The SAGC consultation workshop with academia on the proposal to introduce SAGC Technical Exams was held from 09:00-15:00 in the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology on Wednesday 24 July. Members of various academic institutions, as well as industry and the SAGC were represented, including members of CPUT, DUT, Esri South Africa, MUT, SAGC Council, SUN, TUT, UCT, UFH, UFS, UJ, UKZN, Unisa, UP, and Wits.

Hosted by the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, the workshop focused on assessing the principle and feasibility of introducing technical examinations in the current model of registering as technician, technologists and professional practitioners with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). This was only the first workshop and consultative meeting of many. Topics of discussion during the workshop ranged from identifying pros and cons to the proposed exams, identifying any fatal flaws, what entrance requirements could be, how these would be structures, phased in, set, and potentially funded.

This was only the first workshop and consultative meeting of many and the SAGC will continue to engage with all stakeholders and their members regarding this proposal.