The Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology hosted an open information session on 8 November on professional registration under the Southern African Geomatics Council (SAGC) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). The Geo-Information Society of South Africa (GISSA) were also present.

Daniel Jooste spoke about the role of voluntary organisations such as GISSA for the geospatial disciplines, and how GISSA represents the Geo-Information community in South Africa as a national, unified, representative body to promote and protect the interests of its members on all forums. S’lindi Mhlongo spoke about the role of the SAGC and how it is responsible for registering all qualified Professional Surveyors, Technologist Surveyors, Technician Surveyors and GISc Practitioners in South Africa. Mthobisi Mzobe spoke about the role of SACNASP as a regulatory body for natural science practitioners in South Africa. Registration processes under both the SAGC and SACNASP were detailed as well.

It was an interactive session, with students able to ask many questions of the presenters. The involvement of Professional Bodies such as the SAGC and SACNASP, and voluntary organisations such as GISSA, is key to success in the current curriculum context. The Department wishes to thank Daniel, S’lindi, and Mthobisi for speaking with our students.