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Membership

Join the professional association supporting nurses in ostomy, fistula, wound and continence care

Membership is open to eligible healthcare professionals involved in ostomy, fistula, wound and continence care. Join a national professional association committed to stronger knowledge, better connection and a collective voice for the field.

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Member Area
Why Join?

Membership should help you do more than belong

It should help you stay informed, strengthen your practice and take part in the future of the profession.

01

Learn

Stay connected to webinars, congress learning and professional development opportunities.

02

Connect

Build relationships with peers and professionals across the field.

03

Access

Use selected professional papers, recordings, newsletters and member information.

04

Be represented

Add your experience to a broader professional voice.

05

Contribute

Share knowledge, present, mentor and participate in the association.

Full Member

R 500.00/ annum
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Affiliate Member

R 500.00/ annum
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Associate Member

R 500.00/ annum
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Commercial Member

R 500.00/ annum
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Membership Categories

A category for different relationships within the speciality

Article 3 of the May 2026 Constitution defines five membership categories. Corporate Partnership is a separate, non-member recognition arrangement.

01

Full Members

For qualified professional nurses or enrolled nurses who are resident in South Africa, have completed an association-recognised stoma care programme of at least 56 hours of in-person theory and 80 hours of clinical didactic learning, and are actively working in stoma care. The Constitution also recognises those admitted under the 18 November 1978 Grandfather Clause. Full Members pay dues, have full voting rights, may serve on the Board or hold Executive Office, and may wear the stomal therapy course badge. Retired Full Members may retain their status, rights and privileges while paying reduced dues, provided they continue to support the association's objectives.

02

Associate Members

For professional or enrolled nurses resident in South Africa who have not yet qualified as stomal therapy nurses but have an active interest in stoma care, and for allied health professionals practising in nursing, medicine or related disciplines who do not meet the Full Membership criteria. Associate Members pay dues, which may be reduced at the Board's discretion, and may vote on operational matters only. They may not vote on constitutional amendments or Board elections, serve on the Board, hold Executive Office or wear the stomal therapy course badge.

03

Affiliate Members

For people interested in or working in stoma care who reside outside South Africa, or people accepted by the Board as supporters or non-practitioner affiliates. Dues are determined by the Board and may be waived at its discretion. Affiliate Members have no voting rights and may not serve on the Board or hold Executive Office.

04

Life Members

Life Membership may be bestowed by the Board on a Full or Associate Member who has made an exceptional contribution to specialist ostomy nursing or the association, or who has served the Board or its committees in an exemplary manner over a sustained period. Life Members pay no dues and retain the rights and privileges of their previous category, including voting and Board eligibility where applicable.

05

Honorary Members

Honorary Membership may be bestowed by the Board on a person who is not a specialist ostomy nurse in recognition of exceptional support for or contribution to specialist ostomy nursing or the association. Honorary Members pay no dues, may not vote, hold office or serve on the Board, and may not wear the membership badge.

06

Corporate Partners (non-members)

Medical supply or related corporate entities that support the association's objectives may be recognised as Corporate Partners. Corporate Partners pay an annual fee but are not members and have no governance, voting, Board or office-holding rights. Subject to the Board, they may receive recognition, association publications and newsletters, and invitations to events. Partnership may be governed by a written agreement and must not influence the association's advocacy, clinical recommendations or governance.
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Applications, approval and membership status

  • Applications must follow the form and process determined by the Board.
  • The Board may accept or decline an application at its discretion and is not required to provide reasons.
  • Membership dues are determined by the Board or General Meeting, as applicable.
  • Membership runs for twelve months from payment or renewal, with no fixed annual lapse date.
  • Members must promptly notify the Treasurer of changes to practice status, qualifications or personal details that may affect their category.
  • Termination or suspension must follow due process, including the right to be heard before the Board.
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Collective Strength

An engaged membership strengthens professional continuity and representation.

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