South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions legislated through Act 27 of 2003: The purpose of the Act is . . . to provide for the establishment of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions; and for the registration of professional, candidate and certificated natural scientists; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

The mission of the Council is given as: SACNASP strives to establish, direct, sustain and ensure a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct, that is internationally acceptable and in the broad interest of the community as a whole and the natural sciences. And this mission is to be achieved through the following objectives: To promote the practice of natural science professions in South Africa, exercise control over the standard of professional conduct of professional natural scientists, monitor the standard of education and training of natural scientists and to recognise education and training which is a prerequisite for registration in terms of the Act.

Registration for SACNASP is becoming more and more essential for all members of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa. The Professional Affairs Committee has managed to secure the Society`s registration as a voluntary organisation with SACNASP which assists somewhat with the paper trail. However, as some may already have experienced, the trail is quite long and may seem to be quite arduous.

The Grassland Society of Southern Africa would like to keep a list of all members that have already succeeded with SACNASP registration and are willing to assist as referees for other members embarking on this process. If you are willing, please send your SACNASP registration number and field of practice to Freyni du Toit for adding to the database.

For those starting the process, several documents and guidelines have recently been updated by SACNASP (2012), and are placed here for your convenience:

• SACNASP Information Brochure: How to Apply and Registration Requirements (this includes an Extract on the Act 27 of 2003, as well as the Requirements for Recognition of Prior Learning and the List of Voluntary Organisations)
• SACNASP Work Experience Guidelines:
  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Science
  • Botanical and Ecological Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Zoological and Ecological Science
• SACNASP Application Form
• SACNASP Referee Report
• SACNASP Foreign Citizens Application Form

For more information about registering with SACNASP, please visit their website or if you need assistance and are a member of the Grassland Society, email Freyni du Toit.