The 9th National Congress
The Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa
Port Elizabeth
1988


"9th National Congress"

27-29 July 1988
Port Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sun Hotel

Officially opened by:
Minister of Health Services and Welfare - Council of Representatives
Min CJ April

The 9th National Congress the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) was held in Port Elizabeth from the 27th to 29 July 1988.
OFFICIAL OPENING
 The Congress was officially opened by minister Chris April, Minister of Health and Welfare in the House of Representatives, at 09:00 on 28/7/1988. The minister in his speech promoted the idea of a multi disciplinary health team and was delighted to find that this was a goal the SMLTSA was striving for. He also found merit in the objective of the SMLTSA to gain the right of private practice for Medical Technologists. The minister elaborated and said, "I am sure that the Medical Technologists in private practice, with all the necessary integrity, can certainly help to reduce medical costs and make the service more cost effective."

SUCCESSFUL CONGRESS 
 Congratulations to the organizing committee of the Eastern Province Branch of the SMLTSA who organised another fantastic Congress. The social functions included a Mayoral Reception, a "Mauritian" Evening and a Dinner Dance. 85 Scientific papers were read and 30 posters were presented. A Total of 450 people registered for the congress.

HONORARY CITIZENSHIP.
 Hundreds of Medical Technologists present at the Mayoral Reception loudly expressed their enthusiasm for the City Council of Port Elizabeth's decision to award the SMLTSA's President, Mr G W Wikeley, honorary citizenship of Port Elizabeth. The Mayor Alderman Solly Rubin, J. P. , said that the City Council's decision to award the Society President Honorary citizenship was in recognition of Mr Wikeley's contribution to the profession of Medical Technology and the roll played by the profession of Medical Technology in serving the community.

PICTURES TAKEN AT THE 1988 CONGRESS

Caption: Mr G.W. Wikeley (right) receiving honorary citizenship of Port Elizabeth from the Mayor Alderman Solly Rubin,J.P.



Caption: From left Mr W. Willets (Chairman Organising Committee), Minister C.J. April (Minister of Health and Welfare), Mr G. Wikeley (President SMLTSA) and Prof H.Snyman (Port Elizabeth Technikon).



Caption: Enjoying the congress, from left Mr Hannes Kruger, Dr Peter Price and Ms Henny Cloete.



Caption: The Behring Exhibition Stand!



Caption: At the CMS Exhibition Stand are from left Mr Louis Birch, Ms Wena Hoeksel, Mr Ron Hart and Dr Patrick Ireland.



Caption: The Coulter Exhibition Stand!



Caption: Seen here at the IEPSA Exhibition Stand are from left Andre van Schalkwyk and Chris Helme.



Caption: Seen at lunch during the congress are from left, facing the camera, Mr Nic Divaris, Mr Manfred Tepper and Mr Ron Georges.



Caption: The 1988 Congress Organising Committee from left Ms Lindsey Beyleveld, Ms Eunice Ah Why, Mr Roderrick Woolgar, Mr Walter Willetts and Ms Beverley Mackenzie.



Caption: Also part of the 1988 Congress Organising Committee who helped in the initiation of the arrangements as early as June 1987 were seated Ms Cathy Edge and standing from left Mr Charles Vale, Mr Jaco Schoeman and Mr Julian Grunewald.

Photos and information - C.Blom / MTN