Overview
SARAA is the national medical society for specialist rheumatologists and other health professionals involved in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. It is a public benefit organisation, registered as a non-profit organisation which represents the rheumatology profession of South Africa.
Healthcare professionals with an interest in arthritis are encouraged to become members of SARAA by completing the online form which you will find on this page.
Members of the public are encouraged to click on the patients corner where you will find information relating to the rheumatic diseases as well as a complete list of local rheumatology healthcare professionals for treatment purposes.
Our Constitution
EXCO
Subcommittees and Affiliates
Become a Member
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission:
To promote, maintain and protect the honour and interest of the discipline of rheumatology as a medical speciality for the benefit of all.
Our vision:
I –
Inclusiveness. Supporting all partners in the care of patients with rheumatic conditions.
D –
Dynamic. To create a dynamic society, one that reflects the changes in society and practice.
E –
Excellence. To achieve the best in academia and clinical research and practice.
A –
Advancement and Action. To constantly grow and develop our rheumatology fraternity, and stay active in all areas of need.
L –
Leaders. Lead decision making in the practice of Rheumatology in South Africa.
Meet The Executive Committee
Subcommittees
Paediatric Rheumatology Representative
Priya Ambaram
Arthritis Foundation Representative
Thozama Dubula
SARAA Young Rheumatology Forum
Executive: Kavita Makan
Executive: Debbie Haasbroek
Executive: Anita Lai
Executive: Marilyn Reddy
Executive: Mpoti Seboka
Executive: Sanvir Sirriram
Regional Representatives of SARAA Young Rheumatology Forum
Gauteng
Gisela van Rooyen
KZN
Lemo Radingoana
Sarika Deosaran
Asokan Naidoo
Keith Chinniah
Western Cape | Eastern Cape
Francois Bouwer
Urisha Brijlal
Emma Gardiner
Bloemfontein
Dr Richard Carter
Regional Representatives of SARAA
Gauteng | Free state
Charlene Bolton
Western Cape | Eastern Cape
Ayanda Gcelu
KZN
Keith Chinniah
SARAA Literati:
Mohammed Tikly
Asgar Kalla
Girish Mody
Congress 2021 Committee:
Farhanah Paruk (Chairperson)
Sr NG Mkhize ( Coordinator for Health Professionals)
Kogie Chinniah (Coordinator for Paediatric Rheumatology)
Keith Chinniah
Lemo Radingoana
Sarika Deosaran
Namhla Mvambo
Girish Mody
Biologics approval panel:
Kavita Makan
Gareth Tarr
Elsa van Duuren
Ayesha Wadee
Charlene Bolton
Anne Halland
Ingrid Louw
Jenny Potts
Cathy Spargo
Paediatrics panel:
Gail Faller
Chris Scott
Bhadrish Mistry
Kogielambal Chinniah
Priya AMbaram
Kate Webb
Monika Brink
Affiliates
History Of SARAA
The South African Arthritis & Rheumatism Association (SARAA) was founded in the late 1960's, at a time when the speciality of rheumatology was not recognised as a subspecialty in the country. The society was comprised of members across the disciplines of internal medicine, orthopaedics, physical medicine, and immunology. It took the efforts of visionaries like Professor ``Lan`` Meyers, to elevate the field of rheumatology, to not just an aspect of orthopaedic medicine, but a distinct discipline in medicine.
Since then SARAA has been integral to many landmark events in the field of rheumatology in South Africa: from academic strides such as the sub specialty training, examinations and college of SA certificate in Rheumatology; important research contributions to the understanding of known rheumatic diseases as well as some more prevalent to Africa, like HIV-associated rheumatic diseases; advances in therapies- including biologics, patient advocacy and much more.
