Summary of the CASA Congress 2022

16-18 September 2022

Events

Summary of the CASA Congress 2022

The South African Chiropractic community was bursting with enthusiasm this past month sharing in their first in-person National Congress since 2019.

The 2022 CASA Congress was held from 16th to 18th September in the scenic Mother City of Cape Town at the Lagoon Beach Hotel. The venue, boasting some of the most incredible views of Table Mountain over the Atlantic Ocean, was the ideal setting for such a memorable weekend filled with all things chiropractic.

There was a record attendance of in-person delegates as well as many chiropractors and students joining from far and wide in yet another successful hybrid event.

This year’s theme was appropriately termed “Chiropractic Is Back” and emotions were high as delegates were finally able to enjoy professional interaction yet again.
With the central location of the Congress this year, many delegates, as far as the corners of Africa, were able to attend. Delegates from Rwanda, Congo, Cameroon and Namibia were able to network with local chiropractors and learn from each other throughout the weekend. The African Chiropractic Federation AGM, held in Cape Town this year (at the CASA Congress), assisted to facilitate networking among the African nations, solidifying relationships across the continent.

Competitions, demonstrations and chiropractic related products were available for viewing in the exhibitor’s hall throughout social events and break times. The exhibition arena was abuzz with product testing, one-on-one questions with company representatives and all round interacting and fun.

Our delegates were treated to some of the top local and international speaker’s at the “Chiropractic Is Back” CASA Congress. Among the international speakers was the WFC’s very own Secretary-General, Dr Richard Brown. The lectern was shared by Drs’ Brad Beira, Adrian Wenban, Kevin Lentin, Marni Kruger, Shawn Thistle and Steve Williams. All delivering enthralling, evidence-based lectures that attendees are able to integrate into their practices.

Considering where the world has left off after the last two years of the pandemic, the association thought the membership could use some uplifting and encouragement and as a result Stephen McGown was asked to tell his true-life story of how he was held prisoner by Al-Qaeda. Stephen shareds a message of making the most of all situations whether they are good or bad. Even though Stephen’s story is far removed from the reality of most people’s lives, the essence of his struggles are not far off from those of his audience. His talk promised to inspire and leave his audience questioning their own attitude and dilemmas.

The CASA Congress LOC ensured attendees were well entertained each evening of this unforgettable weekend. Thursday sundown was a “meet and greet” cocktail function where old friends were able to mingle and new friendships forged. Friday evening saw the delegates break off into teams and create a truly South African dish known as potjiekos. Our international delegates and speakers got a taste of this traditional cuisine and tried their hand in making their own unique dishes. Team building and camaraderie were the call for this event and many glasses of wine were shared as we tasted all the winning dishes. CASA Congress would not be without the formal gala dinner. The guests were entertained by the famous Schalk Bezuidenhout (South African Comedian) and the keynote speaker, Dr Shawn Thistle. Congratulations to Dr Chris Yelverton on receiving the CASA Honorary Life Member award. His commitment to the profession as well as education is duly recognised by all members of CASA. This award is bestowed on a CASA member who has rendered exceptional service to the profession and it was a privilege to honour such a great man in this profession at the gala dinner event.

CASA would like to congratulate Dr Michael Pritchard on his election as CASA President. The association wish him all the best in his tenure and know that he always has the professions best interest at heart. CASA would also like to say thank you to Dr Kendrah Da Silva (outgoing president) and Dr Lisa Dickerson (outgoing council member) for their years of work and dedication to the Association and the profession within South Africa. Congratulations to the two new members elected on to the CASA Council, Dr Keseri Padayachy and Dr Rowan White.

A massive thank you to the LOC for pulling off an exceptionally well-run, educational and fun weekend for all.