On behalf of KMSA Board and its partners, we regret to inform you that it is no longer possible to proceed with the face-to-face 3^rd KMSA Convention, scheduled to be held in Woodmead, Johannesburg, South Africa from 11 – 13 August 2020.

In light of the growing global health crisis posed by the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and the subsequent declaration of a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as South Africa’s lockdown declared by President Ramaphosa starting from the 26^th March 2020, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to make this difficult announcement now.

We understand that colleagues were looking forward to participating and networking at the KMSA Convention. However, we are also aware that many participants and invited speakers are increasingly anxious about the evolving COVID-19 outbreak situation, and the related health and travel measures implemented around the world. We have been monitoring the situation closely and have taken the difficult decision that it is no longer feasible to run a successful face-to-face event.

We sincerely thank the KMSA community for considering, planning and preparing to participate and contribute to the Convention, and to everyone involved in the planning, preparation and organization of this major event during the last 7 months. We also appreciate that some participants will have committed to travel plans and recognize the inconvenience that this news may cause.

Now for the good news. We are working hard to explore the possibility of conducting some aspects of the programme virtually using webinars and similar technologies. We commit to keeping you updated on our plans over the coming weeks. However, in the meantime we would encourage KMSA members to consider keeping availability in your calendar for the week of the 11-14 August 2020 in anticipation of such an invitation. We will send occasional updates to this mail list as major announcements are made, but for the latest news and info please keep an eye on https: www.kmsa.org.za and the KMSA Facebook & Twitter pages. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Mpho@vdw.co.za

Cognizant of the dynamic situation at this time, we thank you for your continued understanding and support, especially to our speakers who too had prepared and submitted abstracts.

Thanking you in anticipation, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you well and your families and trust that our decision not to proceed with face-to-face KMSA Convention will, in some small way, contribute positively to the global fight to combat the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kind Regards,

Kholane Chauke

KMSA Board Chairperson"