Join the GSSA

Benefits of Membership


Membership Requirements

Student Member

A person registered as a full-time student at a University or Technikon may apply to become a Student Member. The application must be endorsed by a senior staff member of the department in which the applicant is registered.

Corporate Member

Practising earth scientists who have obtained a university degree (or equivalent) from earth science training and/or who practice within the sphere of earth/geoscience, may apply to become a MEMBER. The applicant must furnish the names and contact addresses of two references who can attest to their academic qualifications and professional experience. Both of the references must preferably be Members of the GSSA (Student Members transferring to Corporate Members only need one reference, who must preferably be a GSSA Member).  Non-GSSA member references may be required to supply their CVs.

Affiliate Member

Persons who do not satisfy the requirements of the GSSA for election to another class of membership, and who do not practise as geologists or other earth scientists, may apply for AFFILIATE membership. Applicants shall furnish the names of two references, one of whom must be a Member of the GSSA.

Dual Members

Where one spouse of a family is a member of the Society, the other spouse is entitled to a reduced rate if he/she is eligible for membership.

Fellow

Transfer to the membership class of FELLOW requires that the candidate:

  • Must be a practising Member of the Society.
  • Must have held a position of responsibility for five years in industry, teaching or research.
  • Must be proposed and supported by two Fellows of the GSSA.

Retired members and Life members

A member in good financial standing who has reached the retirement age of 60 years (and who has been a member of the GSSA for at least 40years), should refer to the GSSA bylaws regarding their continuing membership and fee structure.

Institutional Members

Institutional Membership is open to all organisations and businesses that provide direct or supplementary services to the geosciences sector.  Simply complete an Institutional Membership application form and return to info@gssa.org.za.

Fees

An invoice will be sent upon acceptance of an application by the Council.

Important Notes

  • The application and all supporting documents must be in ENGLISH.
  • All categories of members are required to comply with the GSSA Code of Ethics which is aligned with similar international codes, to promote ethical and professional conduct of all members and are subject to the GSSA Complaints Process
  • All categories of members are encouraged to engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) throughout their careers and to log their credits with the GSSA or another appropriate institution.
  • The above requirements for admission are summarised from the GSSA Constitution and By-laws of the GSSA governing membership and are based on the situations most generally encountered. Provisions are made in the by-laws for the admission of applicants possessing other qualifications and professional achievements and the Society should be consulted in all cases.