The Institute of Market Agents of S A (IMASA) was founded in Bloemfontein in 1945 as the official organisation to represent Market Agents in South Africa.

MAIN FEATURES

• It is a Section 21 association – a non-profit organisation
• Membership is voluntary
• Members are Market Agencies and individual Market Agents
  – It represents its members on various organisations such as the Agricultural Produce Agents Council and others in the fresh produce sector.
  – It represents its members with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as well as all official bodies and Organised Agriculture.
• It is the spokesperson for Market Agents in S A

OBJECTIVES

• To exist solely because for its members who determine its direction, actions and positions.
• To work pro-actively on matters of interest to its members
• To provide a communication forum for all participants in the marketing of fresh produce.
• To represent its members with Government and other institutions.
• To upgrade the standards of its members in terms of Ethics, Knowledge, Skills and Professionalism

MANAGEMENT

The highest decision-making body in IMASA is the Annual General Meeting – AGM.
The Institute comprises Regional Branches on the various markets and each Regional Committee is headed by a Chairperson. They serve on the National Management Committee which includes the President, Vice-President. Immediate former President and General Manager.
The day-to-day management of IMASA falls under the National Executive Committee which delegates these activities to the General Manager in terms of the instructions of the AGM.

This committee consists of:

• President (elected every three years)
• Vice-President
• Immediate Past President
• General Manager
• Additional members as required

MEMBERSHIP

There are three categories of membership:

• Members – full voting rights at the AGM
• Associate Members – No voting rights at the AGM
• Honorary Members – Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to IMASA and the fresh produce sector. No voting rights at the AGM.