ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
B.K.S. IYENGAR INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
IYENGAR YOGA – 50 Golden Years in Southern Africa
Dear Yogis, 2026 is with us, and it is the year the BKS Iyengar Yoga Institute of Southern Africa celebrates the momentous occasion of our 50th birthday!
Our Southern African Institute has been in existence for 50 years, making it one of the original Iyengar Yoga organisations worldwide. The number of teachers who have been developed, the number of students who have benefited, and the number of lives that have been touched in those years is a phenomenal achievement. We are extremely proud of this, not just in terms of the numbers, but also in terms of our integrity and loyalty to the teachings of the Iyengar lineage.
So this is a year of celebration and looking back with pride. As such, we have events planned, culminating in the visit of Abhijata Iyengar in November 2026.
Iyengar Yoga
Firstly it’s a style that is safe for everyone to practise, regardless of state of health or age.
Our teachers are all rigorously trained for at least three years before certification. Thereafter their accreditation can only be maintained by continuing practice and training.
Besides being an art and a philosophy, Iyengar Yoga is also a science – well proven for its therapeutic value in relieving a wide array of medical conditions.
It promotes the health and vibrancy of the whole human system – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
GOVERNANCE OF THE INSTITUTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
The Institute is administered by a National Committee consisting of representatives from each of six regions in Southern Africa. Also governed by the National Committee is the Assessment Committee. The Assessment Committee is responsible for the training of our teachers to internationally recognised standards and for the ongoing training of existing teachers.
Office Positions
We would like to congratulate and thank Viv du Preez for stepping up to manage our website. She has already mostly taken over Stratford’s website role, to officially take over from the March AGM.
In addition, Heena Morar is shadowing Anna to take over as Central Committee secretary from the March AGM, while Ashika Singh has volunteered to take over the Treasurer’s role. We thank and congratulate Heena and Ashika as well.
AGM of the Central Committee
Lastly, we meet for our Annual General Meeting on the 15th of March 2026 on Zoom.
Time: 09:30 to 11:30
This Institute would not be in existence without the support of our teachers and members – thank you again for 50 years of support. We rely on all of you to thrive for the next 50 years.
We also request that your membership fees are paid promptly for 2026! Fees will increase to R300 for members and R450 for teacher members. We thank you in advance.
For contact details visit Find a Teacher on this website
National Committee
| Chairperson | Lawrence Batchelor |
| Vice Chair | (Vacant) |
| Secretary | Anna Claude |
| Treasurer | Stratford Canning |
| Assessment Committee | Paula Viljoen: Chairperson Rhonwen Harford: Registrar |
Regional Representatives
| Gauteng, Free State & Northern Cape | Nadine Hurwitz |
| KZN Eswatini | Kugan Naidoo |
| Western, Eastern & Southern Cape | Anet Ahern |
| Zimbabwe | Gail Dixon |