The new South African Sheriff Society (SASS) logo

The South African Sheriff Society (SASS) launched its inauguration function in Bloemfontein on 22 and 23 June with Sheriffs and representatives from the legal profession across South Africa attending. The event heralded the establishment of the new South African Sheriff Society, the disbanding of the existing structures, the launch of a new website as well as the establishment of a new management committee and mission and vision for SASS.

The event was launched with a formal gala dinner on the evening of 22 June at the lovely Kopano Nokeng Lodge just outside Bloemfontein. The focus of the evening was not only aimed at setting the scene for a productive inauguration programme the next day, but also to introduce the guests to the new technologies becoming available to the Sheriffs profession to assist in improved service delivery by Sheriffs. Additionally, focus was placed by various guest speakers on the positioning of the Sheriff profession as a key element in the administration of justice and the legal process, issues relating to integration of the various sheriff offices as well as the launch of the new SASS website and its positioning as a central tool for the management of the Sheriffs profession and the members of SASS.

Mr Philo Nel, Director at Phatshoane Henney was invited to on the evening provide a brief overview of the Phatshoane Henney Group of Associated Firms and lessons of relevance to SASS regarding the integration of group firms and the use of technology within the Group. The presentation focused on communication strategies and how technology and web-platforms assist in integrating group firms across South Africa as well as the importance of integrated group marketing and branding strategies to establish a standard service expectation with clients. Training of staff was highlighted as a key priority within the Group and one which necessitated the development of a variety of solutions, including online training systems, to enable training content to be delivered across a broad geographic area to member firm staff. Many similarities therefore exist between the Group and the challenges facing the new SASS, with technology solutions standing central to a strategy of unity and closer integration.

The SASS gala evening and inaugural programme the next day was by all accounts a resounding success and will in time come to be seen as a seminal event in the development of SASS. For more information on SASS visit their new website at www.sassoc.za.net.

To view more photos of the evening, view the SASS Inauguration Lightbox.

For more information on the Phatshoane Henney Group go to www.phfirms.co.za.