The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its Annual General Meeting on 11 February 2026 at the Premier Splendid Inn. In his general manager’s report, Mfanasibili Nkonyane highlighted a busy and productive year for the branch, which included an AGM, ten monthly technology meetings, a golf day and annual year-end function. He thanked the 2025 team for their dedication and hard work, and paid special tribute to Howard Lister for his many years of committed service. Howard will be stepping back from his SAIMC duties in 2026 and will no longer serve on the management team.
Looking ahead, Mfanasibili confirmed that technology meetings will continue to take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Premier Splendid Inn, which has been a valued venue since in-person gatherings resumed after Covid. He expressed appreciation to Beauty and her team for their ongoing support and excellent service.
Due to the continued growth in attendance at technology meetings and the associated increase in operating expenses, it has been announced that, effective March, non-members will be charged R150 per meeting. Members are reminded that annual membership is maintained at R900, which provides significant value for those who attend regularly. Growing membership will be a key focus for 2026.
The secretary reported that nominations for the 2026 Durban branch management team were invited towards the end of 2025. Members of the 2025 team, excluding Howard Lister, were available for reappointment Additionally, four new nominations were received from members who expressed interest in contributing. Considering the branch’s and the strength and diversity offered by the proposed 11-member team, it was determined that a formal voting procedure would be unnecessary; therefore, the entire slate was presented for ratification.
The 2026 management team is as follows:
• Sicelokuhle Bele
• Mluleki Langa (new)
• Anil Lonappan
• Tremaine Krishna (new)
• Siyabonga Mbamali
• Kevin McElroy (bridging arrangement)
• Marthell Mhlanga (new)
• Whitney Mtolo (new) – Assistant Secretary
• Mfanasibili Nkonyane – Branch Manager
• Luckmore Penduka
• Professor Akshay Saha – Financial Manager
• Jane van der Spuy – Secretary and representative of Technews Publishing.
Portfolios were allocated at the first management meeting of the year.
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