“The Power of Networking and Collaboration”

Dear COMENSA Members,

As we step into the second half of 2025, I am reminded of the profound truth that no one truly succeeds alone. Coaching and mentoring, while deeply rewarding, can at times feel like solitary journeys. Many of us work independently, often in virtual spaces, navigating challenges and breakthroughs in isolation. This is why networking and collaboration are not just beneficial — They are essential!
The power of coming together, exchanging experiences, insights, and energy with others in our profession, cannot be overstated. Networking creates opportunities — To meet potential clients, to connect with consumers of our services, and to build relationships with industry stakeholders who shape our broader ecosystem. Collaboration fosters innovation, resilience, and professional growth. It is through these shared spaces that we deepen our practice, expand our reach, and reinforce our sense of purpose.

I had the great honour of experiencing this firsthand at the in-person networking sessions held on the evening of Friday, 20th June 2025, and the morning of Saturday, 21st June 2025. Hosted by our Membership Criteria and Standards of Competence (MCSC) Committee and the Gauteng Chapter Committee, these sessions were nothing short of inspiring. The turnout was remarkable, with both new and prospective members joining alongside some of our long-standing trailblazers — Nobuntu Tintelo, Colleen Qvist, Dr. Bill Price, Jo Searle, Kgobati Magome, and Lunga Botha, to name a few. It was heartwarming to hear members express how much they valued the in-person connection and how it reignited their passion and commitment. While virtual sessions have their place, the call for more face-to-face engagements was loud and clear — And rightly so.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to invite you to our upcoming COMENSA MCSC Roadshows:

Western Cape: 15th & 16th July 2025
KwaZulu-Natal: 25th & 26th July 2025
Limpopo: 1st & 2nd August 2025
These are golden opportunities to re-connect, collaborate, and co-create the future of coaching and mentoring in South Africa.

In closing, I extend heartfelt thanks to Sean Fenn (MCSC Chair) and Andre Retief (MCSC Deputy Chair), and to Peter Manyaka (Gauteng Chapter Chair) and Motshidisi Letloenyane (Gauteng Chapter Acting Deputy Chair), for their exemplary leadership and the seamless organization of the June events. I must also acknowledge the incredible leadership and support of our National Vice-President, Mpho Modisaesi, as well as our ever-efficient National Office Administrator, Tamara Naidoo. Your dedication is helping Move COMENSA Forward, and I am deeply grateful.

Let us continue to build together. Because when we Connect, we Grow. And when we Collaborate, we Thrive.

FINALLY, as we prepare for the COMENSA 20th Anniversary Celebrations to take place in 2026, the COMENSA Africa Global Conference is in preparation with the establishment of the “Africa Conference Task Team” led by our President, together with the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee Chair (Theresa Moiloa); the R&D Committee Chair (Joyce Baloyi); the Board Strategy Task Team Lead (Farah Ally); and myself … Look Out for the “Save-The-Date!” Communication that will be published in the next few days. This has also created an opportunity for Volunteerism, starting with the KZN Chapter’s Members hard at work with the Board Strategy Task Team Lead and the KZN Chapter Chair. The Volunteers are acknowledged as follows:

1.Lolikka Ebrahim
2. Michael Cloete
3. Mpume Makiwane
4. Nwabisa Majavu

The Board is now focusing on the Strategic Initiative of Corporate Memberships, as part of one of the Core Strategic Pillars – Strategic Partnerships (and External Stakeholder Engagements)! The President, MCSC Chair (Sean Fenn) and I have already embarked on 4 x key opportunities, which we hope to share with you in the near future.

As one of the Key Outcomes of the Free State Chapter Launch/MCSC Roadshows and in alignment to the opportunity discovered by our Western Cape Chapter Member, Dr. Phumzile Mmope (Past PCD Acting Chair), the Board Sub-Committee R&D Chair will be co-ordinating Coaching Articles from COMENSA Members by the end of July 2025, which will be published in the Journal. More information can be obtained by reaching out to Joyce Baloyi on comensa-siopsa@comensa.org.za

The Free State Chapter seems to already play a very influential role with the Presence of Thought Leaders in the Room at the Launch/MCSC Roadshows presentations led by Andre Retief (MCSC Deputy Chair), Farah Ally (Board Strategy Task Team Lead) and myself … The Influence stretches from the Conversations held on Social Justice for COMENSA Members, that ultimately led to the revision of our Board Sub-Committee/ Social & Ethics Committee Framework to include it as the 5th Dimension, acknowledging it together with DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging), in line with international best practices.

July is designated as Leadership and Mandela Month. A moment to celebrate the Mandela legacy of South Africa. On July 18, we celebrate International Nelson Mandela Day with the goal of honouring his legacy. We are encouraged by the R&D Committee to contribute coaching services as one of our 67-minute contributions. Coaches, mentors, and supervisors are encouraged by the research and development committee to use the following techniques to help themselves to become more resilient:

Building Resilience Through Professional Development: A Lifeline for Coaches
In an increasingly complex and demanding world, coaches, mentors and supervisors are not immune to the stress experienced by the clients they serve. The emotional labour of holding space for others, managing ethical dilemmas, and continuously adapting to new coaching challenges places pressure on coaches’ own well-being. Professional Development (PD) is not just a tool to enhance your skills; it also enables resilience.

Resilience, often defined as the capacity to bounce back from adversity, is more than a personal trait; it is a dynamic process shaped by internal and external factors. For coaches, resilience enables the maintenance of ethical practice, emotional regulation, and clarity of purpose, even when navigating complexity or professional setbacks.

How Is Resilience Developed Through Professional Development?
1. Reflective Practice Enhances Emotional Agility
At the heart of effective PD lies reflective practice, structured opportunities to examine one’s own responses, beliefs, and patterns. Reflective cycles allow coaches to reframe difficult experiences, explore blind spots, and make more intentional choices in future sessions.
2. Supportive Learning Environments Prevent Isolation
Coaching can be isolating, especially for independent practitioners. PD programmes that include supervision, peer learning, and mentoring foster a sense of professional belonging. This social support is vital in buffering stress and promoting emotional stability.
3. Resilience is Strengthened by Meaning and Purpose
Engaging in PD helps coaches reconnect with their values and purpose. When development opportunities highlight the ‘why’ behind the work, they reinforce what is termed meaningfulness. Coaches who experience purpose as central to their work are more likely to navigate uncertainty with perspective and integrity.
4. Self-Efficacy Grows Through Mastery
PD equips coaches with evidence-based tools and frameworks that increase competence and confidence. Self-efficacy, belief in your ability to influence outcomes, is a powerful buffer against burnout. By learning new approaches and successfully applying them, coaches build psychological momentum to sustain their practice through challenges.

In closing, PD is more than a credentialing box to tick; it is a lifeline for sustainable, ethical, and impactful coaching. When coaches actively engage in meaningful learning, they are not just sharpening their skills, they are investing in their own capacity to thrive.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor E. Frankl

In honour of Nelson Mandela Month, the R&D committee will hold a follow-up research webinar on July 30, 2025, with an emphasis on research methods. Professor Zondi, our guest speaker, will go over the benefits and functions of different evidence-based research methodologies in addition to actual research opportunities for members to take part in. Supervisors, mentors, and coaches are welcome to attend. Members are encouraged to submit research articles and other materials. Sign up and pick up your R250 ticket as soon as the invitation is sent.

Dr Marisa Leask
R&D Committee member

Our Online Event information

Our July event is this week, Thursday the 3rd of July at 12 midday – 1.30pm, when we will continue expanding on our theme Building professionalism through Supervision. The topic is “Supervision as a Gateway to Professionalism”. There will also be another opportunity to break away in small groups for a supervision experience.

Forthcoming Supervision Portfolio Committee Events
4th September
6th November both at 12 midday – 1.30pm
Low-Cost Group Supervision Sessions for Non-Credentialed COMENSA Members
In line with a global trend of requiring that coaches and mentors be in supervision to credential, COMENSA will be implementing the same requirement. This raises our standard of professionalism in line with other professional bodies, such as the EMCC (the European Mentoring and Coaching Council).
So be sure to take advantage of our low-cost supervision for non-credentialled members by writing to supervision@comensa.org.za.

COMENSA Roadshows – Gauteng
Jo Searle, our SPC Chair, had the opportunity to attend the Gauteng Roadshow where she talked about the importance and value of supervision. The event was well attended and extremely well received. Networking and conversation continued well after the official programme ended at 1pm, with the last attendees only leaving at 3pm.

If you can attend the other roadshows, please do so:
Western Cape 15 + 16 July
KZN 25 + 26 July
Limpopo 1 + 2 August
“Did you know that coaching and mentoring supervision can help you develop and expand your being, your confidence, and your clarity around your practice?”

ur coaching.

June saw the MCSC Roadshows leaving the Eastern Cape new Chapter Launch and heading for the City of Gold for the MCSC Gauteng Chapter Roadshow Event.

Peter Manyaka, Chairperson of the GP Chapter and his committee, hosted the Presidency, the MCSC committee – Andre Retief (the legend), Jo Searle form SPC and Tamara Naidoo – our wonderful COMENSA National administrator for 2 days of sharing, training and networking at the Protea Hotel Midrand on the 20th and 21st June.

On Friday evening, the room was filled with 65 people, of whom 60% were new people looking in at COMENSA. The President had the audience hanging on his every word as he shared the vision that the Board is building for MCSC to 2030 and beyond. He shared on our COMENSA 20th Birthday Celebrations 2026, to coincide with the 2026 COMENSA Africa Conference for Coaches & Mentors -our annual COMENSA “big Event”, which will launch.

Saturday saw an amazing turnout of 85 people, of whom some had returned from Friday looking for more information and wanting to join. More than 50% of the room were once again, new members looking in. Commitments were made, new networks formed, business took place between attendees and some prizes were won.

The MCSC Gauteng Roadshow was a great event in terms of attendance, member networking and of course the potential for new members to grow our COMENSA community.

COMING EVENTS
Look out for the MCSC Roadshows loading Cape Town 15th & 16th July, Durban 25th and 26th July and Tzaneen 1st & 2nd August, with a possible North West Chapter Launch loading for August in Rustenburg (TBC)

Unleash the Power of Questions in Effective Coaching Communication

At the time of unprecedented noise and rapid changes, probably human being emotional roller coaster in recent history, effective communication in the coaching session is the most important skill for all coaches (ukcoaching.org). As coaches, we are trained to use questions to connect and explore options with clients. Developing the right capability to ask the right questions in a coaching session takes time and is critical skill to develop to engage the client. Coaches spend time reflecting if our questioning leads to a coachee’s self-discovery and long-lasting transformational journey. Asking right questions is priceless to building successful coaching practice. As Marilee Adams argues in “Change your questions, change your life”. She differentiates between learner and judger questions. Learner questions create win-win not win-lose situation with your client. Learner questions are solution focused not problem focused. Learner questions adopt an inquiry to raise curiosity not advocating approach. Now, what kind of questions do you find easier to use in your coaching practice?

Dr. Peggy Marshall (globalioc.com) presents different types of questions at the discretion of coaches to stimulate the client thinking:

What were your ah-ha moments from yesterday? Focus question.
What do you consider to be the missed opportunity? Clarifying question.
What are your deciding factors? Exploration question.
What will you have to give up this year to be successful? Are you ready to do so? Readiness question.
How will your actions support what matters most to you? Champion question.
How would you prioritise your actions steps? Commitment – moving in action.
To achieve your goals this year, what you do need to stop, start and continue? Getting unstuck question.

Dr. Marshall further invites coaches to continue reviewing the crucial elements of asking questions through reflecting on the following as coaches:

Imagining yourself on the receiving end of the question and asking yourself whether you feel positive or negative about the question
Checking in with yourself to ensure that you are using the right tone and language
Gauging whether you are showing sensitivity to the coachee’s particular situation at a moment
Regularly summarizing for understanding and to gain agreement

The art of using a wide array of good questions is challenge for many of us, but it is rewarding pursuit that counts.

“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.” – Albert Einstein.

Resolving Conflict Positively

A few years ago, I coached a brilliant but frustrated manager who kept clashing with his team. He wasn’t “bad at people” – he just didn’t know how to approach disagreement in a way that opened, rather than shut down, conversations. That’s when I introduced him to the Thomas-Kilmann model & everything changed. When approached intentionally, conflict can serve as a catalyst for growth, innovation & strengthened relationships. As business coaches, we’ve found that guiding clients through effective conflict resolution strategies is one of the most transformative aspects of leadership development. One powerful tool we use are the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), a well-researched model that identifies five key conflict-handling styles: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding and Accommodating.

Each style has its value depending on the context. For instance, competing may be necessary when urgent decisions must be made, while collaborating fosters mutual solutions in high-stakes, relationship-driven environments. What makes the TKI so effective is how clearly it shows leaders their own default reactions to tension & how quickly that awareness can change the game and teaching them to adapt based on the needs of the situation, rather than reacting impulsively.
When we sit with a client and they share a conflict that’s been keeping them up at night, here’s how we work through it together:
We start by uncovering their natural “go-to” conflict style using the TKI.
Then, we unpack real moments from their day-to-day and ask, “What actually happened and how could it have gone differently?”
We often role-play tough conversations, not to rehearse a script, but to help them feel what assertiveness and empathy sound like in their own voice.
And throughout, we build emotional awareness – because resolving conflict isn’t just about strategy, it’s about self-awareness and intention.
Role-playing difficult conversations, allowing clients to build confidence in assertive, respectful communication.
Fostering emotional intelligence and empathy, which underpins healthy conflict navigation.
Coaching creates a neutral, reflective space where clients can break the cycle of reactivity and choose conscious responses, especially in leadership roles where conflict resolution affects team morale and business outcomes.

Even within our coaching community, conflicts can arise between coach and coachee. These moments call for deep listening, values-led reflection and a shared commitment to growth. The TKI can support that process by applying the TKI framework in investigations can:
Help assess how each party approached the conflict and whether alternate styles may have been more constructive.
Support non-adversarial dialogue, especially when guiding coaches toward more self-aware professional conduct.
Encourage restorative reflection, aligning with coaching’s core principle of mutual growth and accountability.
Integrating TKI into our processes could not only resolve disputes more equitably but also provide a structured developmental tool for ethical practice.

Conflict doesn’t have to divide, it can clarify, connect and create real breakthroughs.

Using TKI in Investigations and Ethical Coaching Practice
The next time you feel tension rising, pause and ask: What part of me is showing up here and is it the right response for this moment? The key to conflict isn’t to avoid it, but to manage it skilfully. For the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), tools like the Thomas-Kilmann model are especially valuable, offering a framework to better understand interpersonal dynamics during investigations.

It’s one of several reflective models we draw on to uphold ethical coaching relationships. When used in both coaching and conduct settings, TKI can transform conflict into a powerful force for clarity, connection, and change.

Hello from the Western Cape!

Welcome to July.

We’ve officially crossed the halfway mark of 2025 — a natural turning point in the year. Whether you’re pacing yourself through the winter season or feeling the energy of a fresh chapter unfolding, now is a good time to reconnect with what matters most in your practice.

Here are a few questions to reflect on as we enter the second half of the year:
• What is calling for your attention right now — in your coaching, your learning, or your leadership?
• What might it look like to begin again, with renewed clarity and purpose?

Looking back on June:
While it was a quieter month for our local chapter, we hope you were able to connect with some of the rich learning opportunities offered nationally through COMENSA. As a community of coaches and mentors, COMENSA continues to provide professional support, ethical grounding, and opportunities for connection that nourish us both individually and collectively.

Looking ahead:
We’re thrilled to share that July brings something special. COMENSA’s National Roadshow will take place on 15 and 16 July, and the Western Cape will be one of the stops! We’re looking forward to welcoming members of the National Office Bearers team, including the President and Vice President, for what promises to be a meaningful and energising gathering.

We’d love for you to plan to be with us—and to bring others along:
• New coaches
• Experienced coaches
• Coaches curious about what it means to belong to a professional body
• Coaches exploring the journey toward credentialing

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, network, and learn more about the value of community and professional affiliation.

Please save the dates, and keep an eye on your inbox for more details coming soon.
Wishing you a purposeful and inspiring July,

Paul, Yolanda, and Merlinda
Western Cape COMENSA Committee

KZN CHAPTER: JULY 2025

Warm greetings from KZN and important KZN dates for your diary!

Friday 25th (5pm) and Saturday 26th July (9:30am) – you are all invited to the KZN Roadshow! Please pencil in this date and keep an eye on your inbox for the invitations.

Our June meeting started with mindful reflections based on the theme of “Friendship”. As coaches, we often serve as trusted companions in our clients’ journeys. Reflect on this question: How do the qualities of a true friend — empathy, honesty, compassion, presence — show up in how you coach? Which one would you like to lean into more this month?”

Our guest speaker David King spoke on his insights & learnings from Netcare’s Journey of Compassion project called Care4YOU. Something different as we got to discover about compassion through a case study-based experience. Did you know? When you demonstrate compassion, you create oxytocin unlike when you show empathy you release energy (which can get depleted).

With July being Mandela month and the 18th being Mandela day share with us in the WhatsApp group what you are doing. A great idea from previous years is to do 67 minutes of pro bono coaching to keep Mandela’s legacy of human rights and kindness amongst other things alive.

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

COMENSA LIMPOPO CHAPTER
July Newsletter – A Season of Growth and Momentum

Dear COMENSA Coaches and Members,

Warm greetings from Limpopo.

As we step into the heart of winter, we are reminded that even in the stillness of the season, growth continues quietly beneath the surface. July invites us to build on last month’s reflections and move forward with renewed clarity, intention, and momentum.

It is a time to take courageous steps, recommit to our coaching purpose, and continue nurturing the small actions that make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

As Brené Brown reminds us:
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Let us keep showing up—with authenticity, presence, and heart.

Upcoming Events
🌿 Virtual Event: “Cultivating The Resourceful Self”
Date: Monday, 8 July 2025
Time: 18:30–20:00

We are delighted to welcome Stephen Beukes as our speaker for this session.

Session Focus:
“Showing up as our best resourceful selves is a foundational element of offering coaching or mentoring support. Over the course of my coaching career, I have found that this comes with practice. In this presentation, I will share some exercises and ways of thinking that I have found useful.”
This will be a practical and reflective session not to be missed—perfect for coaches and mentors looking to deepen their practice and self-awareness.

📍 Save the Date: MCSC Roadshow – Limpopo Chapter
We are excited to announce that the MCSC Roadshow will be taking place in Limpopo on:
Friday, 1 August and Saturday, 2 August 2025

This two-day event promises to be rich in connection, learning, and collaboration. More details and a full programme will be shared soon—please watch this space!

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the coaching and mentoring community. Let’s continue to support each other and grow together as professionals and as people.

Warm regards,
COMENSA Limpopo Chapter Committee
Reuben Rammbuda (Chairperson)
Mia De Bruyn (Secretary)

COMENSA Gauteng Chapter | July 2025 Newsletter
Empowering Coaches. Inspiring Leaders.

🗞️ WORD FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – PETER MANYAKA
As we continue our journey into the second half of 2025, let’s recommit to making this year impactful and transformative. July is a powerful time to renew our mental focus and recommit to our professional and personal development. We thank every member who has engaged with the Chapter’s activities so far and extend a warm welcome to all our new members.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENT

Topic: “Mental Toughness”
Date: 22 July 2025
Time: 18h00–20h00
Speaker: Doug Strycharczyk, CEO of AQR International

We are thrilled to host Doug Strycharczyk, a globally renowned expert and thought leader on Mental Toughness. Doug will guide us through what it means to be mentally tough in coaching, mentoring, leadership, and organizational contexts.

This is a must-attend session for anyone who wants to:
✅ Understand the 4 Cs of Mental Toughness
✅ Build resilience and confidence as a coach or mentor
✅ Apply mental toughness in executive coaching and leadership
✅ Deepen their toolkit for client transformation

Zoom registration details will be shared as soon as you register on COMENSA Website!
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