Institutions and Organisations

The Geological Society of South Africa (the GSSA) was established on the 4th of February 1895 and is one of the oldest scientific societies in South Africa. It is a society that exists for geologists and earth scientists with an interest in Africa, and southern Africa in particular, and has over
2 500 members and student members. The GSSA caters for every person who is eligible for membership regardless of the level of professional development or age. The GSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, sex, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, religion, or disability, and a portfolio exists within its Council to transform the Society to become truly representative of all the people of southern Africa. Its members are drawn from all professional sectors within academia, government, business and industry. Members are required to comply with the GSSA Code of Ethics, which is aligned with similar codes elsewhere in the world for the purpose of promoting ethical and professional conduct of all practitioners.

The GSSA aims to promote the study of the earth sciences and to look after the interests of earth scientists by providing forums and events where geologists and members from related disciplines may meet and share ideas, discuss advances in the science, emerging technology, and new geological models and ideas. These forums include meetings and conferences, which assist scientists to meet socially and to get to know one another and expand their professional network of contacts. In addition, the Society has a specific division, the Directorate of Professional Programs (DPP) which organisations specialist courses. The Society manages a pool of research funds, and annually disburses a portion of these to the membership in the way of grants designed to partially cover the costs of research, publication of results, and conference attendance.

The Society, together with the Council for Geoscience, a parastatal organisation located in Pretoria, is the main source for the dissemination of information related to geology and related earth sciences in southern Africa. This information includes news of individuals and organisations in the profession, relevant events that affect geologists and other interested individuals, and earth sciences papers with an emphasis on Africa or topics which may impact African geology, such as Antarctic research.

Scientific papers are published in the South African Journal of Geology, which provides the important function of ensuring that peer reviewed papers of international standard relevant to southern African earth sciences may be published. At present the journal’s impact factor has been improving steadily and it now ranks 21st out of 42 among international earth science journals.

General news and information are disseminated through regular newsletters and the Society’s quarterly Geobulletin . A number of consultants,  earth science service providers, and equipment suppliers with strong local knowledge and extensive experience in Africa routinely advertise in the Bulletin.

The GSSA supports publication of scientific and general interest books and review papers through its communications arm.

The GSSA is developing an online recording scheme for a Continuing Professional Development Programme (CDP), which is in line with the SACNASP brief to support geology professionals to continue to grow in their field of expertise.

The Society also supports a number of geographically diverse Branches, specialist Divisions and interest groups (see Links Library). Branches include Egoli (Gauteng), Western Cape, University of Fort Hare, Kwazulu-Natal, Bushveld, Barberton, University of the Orange Free State, Limpopo and University of Venda. Specialist Divisions or interest groups include the Geoscience Educators Association of South Africa (GEA), Ground Water Division (GWD), Mineralogical Association of South Africa (MINSA) and the Tectonics Division (T-Dogs). The Society also has strong links to the South African Institute for Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), the Geophysical Association of South Africa (SAGA), the Geostatistical Association (GASA), and the Fossil Fuels Foundation (FFF). The GSSA also has strong links with international associations, including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the Geological Society of America (GSA), and the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG).

The Society has been involved intimately with the development of the South African codes for reporting of exploration results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (SAMREC), and for reporting of mineral asset valuation, respectively (Link to SAMREC/SAMVAL website), and will continue to be engaged in these efforts through our representation on the SAMREC/SAMVAL Committee (SSC).

As a not-for-profit, public benefit association, the GSSA strives to serve the wider public interest as well as the professional membership. Included in some of these initiatives is a recent focus on geoheritage, including geotourism and outreach education, issues clearly important to the public at large.

The GSSA is governed by its Council, Management Committee (MANCO) and the Executive Office, located in the Chamber of Mines building in Hollard Street, downtown Johannesburg.

Queries on earth science topics, membership or the GSSA can be directed to info@gssa.org.za