In 1997 there were two bodies representing special education – the Principal’s Forum [representing the principals of special schools] and SANASE [representing the SGB’s of special schools]. The Management Committees of these organizations met and came to the conclusion that, although they represented two areas of the special education sphere, they had much in common. After having had both their AGM’s on the same date and at the same venue, it was decided, at a joint meeting, that the two Management Committees should investigate amalgamation.

They held several meetings and at the joint AGM, held from 26-28 August 1998 in Kuilsrivier, it was unanimously decided that the two organizations amalgamate under the name of SANASE.