The meeting was the culmination of a process that began with the signing of a declaration of intent in February this year between the Association of Marketers (ASOM), the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and the Institute of Marketing Management (IMM). The signing of the formal documentation and the appointment of a board of directors precedes operational unity of MFSA, which will come into effect from 1 October 2002.
The 15-member board is made up of five representatives each of ASOM, the DMA and the IMM. It will be chaired by Jabu Mabuza, President of the IMM. Michael Judin, Chairman of the DMA, and Moss Mashishi, Chairman of ASOM, will act as co-vice-chairmen of the board.
In welcoming the formation of MFSA, Mabuza told the representatives of the three organisations that today's meeting was a defining moment. He highlighted the role of the new organisation, particularly in respect of advocacy, education and training, and professionalism in marketing.
Referring to the challenge to create a great trading nation, Judin pointed out that the MFSA has a huge responsibility to play in this important role.
Mashishi noted that the formation of a strong MFSA would enable a effective voice and lobby for marketing to be taken seriously in the sub-continent.
Mabuza also paid tribute to the role of IMM Executive Chairman, James McLuckie, who has steered the formation of MFSA through the past months, complimenting him for the sterling work he had done.
The new chairman and vice-chairmen accepted responsibility for resolving the issue of executive leadership of the MFSA in the near future. In the interim, Mr Davy Ivins was appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
The Board emphasised that it is committed to the process of transformation in terms of both gender and race as a guiding principle in moving forward.
The board members of MFSA are:
