About PANSA — PANSA

Our network

From office support specialists to strategic C-Suite partners.

We are a distinctive group of management support strategists who have transformed from office support specialists into strategic team players. Our contributions enhance daily organisational operations, decision-making, and efficiency, ensuring optimal support and service excellence for our executives and their teams.

We consider ourselves a forward-thinking collective of dedicated Management Assistants Support Network members. Our mission is to assist, develop, and nurture our peers in a profession that has evolved from office support specialists to strategic C-Suite Management Assistants. We are committed to excellence in all we do, ensuring the highest standards of support and service for our executives and their teams.

Mission & values

A Force for Excellence.

As South Africa's leading professional body for Executive and Professional Assistants, PANSA's mission is to champion, promote and develop the Assistant profession. We commit to providing a supportive, inclusive, innovative and empowering environment, where our members can develop expertise to maximise effectiveness and satisfaction in their Assistant careers. Our values are the very fibres that allow our profession to be recognised as a Force for Excellence.

Integrity

PANSA will always act appropriately, transparently and honestly, whilst being accountable for our actions. We will conduct our business with members and the wider community to a high standard of ethics.

Respect

At PANSA we believe in fostering an environment, through membership, where people can contribute, innovate and truly excel in their careers as Executive and Professional Assistants. We will value the contributions of others, regardless of background or experience.

Collaboration

At PANSA, we want to achieve exceptional results for the profession. We strive to work hard with our members and the wider community to learn and share best practice about the profession. We shall also encourage this across every level of our membership.

Innovation

At PANSA we are forward thinking and committed to research and development of the wider profession. We will continuously invest in the membership via new products, learning technologies, systems and new ways of thinking, to ensure our members continue to excel in their careers.

Passion

We are passionate about building strong and long lasting relationships with our members and the wider community. PANSA will put energy, commitment and enthusiasm into promoting the profession.

Excellence

We have high ambitions and a commitment to high quality in all that we do for and on behalf of the profession. We strive to provide value for our members, in assisting them to excel in their roles as Executive and Professional Assistants.

Leadership

The founders.

Two careers in executive support, turned into a national profession-building project.

Founder Director · Platinum Assistant Network SA

Cathy Harris

South African PA of the Year 2006 · WA-Alliance Member · Isipho Bursary Mentor · Author · Trainer · Dip. Bookkeeping

With over two decades as an Executive PA to a visionary CEO, this powerhouse professional has transformed passion into purpose — championing the role of Executive Management Assistants across South Africa and beyond.

From being crowned South Africa's National PA of the Year (2006/2007) to co-founding the Platinum Assistant Network South Africa, her journey is marked by mentorship, innovation, and global impact. She has facilitated workshops and spoken at prestigious international events such as Executive Secretary LIVE in London, Australia, and New Zealand, sharing stages with industry icons like Peggy Grande, Bonnie Low-Kramen, and Lucy Brazier OBE.

Her passion for Internal Assistant Networks led to the creation of the Discovery PA Centre of Excellence, and she authored The Executive Secretary Guide to Create an Internal Assistant Network.

She has served as Chairperson of OPSA, developed SETA-accredited certifications for office professionals, and launched the PANSA Administrative Excellence Awards. Her commitment to uplifting others includes mentoring through the Isipho Admin Bursary, supporting disadvantaged youth entering the profession.

From founding the Mauritius PA Association to being a member of the World Administrative Alliance, her mission remains clear: to elevate, empower, and inspire Management Assistants to embrace their unique brand and become ambassadors for the profession.

Co-Founder Director · Platinum Assistant Network SA

Susan Engelbrecht

WA-Alliance Member & Task Force Leader · Isipho Bursary Senior Academic Advisor & Mentor · CESP™

With over 44 years of experience supporting senior executives and CEOs, Susan Engelbrecht is a powerhouse in the administrative field. Known for her excellence in high-pressure environments, she not only manages complex executive support duties but also mentors the next generation of Executive Assistants.

Susan is a passionate advocate for the profession, believing that the vital contributions of PAs and EAs should be recognised, appreciated, and celebrated. Through her leadership in the Platinum Assistant Network South Africa, she continues to elevate the profession and expand its reach.

Her global impact includes serving as Senior Academic Advisor for the Isipho Admin Bursary, mentoring students, and contributing to the World Administrators Alliance as a Council Member. She has led task forces on Harassment in the Workplace and The Career Behind the Job, helping professionals articulate their value and advocate for organisational support.

Susan's mission is to create a sense of the spectacular — empowering others, fostering collaboration, and inspiring excellence. Her warmth, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to shape the future of the administrative profession.

The organisation

A registered, non-profit professional body.

PANSA is a registered non-profit organisation, which means we can invoice your company on your behalf for your membership if you prefer.

Registration number: 2016 / 304705 / 08
Directors: Cathy Harris · Susan Engelbrecht · Robert Matthee
Affiliations: World Administrators Alliance · OPSA · Isipho Admin Bursary
General enquiries: info@pansa.co.za

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A forward-thinking collective of Management Assistants.