Changing
the Game.

Dear Colleagues, Friends and Distinguished Guests — it is with pride and gratitude that I welcome you to the inaugural conference of the South African Endoscopic Spine Society.

Over the past two years, seemingly modest steps have amounted to major strides. We have registered a not-for-profit company, opened a bank account, elected a board, raised funds and initiated webinars. A shared idea has become an independent society capable of shaping its own future. At our Indaba, we formulated a white paper outlining the ideal training pathway for South African endoscopic spine surgeons — a commitment to training, mentorship and accountability beyond any individual presidency.

We have learned that being an endoscopic spine surgeon demands a higher standard at every level. Innovation carries responsibility: to examine our judgement, scrutinise our outcomes, acknowledge our limitations and remain accountable to our patients and one another.

Our society has also gained international recognition, with opportunities to send speakers to the WFSE conference in Mexico and a delegation to the WSC in South Korea, strengthening our contribution to the field.

It feels fitting to conclude my term as President with this inaugural conference. Bringing world leaders in spinal endoscopy to Cape Town and sharing the stage with friends and mentors will be a highlight of my career.

Having attended conferences in many countries, I have formed lasting friendships and experienced extraordinary generosity. Now I have the pleasure of welcoming those friends to South Africa and returning their hospitality. To our international colleagues, thank you for your support. I am especially grateful to the faculty who have travelled far to assist with training and made themselves available when we needed them most. Your generosity continues to benefit our surgeons and their patients.

Without a third, there can be no tradition.

May this conference begin an enduring tradition of learning, friendship and shared progress. None of this would have been possible on my own. To our board: thank you for your unwavering support and continued work, even when I could not be present. We carried one another and found strength in our unity. This achievement belongs to all of us.

To our members, partners and everyone who contributed time, expertise and resources: thank you. Welcome to Cape Town, and welcome to the first of many great learning events hosted by SAESS.

With warm regards,
Dr Shawn Venter

Innovation carries responsibility.

Programme & faculty