“The Power of Disruptive Thinking in Coaching”.
In today’s rapidly evolving world — characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) — Leaders are constantly challenged to think differently, act decisively, and adapt swiftly. As Coaches, we have a critical role to play in cultivating disruptive thinking: A mindset that embraces change, challenges the status quo, and opens doors to innovation. Disruption is not chaos — It is possibility. It is the spark that ignites growth where there is stagnation, and agility where there is comfort.

Executive Leadership today can no longer rely solely on traditional models of planning and decision-making. Disruptive thinking, supported by intentional coaching, enables leaders to reframe problems, view challenges as opportunities, and make courageous decisions in real time. Coaching creates the safe space where leaders can explore bold ideas, test assumptions, and shift gears without fear of failure. In essence, coaching enables agility — Not just in action, but in mindset.

At COMENSA, we too must embody this disruptive spirit. Our organisation must be agile, resilient, and responsive to the changing needs of our members and the coaching ecosystem at large. In a world where forced change is inevitable, we must lean into it. Change starts with us — Our mindsets, our behaviours, and our willingness to lead by example. Let us be the change we want to see in the world!

I would also like to express my gratitude to MCSC and our provincial chapter partners for their outstanding collaboration throughout July 2025. We saw a significant turn-around in participation and engagement during the on-going Roadshows. On the 15th and 16th of July 2025, the Western Cape Chapter gathered with great energy — Thank you to long-standing members Jeremy Clampett, Linda Remke, Gorette Doria, Perpetua Malinga, to name a few and the dedicated Chapter Committee of Paul Finnigan, Merlinda Abrahams, Yolanda Classen … and others for your contributions. Then on the 25th and 26th of July 2025, we were warmly hosted in KwaZulu-Natal — Deep appreciation to the leadership of Alison Coates and Rajeshree Dessai. Your commitment is the heartbeat of our community.

We have also heard you — Members continue to call for greater physical presence and engagement from national leadership at provincial events. We are listening, and we are committed to showing up more, with intention and purpose.

Let us continue to challenge, evolve, and disrupt — Together.

“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” – Leonard Sweet

The National MCSC Roadshows, which provided an Engagement Platform for the President’s Office to interact with both the Chapters Members and potential members, have now come to an end with the last one for the Limpopo Chapter having taken place this past weekend. This was much-needed nation-wide engagement since 2-3 years ago, setting the tone for the upcoming COMENSA Africa Global Conference on the 16th & 17th April 2026. The President’s Office has received the suggested improvements and additional new ideas, which will be incorporated into the Strategic Plan Conversations with the Board, as we continue to Move Forward.

This is great timing for the hand-over of the Board Strategy Task Team Lead (Farah Ally) to our newly-appointed C.E.O, Veronica Kietzmann-Cronje, as part of her On-Boarding Programme and Orientation Conversations with various members of the Board, this week.

Our Board Strategy Review Session with the Limpopo Chapter Chair (Reuben Rammbuda), PCC Chair (Steph Dawson) and Gauteng Chapter Chair (Peter Manyaka) on the 4th & 5th July 2025 was particularly significant for the Board. Similarly to the roadshows, this feedback has highlighted the Board Legacy that needs to extend beyond the next 5 years and consider the next 20 years … “Moving Forward To 2030” and Beyond (The Next 20 Years)!

As previously promised, in preparation for the A.G.M, our Limpopo Chapter Chair will be offering his Expertise in Hosting the A.G.M Governance Event (Companies Act & King IV/V Principles) from the President’s Office on the 14th & 15th August 2025. The Event Invite from the Board Chair will be sent out to all Members, shortly, for these Evening (Thursday) and Morning (Friday) Events, to be Opened by the Board Chair.

A Reminder that LeaderEx 2025 is fast approaching on the 9th, 11th & 12th September 2025, requiring our involvement and participation in three (3) different Events as Coaches and Mentors of South Africa.

MCSC LIMPOPO ROADSHOW

The 1st & 2nd August marked the last planned MCSC roadshow. The Limpopo Chapter Chair, Reuben Rammbuda, and the Limpopo Chapter Secretary, Mia De Bruyn, welcomed in Tzaneen, Letsiteli, Letaba Junction Function Centre on a warm yet windy Lowveld Friday evening.

Friday Evening

Friday night was attended by 16 people – a combination of a few long-time members and several new people looking to explore. COMENSA as a professional body. Although the meeting was intimate, the interaction and networking made for rich engagements and deep discussions around the role that COMENSA plays in professionalising Coaching & mentoring in South Africa.

Together, we explored the COMENSA board strategy with the President and the VP, adding depth to posed questions. The evening ended with a number of attendees indicating that they would see us the next morning.

Saturday Morning
A beautiful Saturday morning back at the Letaba Junction venue with the promised returnees and 12 seeking deeper understanding. This session was deep and rich in discussion as Andre Retief unpacked

the mechanics of credentialing and brought insight into using the BSF in Coaching with real. examples to contextualise these standards in the coaching relationship.

With this insight, new members signed up, and 3 existing members committed to embark on the credentialing journey within the next month. The meeting also had a special guest, the current President of SACCI Limpopo region, who made it clear that Coaching was a key element he wants to see in businesses and that SACCI would be working with the Limpopo chapter to add more members from Industry. I look forward to this space for the Limpopo growth drive.

We must thank the hard work of Reuben Rambudda and Mia De Bruyn for their arrangements and care to details in setting up the event. We look forward to our return visit in a few months from now.

A WORD OF THANKS
As we end this round of MCSC Roadshows, it is important to recognise the hard work that goes into making each event possible. A total of 12 events – 2 for each region were arranged and delivered by the travelling COMENSA Team.

The tireless hard work that Tamara Naidoo, our National Administrator, put in to make sure that each event was properly arranged and all possible problems were covered and mitigated.

I want to deeply thank the travelling team of the President, Mr Mohau Mpomela, the Vice President – Mrs Mpho Modisaesi, the MCSC deputy Chair – Mr Andre Retief, and finally Miss Farah Ally from the COMENSA Board, who attended two of the events in support. The team gave their time without payment in service of the COMENSA Members. Each engagement was rich and meaningful and definitely a long time coming.

Finally, A big thank you to each chapter Chairperson and team, who worked with Tamara and me in setting up and running the events across the country. We will see you in a few months to follow through with our membership drive and members’ education programme driven by The Memberships Criteria and Standards of Competence Committee (MCSC)

Warm Regards
Sean Fenn
MCSC Chairperson

Overcoming Coaching Challenges and Achieving Success: Strategies and Support

The R&D committee urge us to use the strength of unity and focus as we begin the Month of Strides and Power. To all coaches, mentors, and supervisors, happy Women’s Day and Month. The R&D committee is aware that mentoring and coaching are not without their difficulties. We take a little step to let you share your thoughts with us on some of the difficulties we encounter in our roles as mentors and coaches. We wrap off by offering strategies for successfully overcoming the obstacles.
The dynamic process of coaching seeks to unlock potential and accomplish objectives while promoting both professional and personal growth. However, coaching has its own set of challenges. In order to overcome resistance to change and build connection with clients/coachees, coaches frequently have to navigate difficult situations. However, these difficulties can be turned into chances for development and education with the correct approaches and assistance.
4 Common Coaching Challenges
Building Rapport: Establishing trust and rapport is essential for effective coaching, but it can be challenging, especially when working with clients from diverse backgrounds or with different communication styles.
Resistance to Change: One of the most frequent issues that coaches face is opposition from clients/coachees who could be reluctant to accept change. This reluctance may be the result of underlying psychological barriers, attachment to ingrained behaviours, or fear of the unknown.
Lack of Clarity: It can be challenging for coaches to set a clear direction for the coaching journey when clients have trouble expressing their goals or have competing priorities.
Developing a Relationship: Effective coaching requires building rapport and trust, which can be difficult, particularly when dealing with clients who have different communication styles or backgrounds.
4.Strategies for overcoming challenges
Active Listening: To fully comprehend the viewpoints, worries, and objectives of their clients, coaches need to develop their active listening abilities. Coaches can establish rapport and trust with clients by exhibiting empathy and validation, which paves the way for fruitful coaching partnerships.
Goal Clarification: By posing insightful questions, examining underlying motives, and breaking down larger goals into manageable smaller, more achievable tasks, coaches can assist their clients in achieving clarity. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals cooperatively can offer a path to success and advancement.
Cultivating Resilience: Both coaches and clients may encounter setbacks or obstacles along the coaching journey. Cultivating resilience involves reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining a positive mindset, and persisting in the face of adversity.
Managing Expectations: By creating clear limits, encouraging open communication, and setting reasonable goals, coaches play a critical role in controlling their clients’ expectations. Coaches can reduce disappointment and promote a sense of trust and accountability by being open and honest about the coaching process and its possible results.
In Conclusion:
Despite the challenges that come with coaching, coaches can conquer them with resilience and self-assurance. Establish appropriate planning and support systems. By establishing trust, establishing specific goals, managing expectations, and prioritizing self-care, coaches may create transformative coaching experiences that help their clients reach their full potential.
R&D events in August
We are proud and honored to announce a follow-up R&D Webinar on 14 August 2025 with Prof Siphamandla. Titled Coaching Research Trends: Being a Researcher Coach

Regards
Ms Joyce Baloyi
R&D Chair

Supervision Portfolio 2025 Theme
Building Professionalism Through Supervision

Our Online Event information

Past Event: In our event of the 3rd of July, we continued expanding on our theme Building professionalism through Supervision. The topic was “Supervision as a Gateway to Professionalism”. We had feedback that 98% of the participants enjoyed having more time for supervision experience in breakout rooms.

Forthcoming Supervision Portfolio Committee Events
• 4th September will be an early evening virtual event. Please save the date, the topic and the start time will be sent in a newsflash closer to the time.
Our last event of the year will be on:
• 6th November at 12 midday – 1.30pm
Low-Cost Group Supervision Sessions for Non-Credentialed COMENSA Members
Be sure to take advantage of our low-cost supervision for non-credentialled members by writing to supervision@comensa.org.za. This provides four sessions online in a group of a maximum of five supervisees. Cost of the supervision – R1000 for 4 group sessions, R250 each,

COMENSA Roadshows and Supervision
The Western Cape Chapter Roadshow took place on 15th and 16th July 2025 in Cape Town. The event was honoured by the presence of five COMENSA-registered Supervisors. Over the course of the two days, Gorette Doria took the opportunity to raise awareness about coaching supervision, encouraged all coaches in attendance to participate in regular supervision.

The KwaZulu-Natal Chapter Roadshow was held on 25th and 26th July 2024 in Durban, where André Retief also highlighted the critical role of coaching supervision in professional practice.

Did you know?
As a credentialed coach, you are required to attend a minimum of 12 coaching supervision sessions over the duration of your credentialing period—this equates to approximately four sessions per quarter on an annual basis.

Making Every Month Savings Month: A COMENSA Perspective

July has come and gone, taking with it another National Savings Month. National Savings Month, typically observed in July in South Africa, is an annual campaign that highlights the importance of saving and making smart financial decisions. Yet as we reflect on this annual initiative, a pressing question emerges: was it business as usual for you, both personally and professionally?

The State of South Africa’s Savings Culture

The rationale behind declaring July as Savings Month is clear and urgent. SA has one of the worst savings rates in the world, but this poor savings culture is not only a problem at household level, it is symptomatic of a deeper issue, according to research conducted by Investec and GIBS. The statistics paint a sobering picture: Household Saving Rate in South Africa decreased to -1.20 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from -1 percent in the third quarter of 2024.

The challenges facing South Africans are multifaceted. The exorbitant cost of living makes it challenging for many South Africans to make ends meet. This influences the choices they make today and impacts on saving for the future. Combined with high unemployment rates and economic uncertainty, it’s no wonder that building a savings culture requires more than a single month of awareness.

Research reveals particularly concerning trends for small and medium enterprises. Over 80% of middle-income earners lack readily accessible savings for emergencies. This statistic should give pause to every COMENSA member operating their own coaching practice or business.

The Reality for Coaching Professionals

For the majority of COMENSA members who operate small coaching businesses, the savings challenge takes on additional dimensions. As independent practitioners, coaches face the dual challenge of irregular income streams and the need to invest continuously in professional development. The question becomes not just whether Savings Month changed perspectives, but whether it translated into tangible behavioral shifts within our professional community.

The coaching Industry’s growth trajectory offers promise, yet individual practitioners must navigate the inherent uncertainty of entrepreneurial ventures. Without the safety net of corporate benefits or predictable salaries, the imperative to save becomes even more critical for coaches and mentors.

COMENSA’s Fiduciary Responsibility

This broader context of South Africa’s savings challenges directly impacts how COMENSA’s Board approaches financial stewardship. With more than 85% of our budget derived from membership registrations and fees, every rand carries the weight of our members’ trust and investment in their professional development.

The Board’s accountability to members extends beyond mere transparency in expenditure reporting. It encompasses a fundamental responsibility to model the savings culture we hope to see flourish throughout South Africa. This means embracing frugality not as a constraint, but as a strategic approach to maximizing member value.

Practical Implications for COMENSA Operations

What does this culture of saving mean in practical terms for COMENSA’s operations? It requires us to scrutinize every expenditure, asking not just whether it’s necessary, but whether it represents the most efficient allocation of members’ resources. It means seeking innovative ways to deliver value without inflating costs.

Our committees and chapters have long embraced this ethos of frugality. From virtual meetings that eliminate travel costs to leveraging volunteer expertise rather than external consultants, COMENSA has demonstrated that financial prudence and professional excellence are not mutually exclusive.

However, we must guard against false economy. There’s a critical distinction between frugal spending and penny-wise, pound-foolish decisions. Some investments in technology, training, or infrastructure may require upfront costs but deliver long-term savings and improved member services.

Moving Beyond Annual Campaigns

The limitation of designating a single month for savings awareness becomes apparent when we consider the magnitude of South Africa’s financial challenges. The lack of saving in our nation can be attributed to underlying economic issues, such as unemployment, which may hinder people from saving as they struggle to meet their financial commitments.

For COMENSA and its members, the path forward requires embedding savings consciousness into our everyday operations and professional practices. This means developing systems and habits that prioritize financial sustainability throughout the year, not just during July.

A Call to Action

As we move forward, let’s not wait for next year’s Savings Month to recommit to financial prudence. For COMENSA’s Board, this means continuing to model responsible stewardship while seeking innovative ways to enhance member value. For individual members, it means developing the financial resilience necessary to sustain and grow their coaching practices.

The true measure of Savings Month’s success won’t be found in July’s activities, but in the daily decisions we make throughout the year. Every strategic choice to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term convenience, every decision to invest wisely rather than spend wastefully, contributes to building the financial culture South Africa desperately needs.

In a profession dedicated to helping others realize their potential, we must ensure that our own financial foundation is solid enough to support that mission. The savings culture we cultivate today will determine not just our individual success, but the collective strength of South Africa’s coaching and mentoring community.

Let’s make savings not just a month-long campaign, but a way of life that secures our future and enhances our ability to serve others.

Theresa Vivian Moila
Chairperson: Audit, Risk and Finance Committee

Hello from the Western Cape!

Welcome to August.

We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy of the COMENSA National Roadshow! It was truly inspiring to gather with so many like-minded coaches and mentors – connecting, learning, and sharing stories that reminded us why we do this work. Thank you to everyone who showed up with such generosity. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community.

Looking back on July:
Our time together at the Roadshow was filled with rich conversations, new connections, and a strong sense of shared purpose. Events like these remind us that we are not alone in our journey as professionals – and that there’s great value in showing up for one another.

Looking ahead:
While we’re taking a pause from events this month, we’re turning our focus toward the Western Cape AGM on 03 September 2025 – a face-to-face gathering that offers another opportunity to come together and engage as a regional community.

A quick note on AGMs:
An Annual General Meeting is a space to reflect on the year, celebrate the work we’ve done, and ensure that the chapter is well-positioned for the year ahead. It’s also when we elect committee members who will help steer our work going forward.

We currently have 3 vacancies on the Western Cape Chapter Committee:
• Deputy Chair
• Events Secretary
• Membership Secretary

If there’s someone you think would make a valuable contribution – please nominate them! Or, if you feel called to join the committee yourself, we’d love to support you in finding a nominator.

Nominations close on 8 August. You would have received an email on 22 July with more information and a link to the nomination form.

We’ll follow up soon with the voting process – please keep an eye on your inbox and make your voice count.

With appreciation,

Paul, Yolanda, and Merlinda

Western Cape COMENSA Committee

AUGUST 2025 NEWSFLASH – KZN CHAPTER

Greetings from KZN.

Enter August, the month in which we celebrate Women in South Africa with our public holiday on 9th August dedicated to Women. Did you know that most of COMENSA coaches are women?

July 25/26 was KZN’s turn to host the Chapter Roadshow. On Friday evening Comensa members and non-members interested in coaching / mentoring met to learn about the different tiers of membership and the COMENSA credentialing process. On Saturday it was The Presidents Breakfast, and he shared COMENSA’s vision for the next 5 years as well as plans for the 20th Anniversary in April 2026, urging us all to save the date and plan for our attendance at this milestone event.

For COMENSA members it was wonderful to meet in person and to get to know our board members as well as do some networking.

All in all, it was an informative and successful roadshow, we hope that COMENSA members in the province grows. Some pics of our event below!

There is no online August event, however there is a Coffee Meet UP 21 August 07h30 – 09h30 in Umhlanga. Save the date for now and details will follow.

We will be holding an AGM for KZN on 11 September 2025. All members to look out for details please as we will need ALL your votes for adoption of AGM reports as well as for Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary to lead your chapter into 2027.

We wish all our female coaches, mentors and supervisors a happy Women’s Days.

Mindful Reflections
Alison Coates (Chair), Rajeshree Dessai (Deputy Chair)

COMENSA LIMPOPO CHAPTER | AUGUST NEWSLETTER

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
— Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Reflecting on a Memorable MCSC Roadshow
Our MCSC Roadshow, held this past Friday, 1st August and Saturday, 2nd August at Letaba Junction, Letsitele, was a resounding success!

The presence of our COMENSA President, Mr. Mohau Mphomela, Vice President, Me. Mpho Modisaesi, MCSC Committee Chair, Sean Fenn, and Deputy Chair, Andre Retief, was not only an honour, but a reminder of the support and commitment invested in our Chapter’s growth.

This inspiring weekend offered a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and network. New relationships were formed, valuable insights exchanged, and exciting future collaborations sparked. The discussions were both deeply engaging and enriching — creating a shared space where everyone could contribute and grow.

A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, our members and colleagues who joined us on Friday evening and/or Saturday morning. Your presence, participation, and warmth are what truly brought the Roadshow to life and made it so meaningful.

We look forward with optimism and enthusiasm to what lies ahead as we continue to build a thriving, connected, and empowered coaching community in Limpopo.

Together, we are taking the Limpopo Chapter to new heights! 🚀

With appreciation and warm regards,
Mia De Bruyn
Secretary

Reuben Rammbuda
Chairperson

COMENSA Gauteng Chapter | August 2025 Newsletter
Empowering Coaches. Inspiring Leaders.
________________________________________
Celebrating Our Journey of Growth and Impact

1. July Event Reflection: MENTAL TOUGHNESS WEBINAR
A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us for our Mental Toughness Webinar with international thought leader Doug Strycharczyk. It was a powerful session that equipped us with practical tools for building resilience and confidence in coaching and leadership. Your engagement and feedback were phenomenal!

2. Leadership and Coaching Integration
We also commend our very own Chairperson, Peter Manyaka, for his insightful delivery on “The Power of a Leader as a Coach: Integrating Coaching Competencies into Leadership Practice.”
The session challenged us to embrace empathy, emotional intelligence, and coaching conversations as core to transformational leadership.
________________________________________
Honouring Women this August

As we celebrate Women’s Month and National Women’s Day on 9 August, we pay tribute to the powerful, wise, and impactful women in our coaching and mentoring community. We wish every woman coach continued growth, purpose-driven impact, and sustainable business success. You are the heart of transformation.

2025 COMENSA GAUTENG CHAPTER COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Call for Nominations: Join the Leadership Circle!

As we prepare for the upcoming Chapter AGM & Elections, we invite nominations for passionate leaders to serve on the Gauteng Chapter Committee.
Available Roles
• Chapter Deputy Chairperson
• Membership Secretary
• Chapter Secretary
Term of Office: 2 years (with an option to renew once)
📍 Eligibility:
• COMENSA Member in good standing
• Resident of Gauteng
• Has not served more than 4 consecutive years
• Available and committed to serve voluntarily

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY

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Join our WhatsApp Community (for members in good standing) – ask us how!