemental diversity amongst our members
and the value it brings to the coaching and mentoring professions.

Innovation We embrace a change mindset, being open to new ideas,
improvements and technology.

COACHING VS MENTORING

Understanding the difference

COACHING

COMENSA defines coaching as “a professional, collaborative and outcomes-driven method of learning that seeks to develop an individual and raise self-awareness so that he or she might achieve specific goals and perform at a more effective level”.

MENTORING

COMENSA defines mentoring as “a partnership in which a mentee is assisted in making significant advances in knowledge, perspective and vision in order to develop their full potential; the mentor’s wisdom is utilised by the mentee to facilitate and enhance new learning and insight”.

The benefits of JOINING COMENSA

As you progress from the first step of registering with COMENSA as a Student or Ordinary Member, you will enjoy an increasing array of benefits.

Find more information on which category of membership you qualify for as well as the detail of our very affordable membership fees on our Membership page.

Free attendance to events

Multiple events are hosted by our regional chapters and professional committees each month. Check out the events calendar

Professional recognition

Credentialing with COMENSA as a coach or mentor will give you a SAQA recognised designation and reinforce your professional credibility

Get
discovered

Our members are listed and identified by their credential status in our highly popular directory of COMENSA coaches and mentors

Advance your learning

Whether kick starting your studies or advancing your knowledge, one of our COMENSA approved Training Programmes should meet your need

Earn your
CPD points

We provide numerous qualifying events and resources, and help you keep track of your Continuous Professional Development points

Free news and events

Stay up to date with our newsletter, packed with news from our portfolio committees and chapter chairs, info on events and special offers

Training Provider Programme (TPP)

How do Training Provider Programmes work, and why are they vital to the coaching and mentoring professions?

The extensive array of COMENSA approved Training Provider Programmes are vetted to strict standards to further the development of coaches and mentors, helping them maintain their CPD points as well as to stay abreast of rapidly developing industry knowledge.

FIND

Further your development and earn Continuous
Professional Development points.

APPLY

Please register with COMENSA to access our
online application portal to have your
programme approved.

EVENT CALENDAR

COMENSA holds a diverse range of events each month, providing insight to the latest coaching and mentoring trends and developments, and the opportunity to earn CPD points.

COMENSA prides itself on the diverse range of events held every month. Providing insight to the latest coaching and mentoring trends and developments.

Each event is hosted by one of our four regional chapters: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Limpopo, or by the specialised portfolio committees: Supervision, Marketing, Membership Criteria and Standards of Competence (MCSC), Research, or Social and Ethics.

The majority of our events are presently hosted online and are available free to everyone registered with COMENSA. If you are not yet registered, join us now to have access to this invaluable resource.

Face to face networking events will be returned to as soon as appropriate and will be held in each of the regions. Attendance is free for members and attracts a small fee for non-members.

‘We welcome non-judgemental diversity amongst our members and the value it brings to the coaching and mentoring professions.’

President & VP update

Inclusivity is a COMENSA value:

‘We welcome non-judgemental diversity amongst our members and the value it brings to the coaching and mentoring professions.’

On 24 September every year South Africa celebrates National Heritage Day. Celebrating and embracing the rich cultural heritage of the nation. This day provides an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, traditions, languages and customs that make up the South African society.

By promoting inclusivity National Heritage Day can serve as a platform to foster understanding, respect and unity among different ethnic groups and communities. It can also be a time to educate and raise awareness about the importance of diversity and the contributions of various cultures to the nation’s history and identity. Coaches can celebrate diversity and inclusion by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals involved in their coaching programmes. Here are some ways you can do it:

Education and awareness: You can educate yourself and your clients about the importance of diversity and inclusion. This can include learning about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives to foster understanding and empathy.
Respect and acceptance: You can promote a culture of respect and acceptance, where every individual is valued and treated fairly. Encouraging open dialogue and actively listen to diverse viewpoints which can help create an inclusive atmosphere.
Equal opportunities: You can ensure that all team members have equal opportunities to participate and excel, regardless of their background or identity. This can involve speaking time, assigning leadership roles, and recognition of individual achievements.
Celebrating differences: You can organise activities or events that celebrate the diverse backgrounds and talents of team members. This can include cultural exchange days, where individuals can share their traditions, or incorporating diverse perspectives into training sessions and game strategies.
Addressing discrimination: You can be proactive in addressing any instances of discrimination or bias that may occur within the team. This can involve implementing clear policies against discrimination, providing training on diversity and inclusion and taking appropriate action when incidents arise.

By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, as coaches and mentors we can create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and respect among team members.

Quote:
“Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.”
Andres Tapia

IT Committee

Exciting times ahead with our Website!

We’ve made good progress on updating our website. We’ve identified a list of key areas to address, and we’re currently looking for providers to assist us.

The changes we’re making will make it easier for members to find the information they need and to collaborate on projects.

Google Drive Migration

We’ve also defined file structures and will be reaching out to the portfolio heads to start assisting in implementing this. We’re going to provide support documentation and training links to assist in the process.

We plan to move COMENSA to the cloud for meetings, documents, and file sharing. This will make it easier for members to access their files from anywhere, and it will also improve security.

Thank you for your patience as we make these changes. I’ll be providing more updates in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Lloyd Poleman
Chair of IT
it@comensa.org.za

MCSC Committee

MCSC – Membership Criteria & Standards of Competence Committee

Taking Charge of your Professional Journey

‘Celebrate what you have accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed’, Mia Hamm

As a Coach or Mentor, how Professional are we? How responsible are we? How does our responsibility relate to our Profession as Coach or Mentor?

We have high expectations from our clients, should we not therefore also have high expectations of ourselves?

In saying this, when it comes to renewal of COMENSA membership, this often is overlooked or forgotten, and then it causes extra administrative tasks to get the membership re-instated.

And recently this has happened to members holding a Professional Designation, and the 3-year cycle is complete and the renewal is due, and when we send out a notification, often receive an unkind reply. The responsibility is with YOU as a member to check when your renewal is due.

And a very important requirement for renewal of a Credential, is that your CPD points is up to date. Please take a couple of minutes to review the CPD Policy at https://www.comensa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MCSC-Policy-Criteria-05-Continous-Professional-Development-March-2023.pdf. And one of the important requirements is the 12 points for Supervision. We have addressed CPD on various occasions and have urged members to update it regularly and not wait for the time of renewal. The fact is that CPD is not only for renewal, but should be seen as YOUR growth, learning and development as a Coach or Mentor.

I therefore urge you to check your Membership expiry date, your Credential expiry date, and your CPD points status.

MCSC Webinars

19 September 2023 @ 13H00-14H00 – The importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, presented by Gizelle McIntyre.

Recently Credentialed Members

Congratulations to our Credentialed Members who have renewed their Professional Designation during the month of August.

Mandy Johnson – COMENSA Master Coach
Philip Collier – COMENSA Senior Coach
Rosa Zimmerman – COMENSA Credentialed Coach

We would like to see you start the process this month to be Credentialed. Remember, you are doing it for YOU.

If you need assistance or would like encouragement to become Credentialed, email me at mcsc@comensa.org.za

André Retief

MCSC Chair

mcsc@comensa.org.za

Supervision Committee

Our Recent/past Events
SPC joined hands with the Limpopo chapter to deliver a valuable and insightful evening of supervision practice. Twenty-five souls were in the room when the doors closed. Dr Philip Ridgwell, member of the Supervision Portfolio Committee (SPC) led the session with flair and had the room engaged throughout. Many nuggets were shared before the event closed.
Several coaches took up the opportunity for a free thirty-minute supervision session with Dr Phil to close off any open aspects from the session.

Forthcoming Events

Join us for our next event on September 19^th in collaboration with the Western Cape chapter. Look out for the invitation! ‘Discipline in the Workplace’ presented by Bruno Bruniquel.There will be an opportunity to experience supervision in breakaway rooms.

Community of Practice: Our first COP group is off to a great start. We are looking to create our second group of practice. If you are a keen supervisor and looking to join a closed group in our community of practice, please reach out to the Supervision committee or contact Kirti Carr directly on kirti@lightsanctuary.co.za.

“Did you know you can still receive value from supervision if you are not coaching much, you are a new coach or still a student?”

Research Committee

COMENSA Newsletter – Sep2023

Mentoring
Alison Theaker recently did research on the dynamics of mentoring for women entrepreneurs and its role in entrepreneurial success. Alison provides an interesting diagram of these dynamics on page 13 of the paper. The most important aspects which may lead to success for entrepreneurs include peer mentoring, practical advice, maieutic mentoring, role models, and personal motivation. These are of course over and above other business aspects, such as having an innovation business idea, supported by strategic and operational planning, and the required financial resources, amongst others.

Two items from the research I would like to highlight:

Entrepreneurs found both non-directive maieutic (Socratic questioning mode of enquiry) and the more directive advice-giving mentoring styles valuable. As much as entrepreneurs appreciate assistance through an almost coaching-based mentoring approach, they often stress the importance of practical help and advice.
As much as one would expect that gender is important, i.e., female mentors for female entrepreneurs, the participants in this study felt that this was not important at all. More important is the availability of a peer mentor, someone who has been in a similar business environment and has the experience.

The research can be found at https://doi.org/10.24384/jbra-zt25

Coaching
For some years now I have been feeling a discomfort with the general definitions of coaching focusing on achieving goals only. Often, this is interpreted in a performance management approach where I use coaching in situations where I want to improve or perform in a more effective manner.

In the Jun 2023 COMENSA Newsletter, I highlighted an article on 3 coaching strategies – first, second, and third generation coaching. Another article by Stefanos De Dominicis and Reinhard Stelter expands on this, particularly how Socratic questioning can be used for a new purpose in coaching (other than just achieving a goal).

First-generation coaching is focused purely on achieving a goal (typically a GROW model approach), followed by second-generation coaching focusing on the systemic environment of the coachee, including the coachee’s family, groups, organisations, community, and socio-cultural environments). This approach is characterized by approaches such as solution-focused and positive psychology coaching.

Third-generation coaching is a philosophically inspired form of coaching and focuses on values and meaning-making for the coachee, and has a foundation of reflexivity. Both coach and coachee share their experiences, considerations, and reflections, and both engage in self-reflection and shared reflection, which may result in new perspectives for both coach and coachee. The content of the conversations revolves around the meaning of various life experiences and the values informing these. The outcome of these coaching conversations is not an action plan to achieve a SMART goal. The outcomes are rather to achieve new interpretations of reality; new perspectives on our existence; and new possibilities of potential actions. The coachee gains a values-based self-understanding and a meaning-associated direction to their problems and challenges, which in turn facilitates their decision-making and related actions.

Wit the above, I am arguing that the original goal-only-focused approaches to define coaching has become outdated over time, as we got to understand coaching better through experience and through research, and that it may be time to review the context of how we explain coaching to new coaches, and to the general public (our clients).

By Jacques Myburgh
Acting chair
COMENSA Research Committee

Request for research participants

Dear Coach,

My name is Jennifer Pogisho, I am a student at Stellenbosch University currently pursuing my Master of Philosophy degree in Leadership Coaching under the supervision of Dr John Morrison.

I hereby kindly extend an invitation to you to participate in a research project titled: The impact of conflict coaching on leaders’ ability to handle high conflict situations effectively.

Conflicts are a part of human interactions and can have negative or positive outcomes either on individuals involved in the conflict or organisations where conflicts take place. The outcome of a conflict situation largely depends on how it is handled or managed and the responsibility for managing conflicts almost always falls on the leaders.

This research aims to investigate the impact conflict coaching can have on leaders’ ability to handle high conflict situations effectively.
You are eligible to participate in this study if you can be reasonably regarded as an expert in the domain of coaching where conflict is an issue, and if you are a qualified coach with COMENSA and have at least three years or more experience in the area of coaching where conflict is a concern.

Should you decide to participate you will be expected to take part in an approximately 60 minutes long open-ended interview where you will share your experiences, knowledge, and perspectives regarding coaching in high conflict situations. The interview will be conducted via MS Teams

Your identity will be kept confidential, as well as the identities of clients, any identities of organisations or the clients you might be affiliated with.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.

If you are willing to participate in this study, please contact me, Jennifer Pogisho, at
26760096@sun.ac.za
or
+264 811 249 597
for further information about my study and the consent forms.

Marketing Committee

LeaderEx is almost here and you are invited to attend on the expo running from 12 – 14 September.

As you know by now, COMENSA will be taking part again at this year’s LeaderEx at the Sandton Convention Centre in the COMENSA Coaches Corner and we will be represented at the COMENSA expo stand on the 12^th & 13^th of September.

We have 24 volunteer coaches who will be joining us this year to support COMENSA in this very important awareness drive. Through their coaching, these coaches will give the general public attending the expo the chance to experience coaching first hand, in our Coaching Corner, creating awareness not only for COMENSA but for coaching as a whole. We encourage you to come a long and support our coaches and see what the event is all about, as there will be some very interesting talks on various topics over 3 days. Please click on this link to get more information on exactly what else you can enjoy as a COMENSA membership.
https://www.leaderex.com/sectionevents.aspx?s=65

Entry for COMENSA members is free you just need to register using this link
http://www.leaderex.com/register and use COMENSA as the invite code.

We hope to see you there and experience new learnings and networks.

Marketing quote of the month: “Never pass up new experiences (Scarlett), they enrich the mind”. – Margaret Mitchell in “Gone with the Wind”

Have a great month.

Sally Witherden
Marketing Chair

Professional Conduct Committee

COMENSA Professional Conduct Committee
Newsletter: September 2023
Janice Hanly – Secretary

As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work” and as we “optimistically” step into spring of 2023 we are overjoyed and grateful to announce the arrival of our new member Pearl Tshabalala who has joined our committee. We’d like to say a huge welcome to her this month.

Pearl Tshabalala
Social Worker in private practice & Leadership Coach at Emandla Akho

A little about Volunteering and what it means.

In volunteerism research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420915300388?via%3Dihub
‘Volunteering means any activity in which time is given freely to benefit another person, group or organisation’ ([93], p. 215).
‘Volunteerism has four important attributes… First, it is a planned action; people think and weigh their options before they make the decision to volunteer… Second, volunteerism is a long-term behaviour; most people who volunteer continue this activity for an extended period of time… Third… volunteering involves ‘non-obligated’ helping… [and fourth] it occurs within an organisational context’ ([63], p. 646).
‘Volunteerism refers to freely chosen and deliberate helping activities that extend over time, are engaged in without expectation of reward or other compensation and often through formal organisations, and that are performed on behalf of causes or individuals who desire assistance’ ([82], p. 3).

All the Volunteers on each committee of COMENSA give of their time and are dedicated to upholding the professionalism of the Coaching and Mentoring profession.

At the same time, they are acutely aware that being somewhat in the spotlight, they need to be very conscious of maintaining the highest code of moral and behavioural coaching standards to always ensure that they are setting a great example to each and every one of our members of COMENSA.

If you wish to join a great group of volunteers, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following email address: pcc@comensa.org.za

Ethical Responsibility of Coaches and Mentors in South Africa

In last month’s article we looked at our community’s ethical obligation in the South African context, this month we will delve into our ethical responsibility.

The role of a coach or mentor is critical in the development and growth of individuals in various fields. In South Africa, with its intricate tapestry of cultures and histories, this role is even more significant. The ethical and legal responsibility we bear as professionals is paramount, ensuring that we not only guide our coaches/mentees but also protect their rights and welfare.

Ethical Responsibility:

Confidentiality: The relationship between a coach/mentor and their client is usually based on trust and confidentiality. Disclosing notes without the client’s consent will breach this trust.

Trustworthiness and Integrity: Coaches and mentors should act with the highest level of honesty, ensuring that our clients trust us. This involves confidentiality and a commitment to telling the truth, even when it might be uncomfortable.

Respect for Individual Rights: South Africa’s history, marked by apartheid and racial discrimination, necessitates that coaches and mentors actively promote understanding and respect among different racial and cultural groups.

Avoiding Exploitation: Given the power dynamics, it’s essential for coaches and mentors to avoid any form of exploitation. This could range from financial impropriety to emotional manipulation.

Competence: It is our duty to stay updated with best practices, skills, and knowledge relevant to their domain, ensuring our clients receive high-quality guidance.

Legal Obligations:

South African law, though not having explicit legislations targeted at coaches and mentors, does provide guidelines that can be applied:

Constitution of South Africa: As the supreme law of the country, it ensures that everyone has the right to equality, privacy, and dignity. Any act by a coach or mentor that infringes upon these rights can have legal repercussions.

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA): Any personal information shared between the mentee and the coach is protected under POPIA. It requires that this data be kept secure and not disclosed without the individual’s consent. If your notes contain personal information about a client, they would generally be expected to protect that information. However, the Act also recognizes that sometimes personal information might need to be processed (which includes disclosed) to “comply with an obligation imposed by law“. This means that, if legally required (e.g., by a subpoena), you might need to disclose such information. If a coach/mentor is subpoenaed, you might have to balance your ethical obligations towards your client with your legal obligation to comply with the subpoena. You might want to seek legal advice on how to navigate this situation.

Labour Relations Act: In an organizational context, coaches and mentors must be aware of the rights of employees under this act.

Basic Conditions of Employment Act: This act sets out the conditions of employment, and coaches/mentors, especially in corporate settings, should be aware of these when guiding their coaches/mentees on workplace issues.

Children’s Act: For those coaching/mentoring minors, this act sets out principles to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. It emphasizes the need for proper consent and ensures protection against maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.

The role of coaches and mentors is filled with responsibility, both ethically and legally, however we must always be conscious of the broader socio-cultural context of South Africa, ensuring that our guidance adheres to the highest ethical standards and respects the laws of the land.

Chapter Chatter

.The Chapter successfully hosted an Event Presentation on “Personal Branding in the
digital age for Coaches and Clients”, by Linda Magennis, which was held on the 22^nd of August 2023. Linda shared some insights on how to be conscious about the impact of digital presence on both our personal and company brands in the digital space. She also reminded us that our home background is in fact NOT our Brand.

She further shared nuggets on how to create digital touchpoints to build trust and provide assurance conducive to effective Coaching engagements, how to apply non-gimmicky solutions for Coaches with specific reference to creating the Human Touch online as well as how to master the Lights, Camera, Audio and Action required in ‘Small Screen’ WFH Online engagements.

Our next event brings us excitement because it talks to the opportunity to continuously improve the standard of coaching. This event is the collaboration with Supervision and it will be held on the 10^th of October. More details will be shared soon.

Key Priorities for the Month
Gauteng has 53% of active members with 12% of these being credentialed members. It is known that the province generates a bigger percentage in terms of the country’s GDP stats which means that potentially there are more clients that require coaching services in the province. Our country’s economy requires constant injection and one way is building leadership quality that is prepared to create an environment that is conducive to growth. Coaching is one of those tools that can guarantee change. It is for this reason that elevated the need to increase membership a number one priority for the chapter.

Our plan is to further engage with National to find ways to One, retain our current members and convert them to a higher percentage of participation to strengthen the brand and Two, to attract more members. We also plan to increase our collaboration with other chapters to find ways of building the brand. We will share more of these endeavours in our next newsletter. We wish all members a blissful Spring and may we continue making a difference in people’s lives through mind shifting conversations not forgetting to care for our environment.

September 2023 WC News

Hello to All from the Western Cape!

Although very cold in the Western Cape over the last week, spring is in the air; the sun is coming up earlier and setting just a little later, and we are seeing a lovely smattering of spring flowers around. And with spring comes the promise of change, warmer weather and new life.
What new life and opportunity does it offer you?

As coaches, we often find ourselves working in interesting organisational contexts – I’m sure we find them both interesting and challenging.

Our next event in the Western Cape takes will be presented by Bruno Brunequel who will speak to us about The Role of Coaching in maintaining workplace discipline. With his many years of experience as a SABPP Chartered HR Practitioner, Bruno has many insights that has enables him to help us think about how we can support our clients to create a positive organisational climate whereby employees are self-disciplined and motivated.

Keep your eye on your emails for more details and speaker information, and for now, save the date.

DATE : Tuesday 19 September 2023
TIME : 18h00
VENUE: Online

We would love to hear from you – if you have any feedback, questions, concerns, please do feel free to reach out to any of the Committee Members. You can find email address on the COMENSA About US page.

Sending you all best wishes,
Claudio, Teresa, Paul and Merlinda

September 2023: Newsflash – KZN Chapter

Spring! A season of renewal and rejuvenation!

As the days lengthen and the weather warms up and early spring flowers show themselves, our spirits begin to soar and suddenly our whole perspective can change.

In the words of Leo Tolstoy “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” In this spirit your chapter committee is spending the 8^th of September planning and coordinating events for the 2024 year in collaboration with all other chapters.

Our Chapter Chair, Alison kicked off the meeting with 3 Springtime journalling prompts that we could use ourselves or with our clients:

What would a “spring clean” of your life look & feel like?
What is currently cluttering your mind?
In what areas might you need to take a “breath of fresh air”?

Our event by Kim Knight entitled ATTRACTING CLIENTS MADE SIMPLE: HOW TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS did not disappoint. Kim provided both simple and practical tips to grow our client base. The number one thing she emphasised was to know our niche. This is non-negotiable.
Kim also shared with us the top 5 mistakes that we make. These are:

Not dedicating enough time to sales – 60 to 70% of time must be for sales.
Hiding behind the computer – physically present yourself to potential clients and networking events.
Operating in cautious mode – only creating content/programs when there is a need.
Not learning how to sell and network properly.
A hasty use of a wide range of sales techniques instead of carefully committing to a few.

We were also given insight into the ABC method of getting constant clients

A – Attract attention with marketing strategies.
B – Bond with clients via sales conversations and networking
C – Close the deal. Outline your offering and be ready to sign your client.

No doubt both experienced and not so experienced coaches and mentors took something home from this talk.

It was wonderful to see the increase in the number of participants for the August event and we hope that you will continue your support for future events.

The next KZN Event 26 October 2023 – Multiple Brain Integration Techniques.

September does however bring with it Heritage day – a day on which we are unified in celebrating our different cultures and the diversity of our beliefs and traditions. As coaches and mentors, we may use similar knowledge and techniques such as NLP, mindfulness etc. in our coaching sessions but it is our different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs that make each coach or mentor truly different from another.

Enjoy the upcoming public holiday and long weekend.

Mindful reflections

Alison Coates (Chair), Rajeshree Dessai (Deputy Chair)

COACHES AND MENTORS OF SOUTH AFRICA: LIMPOPO CHAPTER: 2023

Hello to Limpopo Coaches and Mentors,

Suddenly Spring sprung!As we count our gains let me remind our members of the following:

Coaching and mentoring Ecosystem

In this Newsletter, we highlight some of the benefits of being a member in good standing:

Increasing Coaching efficacy: Coaching is a journey of incessant learning and development.Self-efficacy increases as a coach subscribes to lifelong learning. As we live in the era of the information society, increasing self-efficacy become a critical skill for every coach. The coaching fraternity has gone global, therefore emerging coaches need to be competitive and believe in self/.
Sense of belonging: The COMENSA monthly events provide the necessary support and security as there is a sense of belonging and inclusion as well as a sense of identity. Buyers of coaching are more comfortable working with a coach who belongs to a controlling body. Coaching is a relational practice where coaches thrive in the community of other coaches.
Thriving within the community of Practice:Within COMENSA Chapter events members share experiences and learn from one another. No one individual knows it all! I learn from you, and you reciprocally learn from me.

The monthly events help members across Chapters to share and learn from one another.
Remember the African Proverb: If you want to go fast go alone: but if you want to go far go together.
Finally, may I please request the following:

Members should check and renew their memberships on time.
That members who need to start the credentialling journey, please do so.
That members should consider attending events organized by other Chapters.

Should you have any inquiries on the Chapter activities please contact us or COMENSA Administrator at lpchair@comensa.org.za or administrator@comensa.org.za
A big thank you to our Limpopo Chapter Committee members, Deputy Chairperson, Limpopo Chapter Secretary, and our Membership Secretary for their incessant support.

LIMPOPO CHAPTER CHAIRPERSON-0836996600
REUBEN RAMMBUDA
COMENSA MASTER COACH 3179

WELCOME TO COMENSA

COACHES & MENTORS OF SOUTH AFRICA

In a world of constant change, coaching and mentoring are playing an increasing role in empowering future generations to realise their full potential.

ABOUT COMENSA

Inspire | Enlighten | Empower

We provide a platform for all stakeholders to engage, educate, exchange, and evolve in pursuit of best practice.

We support the ongoing evolution of coaches and mentors through the promotion of diversity, inclusion, education, and networking through our community of practitioners.

We reinforce professionalism through a process of credentialing, the maintenance of participation and continued education tracking.

COACHING VS MENTORING

Understanding
the difference

COACHING

COACHING VS MENTORING

Understanding
the difference

MENTORING

The benefits of
JOINING COMENSA

As you progress from the first step of registering with COMENSA as a Student or Ordinary Member, you will enjoy an increasing array of benefits.

Find more information on which category of membership you qualify for as well as the detail of our very affordable membership fees on our Membership page.

Free attendance
to events

Multiple events are hosted by our regional chapters and professional committees each month. Check out the events calendar

Professional recognition

Credentialing with COMENSA as a coach or mentor will
give you a SAQA recognised designation and reinforce your professional credibility

Get
discovered

Our members are listed and identified by their credential status in our highly popular directory of COMENSA coaches and mentors

Advance your learning

Whether kick starting your studies or advancing your knowledge, one of our COMENSA approved Training Programmes should meet your need

Free news and events

Stay up to date with our newsletter, packed with news from our portfolio committees and chapter chairs, info on events and special offers

Earn your CPD points

We provide numerous qualifying events and resources, and help you keep track of your Continuous Professional Development points

Training Provider
Programme (TPP)

How do Training Provider Programmes work, and why are they vital to the coaching and mentoring professions?

FIND

Further your development and
earn Continuous Professional
Development points.

APPLY

Please register with COMENSA to
access our online application portal
to have your programme approved.

EVENT CALENDAR

COMENSA holds a diverse range of events each month, providing insight to the latest coaching and mentoring trends and developments, and the opportunity to earn CPD points.

COMENSA prides itself on the diverse range of events held every month. Providing insight to the latest coaching and mentoring trends and developments.

Face to face networking events will be returned to as soon as appropriate and will be held in each of the regions. Attendance is free for members and attracts a small fee for non-members.

“Together we can achieve more – let our diversity be our strength not our weakness.”

President & VP update

September! Well-known as the Spring Month (and The Beginning of A New Season) amongst the South African Nation, but yet it snowed in the Northern Cape and some other parts of our country. Putting the scientific explanation aside, such a Paradox in Nature could very well be the Landscape that our lives as Coaches and Mentors of South Africa require of us to Navigate for our clients … Sometimes the Choice to be made is not Either/Or, but Both.

On Monday, the 18^th of September 2023, we held our long-awaited Special General Meeting (SGM), in order to address the vacant role of the National President with the appointment of a suitable candidate, as well as Retiring Board Members and Opportunities for 5 x Nominees to be Appointed to the Board.
I was indeed humbled and honored by the confidence bestowed on me by you, the Members, in my Nomination and Appointment as the National President of COMENSA with immediate effect. This is not a task or responsibility I take very lightly. I am aware of the challenges and opportunities that will be faced on this journey, and I will need every one of you to overcome those challenges and to capitalize on those opportunities ahead of us. For this, I would like to borrow from Martin Luther King Jnr’s words when he said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.”
As leaders, it is not about us, but it is about the differences we would like to make when we are put into positions of leadership to serve. Hence Mahatma Ghandhi once said. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others and be the change you wish to see in the world.”

As I was catching my breath after such news, I was immediately tasked with my first Board Meeting that takes place on Thursday, 21 September 2023. This is the start of conversations that pave a way forward on how we would like to take this wonderful and beautiful organization of ours to greater heights. To make it a home where all Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors of South Africa and beyond would love to belong to. This task will certainly be like an elephant, but we will have to pick our spot and bite it chunk by chunk, to overcome it. The board will therefore meet to define its legacy – what is that it would like to be known and remembered for, at the end of its term.
As the incoming directors, I would like to say that “Together we can achieve more – let our diversity be our strength not our weakness.”
Let me also take this opportunity to thank our predecessors for the foundation they laid for us. They are the pillar in which this organization stand. We thank them for their selflessness and for their contribution over the years.

I Reflect on the September Activities signifying one of our busiest months in our Offerings to our Members. In particular, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Leaderex event, where the COMENSA stand stood out amongst the rest with its bright, beautiful green colors, with its coaches selflessly sharing their craft and forte with those earning to know about what we do as coaches and mentors. The conference was once again a success based on the number of attendees and the long ques for registration bear testimony to that. Once again, all leaders from all walks of life of our country descended to this biggest annual convention of leadership in pride. COMENSA team and its coaches and mentors made us proud. Surely, this continues to be an event not to be missed by us as COMENSA to highlight what we are for and what we are about. To the COMENSA team, coaches, and mentors, we thank you for your support and dedication.

We are heading towards October month, “declared Mental Health Awareness month with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to.” … The 10th of October, in particular, is World Mental Health Day.

We should then remember that as much as we want our clients and organization to thrive, we should want the same for ourselves as individuals. With that being said, I urge the newly appointed board members to take care of themselves, mostly their mental health. As leaders, we deal with a lot and we are often under pressure to achieve what we have set for ourselves and the organizations which we lead, this may lead to poor mental health care, and we can easily find ourselves in a mental state that could have been avoided. Let us talk to one another, support one another, and take care of one another. Let us coach and mentor ourselves as we would others. And lastly, let us remember to relax, most especially when we feel like we do not have time to relax.

September saw a lot of changes in COMENSA bringing in the new Board members and saying farewell to members who have served our community over the last few years in a variety of capacities. We are grateful to Mokadi Max Mathye our past president, Andre Retief the Chair of Membership Criteria and Standards of Competence and Jeremy Clampett the Chair of Supervision.

With change comes challenges and opportunities. Expect our new board to go through the settling in process, getting to share our strengths and finding ways to make the sum of the whole greater than the individual parts. What you can also expect is that you will see new energy and commitment as we go forward into 2024.

What we would like is to see the same energy coming from within COMENSA, creating succession planning for our future office bearers and leaders. The organisation belongs to all of us and it needs all of us to bring our gifts.

The famous American saying attributed to John F Kennedy is:

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

I am now asking the question:

Ask not what COMENSA can do for you, ask what you can do for COMENSA.

The future is yours you can create it, or you can criticise it! The choice is yours.

Veronica Wantenaar

MCSC Committee

MCSC – Membership Criteria & Standards of Competence Committee

Dear Members and Esteemed Board of the MCSC,

I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected as the new Chair of the MCSC Committee. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with this important responsibility. It is with great excitement and dedication that I step into this role, and I look forward to serving COMENSA to the best of my abilities.

Before I embark on this journey, I must take a moment to acknowledge the incredible leadership of our outgoing Chair, Andre Retief. Andre has been an outstanding supporter and leader for COMENSA as the MCSC Chair. His dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment have set a high standard for us to follow. I am truly grateful for his guidance and the strong foundation he has laid for MCSC.

As I assume the role of Chair, I want to assure you all that I am deeply passionate about the coaching and mentoring industry. I believe in the power of mentorship and coaching to transform lives, businesses, and communities. It is my sincere desire to contribute significantly to the MCSC committee and to work collaboratively with all our members and committees to advance our mission.

In the coming months, I envision a future where COMENSA continues to be a beacon of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the world of mentoring and coaching. I am committed to fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, resources can be optimised, and the impact of our Professional Body can be magnified.
There is a motivational quote that has always resonated with me, and I believe it perfectly encapsulates the spirit with which we must move forward:

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt

With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Yolandi Dercksen
MCSC Chair
mcsc@comensa.org.za

MCSC Webinars
Please join the next MCSC webinar to learn more about Supervision as a Coach.
26 October 2023 @ 09:00 – 1:00
Topics: Whatever the question, Supervision is always the answer!
presented by Jo Searle.

Recently Credentialed Members
Congratulations to our newly Credentialed Members during the month of September’23.

Paul Finnigan: COMENSA Credentialed Coach

I have been actively engaged in coaching and mentoring for the past twenty-five, and while I possess certificates from numerous coaching courses, I realized the importance of elevating my expertise to enhance my credibility among both clients and fellow coaches and, additionally, I sought to make a more substantial contribution to my profession.

As I embarked on my credentialing journey, this endeavour felt somewhat daunting, but by breaking down the process into bite-sized chunks and devising a clear plan, I found it easier to chart my progress.

I am immensely grateful for the invaluable guidance and insights I received from various individuals within COMENSA, who generously shared their expertise. Both my evaluators were consummate professionals and their support and assistance helped me navigate the process with confidence, culminating in my successful achievement of becoming a COMENSA Credentialed Coach.

Reflecting on this journey, my overall coaching process has been positively affected, particularly in my contracting phase, subsequently accelerating the probing, ideation, and action phases, greatly benefiting both my clients and my own effectiveness as a coach.

Through attentive listening and thoughtful questions, we open the windows to endless opportunities for learning and growth in the coaching journey.

Dr Cindé Greyling: COMENSA Credentialed Coach

2 Reasons to become a credentialed coach

If a business (or individual) is going to spend money on coaching, they rightly expect a return on investment. Achieving a set outcome may be a gamble, but betting on a credentialed coach increases the odds – by far. That is reason number one: it makes business sense.
Credentialing is not a giveaway, and it shouldn’t be. The rigour of the process gives weight to it. But it was one of the most pleasant professional experiences that I’ve had. The administration was clear, and the evaluators ensured a high-level learning experience. This is the second reason: it is enriching.

COMENSA is a safe, supportive, and uplifting space. I felt respected and welcomed throughout the entire credentialing process. It not only increased my self-confidence, but I secured opportunities that would not have been possible without being a COMENSA credentialed coach.
If you consider becoming credentialed, please proceed and thank me later!

Hlonela Lupuwana-Pemba – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Ncediwe Qomoyi – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Judy Peter – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Nayeema Bray – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Hlengiwe Nzama-Mqeke – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Rene Williams – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Dellicia De Vos – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Tasmeera Singh – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Mercia Bosman – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Mvuyisi Sigila – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Naseema Shaik – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Nyaniso Zonke – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Letsebela Telane – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Petro Coreejes-Brink – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Shameema Raja – COMENSA Credentialed Coach
Shahieda Hendricks – COMENSA Senior Coach

Renewals of credentialing:
Congratulations to our coaches who renewed their credentialing in the month of September’23:
Jeremy Clampett – COMENSA Master Coach
Graham Kiggan – COMENSA Master Coach
Colleen Jack – COMENSA Master Coach

When are you getting credentialed? Credentialing serves as a means to establish credibility, demonstrate expertise, ensure competence, and open up various opportunities for career growth. It benefits both individuals and the Coaching & Mentoring industries by promoting professionalism, quality, and accountability.

If you need assistance or would like encouragement to become Credentialed, email me at mcsc@comensa.org.za

Yolandi Dercksen
MCSC Chair
mcsc@comensa.org.za

Supervision Committee

Navigating the Online Coaching Revolution
In a pre-COVID world, my coaching practice centered primarily on in-person coaching, with just a few online clients. Thus, when the pandemic struck, uncertainty loomed, since both my coaching clients and I were novices with online coaching. But swiftly the digital revolution, catapulted online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom to the forefront of our coaching landscape.

Online coaching, however, presents its own set of distinct issues as compared to in-person coaching. But fear not when research is near. Enter Meyer, H.’s (2023) paper, “What is the Best Practice in Online Coaching,” which sheds light on critical elements for online coaches. Among the critical contractual issues she highlights, for example, is what happens if a session abruptly disconnects. Do you have a plan B? Does your client want to see your face? What kind of screen backdrop—real, blurred, or virtual—works best in a coaching environment? And, of course, the fundamentals: fast internet, superb lighting, great sound quality, and a distraction-free environment.

Meyer also delves further into the complexity of online coaching strategies. In-person coaching silence, for example, is not the same as online silence. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the heightened attention required by coaches when they can only see or hear their client’s face or voice, relying on these clues to guide generative coaching conversations.
Meyer’s article is a must-read! It offers vital insights and best practices for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of coaching in the digital age.

Meyer, H. (2023) ‘What is Best Practice in Online Coaching?’, International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, (S17), pp.77-90. DOI: 10.24384/srgt-nk21 (Accessed: 3 October 2023).
https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/items/d2928325-c2a6-40df-97de-2714d162f74e/1/

By Rosieda Shabodien,
COMENSA Research Committee Member

Research Committee

COMENSA Newsletter – Sep2023

Two items from the research I would like to highlight:

Entrepreneurs found both non-directive maieutic (Socratic questioning mode of enquiry) and the more directive advice-giving mentoring styles valuable. As much as entrepreneurs appreciate assistance through an almost coaching-based mentoring approach, they often stress the importance of practical help and advice.
As much as one would expect that gender is important, i.e., female mentors for female entrepreneurs, the participants in this study felt that this was not important at all. More important is the availability of a peer mentor, someone who has been in a similar business environment and has the experience.

The research can be found at https://doi.org/10.24384/jbra-zt25

By Jacques Myburgh
Acting chair
COMENSA Research Committee

Request for research participants

Dear Coach,

My name is Jennifer Pogisho, I am a student at Stellenbosch University currently pursuing my Master of Philosophy degree in Leadership Coaching under the supervision of Dr John Morrison.

I hereby kindly extend an invitation to you to participate in a research project titled: The impact of conflict coaching on leaders’ ability to handle high conflict situations effectively.

Marketing Committee

The one word that comes to mind, first and foremost when I think of this year’s very successful and rewarding LeaderEx is – GRATITUDE.

Gratitude for the 22 wonderful COMENSA coaches, many of them coming back from previous years at LeaderEx. Who gave up two days of their busy schedules to come and share their coaching gifts with the participants of the LeaderEx 2023. For travelling from other regions to represent COMENSA and what we are all about, for filling in gaps instead of taking breaks – when they just wanted to be there to coach!

These coaches managed to coach over 300 LeaderEx attendees, during the 30 minutes slots, from 9am to our last booking at 15h30 over the two-day period. Although there were some quiet times earlier in the day, in the afternoon and particularly towards the end of the day we would see people queuing to see if they could get a slot. With many of the people who experienced the coaching sessions being so grateful for their 30 minutes and saying how just that small time with the coach had been appreciated and changed their way of thinking already.

Gratitude for the staff who manned the COMENSA Expo stand & Coaching Corner – Andre, Yolandi, Tamara, Nivi, Livashni, Mandla and our new COO Reshmili. Talking to hundreds of attendees and sharing information on COMENSA, resulting in over 100 leads for membership, credentialing, wanting to find a coach or mentor – to many other general enquiries.

Thank you also to the many COMENSA members who visited us at our stands and showed their support, it was great to meet you all in person.
So – as with everything, the excitement is over for another year, but the experience will live on in our memories and hearts. I think I can say for all of us that we learned more about ourselves, about other people and we were able to give more unconditionally and proudly represent COMENSA as the professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa.

Gallery from LeaderEx stands – the COMENSA Team and Coaches

Marketing quote of the month: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire

Have a great month.

Sally Witherden
Marketing Chair

Professional Conduct Committee

COMENSA Professional Conduct Committee
Newsletter: October 2023
Ilana Steyn

Professional Conduct Investigation holds significant importance within coaching, as it forms the foundation for facilitating significant progress, growth and development.

It entails a comprehensive process of understanding the unique situation, pinpointing obstacles, and crafting tailored solutions. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that conducting a high-quality investigation is not a swift activity. It necessitates a deliberate investment of time and meticulous attention.

One of the barriers faced is inefficient resources (calendars to meet up; availability & various viewpoints) – it takes time to gather the facts and compile it in a fair and unbiased manner. With reporting we always strive to be well articulated and precise, thereby ensuring the necessary outcome or corrective action to be taken.

Quality is essential to satisfy all parties and make sure the necessary impact is achieved in the long run. The benefit of thorough investigations provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making, problem-solving and continuous improvement. It helps to develop more effective strategies or solutions. In future we wish to address some of the other common barriers e.g. language & cultural diversity to create awareness, and effective communication thus circumventing misunderstanding where possible.

We have room for one more volunteer on our committee. Should you wish to join please do not hesitate to contact us at the following email address: pcc@comensa.org.za

The Social and Ethics committee lost a cherished member (Bongi Ndimande) who passed away on 27 July 2023. Her presence and dedication significantly enriched our Committee. Her unwavering energy and commitment to ethical values and transformation set a remarkable example, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us. Her presence and the joy she brought to our meetings will be greatly missed.

As my time as the head of the Social and Ethics Committee comes to an end, I find myself looking back at what we aimed to achieve and feeling grateful for the journey. Our committee was created with a simple but important goal: to make sure COMENSA acts responsibly and sticks to a strong moral code. We wanted to face the tricky ethical and moral questions that come up in our industry and make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

We aimed to navigate the ethical dilemmas inherent in the coaching and mentoring landscape whilst providing a guiding and supporting role to the Board. Our committee members, both past and present, are the real heroes who worked with me to ensure we kept COMENSA’s moral heartbeat strong. The time, effort, and expertise they have dedicated to ensure we achieved our goal has been inspirational.

Now, as I prepare to hand over the reins to our new Chairperson – Mr. Hudson Maila, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future. The new Chairperson brings a fresh set of eyes and a new energy that promises to take our committee’s work to the next level. I am confident that under his leadership, the committee will continue to uphold the high ethical standards we have set and will keep working towards creating a better society.

I look forward to a new venture as I take on the role of the Chair of the People, Culture and Disciplinary Committee.

With Love & Light
Ashnee Naidoo

Audit, Risk & Finance Committee

Where There Is No Will, There Is? …Hold That Thought

If you have not been hiding under a rock, you probably have heard or read somewhere that September is wills month. By now we have established that creating a will is an important element of estate planning and why. But is the process of creating a will as simple as ABC?

Yes, writing a will can be as simple as ABC if you know what makes up a legally valid will. Simple wills are far less common than complex wills. However, if you only have a few assets and a small family to reward, a simple will may be sufficient for you. If you have a large estate and many people are being awarded from your estate, a complex will may be sufficient for you.

Larger estates may make the process of will formation daunting. This is why you may need to consult an attorney who specialises in estate planning to ensure that your will is legally valid and comprehensive. Whilst it is common and good to consult with an attorney, many people forget to consult with financial professionals such as accountants. Let us now explore the pros of having to include an accountant in your estate planning to help you decide which options are best for you.

Failure to examine the financial implications of your will might have serious ramifications for both your estate and your beneficiaries. Some of the financial aspects that accounts can assist with are as follows:

If your beneficiaries receive assets with high capital gains or income tax liabilities, they may face unanticipated tax repercussions. Tax planning can assist to reduce these burdens.
Failing to establish your estate with asset protection in mind may expose your assets to creditors or legal claims. Proper planning can assist in protecting your assets from such threats.
If your estate does not have enough liquid assets to cover debts, taxes, and bills, your heirs may be forced to sell valued assets, such as family homes or companies, for below-market prices.
Without a lifetime gifting strategy, you may miss out on opportunities to give assets to loved ones in a tax-efficient way. Gifting can assist in lowering your taxed estate while also benefiting your beneficiaries.

In conclusion, accountants provide tax planning and financial management expertise to the estate planning process. Their involvement can help ensure that your estate plan is tax-effective, lawful, and in line with your financial goals. It does not matter the size of your estate, a full and effective estate plan typically necessitates collaboration between accountants and estate planning attorneys.
Love your loved ones even after you’re gone by writing a will that mitigates all types of risk because where there is no will, there is mostly no peace.

Chapter Chatter

It is Mental Health Awareness month in South Africa and one of our many tasks as coaches is to help people develop skills to guide them towards overcoming obstacles they may be facing. This is one of the reason that as the GP chapter we are excited to be partnering with the Supervision committee in our event on the 10^th of this month in the effort of empowering our colleagues with the confidence of assisting their clients.

We would like to thank the COMENSA Board and executives for continuously seeking opportunities to empower coaches through events and conferences. One of these is the LeaderEX conference which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre on the 12^th and 13^th September. Motshidisi Letloenyane one of committee members, was one of the coaches at the event. We would also like to acknowledge all COMENSA members that attended the event

Changes In The Chapter
We also pleased that as a chapter we have bolstered the board and executive of COMENSA through the appointments of two of our members to the board. This is through the successful appointment of Joyce Baloyi as a board member and our former chairperson Mohau Mphomela being elected as the National President of COMENSA. Joyce spent more than two in the chapter and has contributed tremendously to the success of the chapter including guiding the new members around the required protocols to strengthen the committee. Her years of experience in HR and her active membership in SIOPSAS which collaborates with COMENSA on many initiatives, has ensured that the chapter is empowered on matters relating to insights around mental wellness.

Mohau has years of experience in governance and executive leadership and this has brought valuable insights in coaching which has helped to guide the chapter towards maintaining a professional service to COMENSA. The chapter wishes Joyce and Mohau all the best in their journey and we stand proud as a chapter to have them as part of National. We will miss their positive input and guidance.

Due to these movements, the chapter is in the process of electing a permanent chair and we would like to thank Peter Manyaka the current deputy chair for holding the fort as the acting chairperson.

Events
The chapter will be hosting a joint event with the Supervision Committee and our former chairperson Mohau Mphomela will be the one hosting the event.

Topic: Why is Coaching Supervision a necessity and a requirement for the wellbeing and growth as well as development of Coaches
Date:   Tuesday, 10^th October 2023
Venue:  LIVE Zoom Webinar
Time:   18h00 – 19h30 SAST

October 2023 WC News

In October 2023, much of the world is taken up by Rugby World Cup, with most South Africans having high hopes for our Springboks!

Dan Cottrell, a highly experienced rugby coach, draws on the work of Richard Shuttleworth and Professor Keith Davids to suggest that rugby players, and we’d like to suggest any individual, thrives in an environment of ‘safe uncertainty’ where they are able to grow through adapting, discovering/exploring, taking calculated risk, and innovating.

Considering the uncertain times we live in, what a great little model to use, enabling our clients to see their/their team’s potential for growth as they navigate life in a challenging, VUCA world.

Our next WC event will be taking place in November. Keep your eye on your emails for event details and speaker information, and please do join us!

Finally, we would love to hear from you – do you have any feedback, questions, concerns? Why not get in touch and let us know your thoughts? You can find email our addresses on the COMENSA About US page.

Sending you all best wishes,
Claudio, Teresa, Paul and Merlinda

October 2023: Newsflash – KZN Chapter

“In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.” — Elizabeth George Speare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

As long as there is time, wonderful and unexpected things can happen whether its October or not so never give up.

There was no on-line event for September 2023 in KZN but the Chapter committee worked on finalising the calendar for 2024 in conjunction with Comensa’s Marketing committee to ensure alignment across all the provinces for all Comensa events in 2024.

Please join us on 26^th October at 18h30 for our final on-line event for 2023:

Topic: mBIT – multiple Brain Integration Techniques – an exciting frontier in neuroscience and coaching
Speaker: Yolandi Dercksen
Time: 18h30

Dear members, we look forward to extending the opportunity by inviting new / established coaches not yet COMENSA members to our events. If you would like to invite a colleague / client who is interested in joining COMENSA to the KZN October meeting, please contact Alison Coates. kznchair@comensa.org.za

We look forward seeing you at this event so keep an eye on your inbox for the registration link.

Mindful reflections
Alison Coates (Chair), Rajeshree Dessai (Deputy Chair)

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The benefits of JOINING COMENSA

As you progress from the first step of registering with COMENSA as a Student or Ordinary Member, you will enjoy an increasing array of benefits.

Free attendance to events

Professional recognition

Get discovered

Advance your learning

Free news and events

Earn your CPD points

Training Provider Programme (TPP)

How do Training Provider Programmes work, and why are they vital to the coaching and mentoring professions?

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APPLY

EVENT CALENDAR

COMENSA holds a diverse range of events each month, providing insight to the latest coaching and mentoring trends and developments, and the opportunity to earn CPD points.

Log in and go to Events to book

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