december 2014 - monthly

SACNASP December 2014 News Issue 3

2014 has come and gone, and what a year it was.

It has been a phenomenal year for SACNASP – we have toured the country, exceeded application and registration expectations, implemented new initiatives, and continued to increase visibility of the Council while living up to our stellar reputation.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the year …

In this issue:

• The Extension Science project• Student registrations• Continuous Professional Development• 2014 SACNASP numbers and increased

visibility• Growth in the office/staff• Bright Beginnings day-care centre• SAQA accreditation, and what it has

meant for SACNASP – critical skills visas• New Council

December 2014 News


The Extension Science project

Student registrations

One of the most exciting things to happen in 2014 was the introduction of the Extension Science project.

There are many qualified Extension Scientists assisting farmers and providing them with the information needed to produce the most fruitful yields year in and year out.

What most people do not know is that Extension Scientists utilise a scientific methodology to advise farmers of the correct soil type, climate and crop, amongst other things, that will be needed each season.

Recently, the field of Extension Science has been brought into the fold of accepted fields of Natural Sciences, and it is now a legal requirement for Extension Scientists to register with SACNASP. The registration of Extension Scientists by SACNASP is a new and positive step for the natural sciences landscape in South Africa, and offers professional recognition and support by SACNASP.

The ultimate objective is to promote the practice of Extension Science and the advisory services profession in South Africa, and to ensure that extension services are scientifically sound, with Extension Scientists who adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.

During the year our team visited all nine provinces through our Extension Science roadshows, and took part in various conferences, such as that of the South African Society for

Agricultural Extension (SASAE) in June, as part of our initiative to improve the industry and its practices.

At the final Professional Advisory Committee registration meeting for the year on 19 November, 38 Extension Scientists were registered. We will conduct two-day workshops throughout early 2015 where we will evaluate all completed applications, as the project concludes at the end of March 2015.

I am incredibly proud of the work done by the Extension Science project, and commend each and every member of the team involved in the roadshows and the application drives.

As part of our continued assessment of new Fields of Practice and areas to broaden our sphere of influence, it was decided at a management meeting this year that we will begin introducing student registrations in 2015.

We will initiate a series of student roadshows that will see us approaching the heads of the science departments of various tertiary institutions, where we will conduct presentations and

provide the departments with all the relevant information needed to submit student applications to SACNASP, which will be assessed when the new categories are defined.

This is an exciting venture for SACNASP, and works towards expanding the Fields of Practice as well as nurturing the minds of the young scientists in South Africa.

Extension Science delegates at the conference in Parys


Continuous Professional Development

During 2014, SACNASP implemented a number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops within the fields of Environmental Sciences, Animal Sciences and Geology. The CPD workshops aimed to add value to the careers of the scientists involved, as well as serving as a conduit for furthering SACNASP awareness.

The roll-out of CPD at SACNASP saw the drafting of policies and forms relating to the envisioned project. In consultation with CPDonDemand, and through various strategy sessions, the required policy has

been drawn up and the requisite forms completed.

The project has been liaising with various boards and Councils, such as the South African Institute for Engineering and Environmental Geologists, the South African Society for Animal Science, and the Geological Society of South Africa, which were all very positive about the new envisioned CPD programmes.

The CPD roll-outs have been incredibly beneficial to all affected Fields of Practice, and the knowledge gained and

processes improved through them will only add to SACNASP’s effectiveness and efficiency.

As a result of the successful workshops and the initial phase of policy drafting and trials, the project will now go live in 2015 as it is implemented in further Fields of Practice, with the registration of training providers. More information on the project will be available in the new year, including a dedicated website for the project.

2014 SACNASP numbers and increased visibility

This year saw an exceptional rise in applications, both normal and through the Extension Science project. As of 1 December 2014, we now have 7 156 registered scientists on our register (both registered persons and Extension Scientists).

Throughout the year, we also managed to generate positive publicity and increase our presence on social media. I was interviewed on both Morning Live and eNCA regarding our work with Extension Science, as well as in an article in the June edition of Farmer’s Weekly that covered our involvement at the SASAE conference down in George. Our Facebook page has grown and our 991 likes, a few short of the 1 000 mark, are a testament to the stellar reputation of the Council.


A year of growth

The SACNASP offices have seen substantial growth and change throughout the year, thanks to our continued hard work and the improvements in processes and projects. With the addition of the Extension Science project, and the increased visibility of the council, we have welcomed many new staff members the past few months.

The Extension Science project, especially, has demonstrated many positive elements of the Council, including the creation of work for six additional employees. We will continue to grow and further this hard work as we enter the new year.

Bright Beginnings day-care centre

Bright Beginnings is a day-care facility that cares for 53 orphaned and vulnerable children ranging in age from six weeks to six years old. It has set a goal of becoming registered as an early childhood development centre, and SACNASP has taken this project on as part of its corporate social investment initiatives. We have visited the centre and donated a few items it was in need of, and will continue to work with it into 2015 as we assist it in realising its goal. SACNASP visits Bright Beginnings day-care centre

SAQA accreditation, and what it has meant for SACNASP – critical skills visas

SACNASP submitted an application to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) to have our registration categories officially recognised by the National Qualifications Framework. Following the application, SAQA sent a delegation to SACNASP in June of this year to conduct a site inspection and was most impressed with the SACNASP facilities.

The SAQA delegation was impressed with the processes in place at SACNASP, as well as the efficiency of working methods in relation to the database of registered persons, and SACNASP was successfully accredited with the qualification authority.

In light of the SAQA accreditation, SACNASP sought to enhance

its ability to provide vital services for its registered persons, as well as other professionals. Visa regulations in South Africa underwent many changes in 2014, with amendments implemented as to who qualifies for visas to work within South Africa.

On 1 June 2014, the South African Department of Home Affairs announced changes to immigration regulations, which in turn led to the introduction of a new “critical skills” visa. This visa subsequently replaced the previous exceptional skills and quota work permits, and allows foreign employees employed by organisations in South Africa to qualify for the new visa should they be deemed to work within a “critical skills” occupation.


According to the Government Gazette, applicants require confirmation in writing from an accredited professional body, Council or board recognised by SAQA. And thanks to our SAQA accreditation awarded this year, we are in a position to assess whether a skill is critical.

SACNASP is currently processing the qualifications of those who have applied for assistance with critical skills visas in order to provide letters that may be included in applications for these new visas.

New Council

Some housekeeping

Submission of nominations for the new council took place in September, according to the mandate as set out by the Minister of Science and Technology. Nominations have been received and are currently making their way through the relevant channels, and the new Council will be assembled in the new year.

• Just a quick reminder that SACNASP annual fees are due on 1 April 2015 and will be subject to the annual increase. Invoices will be sent out in January/February.

• The first registration meeting of 2015 will take place on 28 January.• And finally, the SACNASP office will be closing on 12 December 2014 and will reopen in the new year on 5 January 2015.

As I have said before, the SACNASP name is highly respected within the industry, which is a testament to the exceptionally high standard of registered scientists and members of the Council.

This year has been an exceptional year, and we have made great strides in many fields. I am very proud of the work we have done, and know that we will continue this momentum as we enter 2015.

Seasons greetings to all, and happy new year.

Regards

Dr Rolf Becker (Pr.Sci.Nat)

december 2014 - monthly

Documents