More than just the official body representing IT professionals in South Africa, the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA) is a forum for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and for building networks. Established in 1957, the CSSA now has more than 3500 members and focuses its activities, events and publications in three main areas:
- IT policy. Projects include the Foresight project, Saitis and the electronic commerce debate.
- Education and training initiatives. Key focus areas include the national qualifications framework (development of unit standards) and other developments aimed at the implementation of the Schools Development Act (SETA). The CSSA is also extensively involved in the Computer Olympiad.
- Community development. Initiatives include support for multi purpose community centres in disadvantaged areas.
The CSSA offers its members numerous benefits, including:
Career Advancement
Several Institutional Members of the CSSA require CSSA membership for their ICT staff as a pre-requisite for promotion and career advancement
International Recognition
CSSA membership grading and admission criteria are continuously evaluated in accordance with international practices and are maintained in-line with these requirements
Extensive Networking Opportunities
Through the scope of Special Interest Groups (SIG`s) and other activities undertaken by the CSSA, access to leading edge information from top IT professionals is facilitated. Membership of the CSSA means preferential participation and reduced entrance fees to events hosted in association with the CSSA. In short, it opens up a window to essential information and important contacts.
The Special Interest Groups offer a particularly important vehicle for information and participation. These groups, including the Computer Measurement Group (CMG), Repository User Group (SARUG), Project Management SIG, Outsourcing SIG and Information Security SIG, have been set up specifically to share knowledge and ideas related to these key aspects of IT. Many of these groups are regional and look at particular issues of local importance or concern.
Computer Measurement Group (CMG)
CMG SA provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge related to the measurement and management of information systems. CMG is the ideal platform to put forward and share experiences with peers on any aspect of computer management and measurement in the areas of System 390, Storage Management, Networking, IT Management, Financial issues, Distributed Systems, Capacity and Performance Management and Open System.
South African Repository User Group (SARUG)
SARUG addresses the fears and misunderstandings about repository technology and looks at the technical obstacles that organisations experience when using this powerful technology.
Project Management SIG
This SIG promotes professionalism in terms of Project Management practice in the IT industry and is recognised as the body representing IT project management opinions in the South African context.
Outsourcing SIG
The Outsourcing SIG provides a forum where interested parties can get together on a regular basis to discuss and disseminate knowledge on and about the outsourcing industry, both locally and on a global basis.
Information Security SIG
The primary focus of this SIG is to promote Information Security as an essential building block of systems development and system maintenance to senior management within companies.
The CSSA is a dynamic Society, moving with its industry and facilitating change and development for the benefit of all. The Society`s monthly magazine, Inter@ctive Week, keeps members in touch and in tune with forthcoming events, latest trends, new technology and products, as well as industry comment. It will keep you up to date with Who`s who in IT, what`s up and what`s coming down! The Society offers membership to people in all levels of IT, from students to the practising professional. Various grades of membership are available as appropriate. Fees, criteria and procedure for membership, guidance as to the most appropriate membership level and forms are all available from the CSSA website at www.cssa.org.za, or through the Society, based in Midrand, Gauteng.
Share