Difference between MTA membership and AHPCSA registration

Comparison of roles and functions of the AHPCSA and MTA

AHPCSA	MTA
STANDING
Statutory Health Council	Professional Organisation for Therapeutic Massage Therapists
Legal body established through an act of the South African Parliament	Voluntary organization established by the profession for the profession
FUNCTIONS
Regulates Profession	Represents the interest of the therapists
Protects the public	Keeps members informed
Ensures delivery of quality service to the public	Promotes profession
Regulates education and training
ACCOUNTABILITY
To the Public and the Department of Health	To the members
AFFILIATION
Compulsory registration	Voluntary membership
Working illegally is a criminal offence
Prosecution for non-compliance
INTERESTS
Cements status of profession	Voices members opinion to AHPCSA
Acts as a watchdog to protect the Public	Acts as a watchdog to protect the interests of the therapists
Lays down and regulates the Scope of Practice of the profession	Lobbies AHPCSA on behalf of members
Represents all registered Allied Health Professions	Represents ONLY Therapeutic Massage Therapists
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Compulsory annual Registration Fee	Voluntary annual membership fee
OFFICE BEARERS
Members of Council voted in by all registered Therapeutic Massage Therapists	Executive Committee voted in by MTA members only