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DEPARTMENT OF

RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

GEOMATICS PROFESSION BILL

2013

DEPARTMENT OF

RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM

GEOMATICS PROFESSION BILL

2013

A Briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform

of the Republic of South Africa

Date: 12 March 2013, Cape Town

A Briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform

of the Republic of South Africa

Date: 12 March 2013, Cape Town

DEPARTMENT: RURAL DEVELOPMENT & LAND REFORM

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUNDNeed for New Act: provision of mechanisms to

accelerate transformation of Geomatics Profession.• Current Act (Professional and Technical Surveyors’

Act, 1984) needs modernisation & Constitutional alignment; also excludes other Geomatics categories, e.g. geospatial information sciences;

• Bill initially termed “Surveying Profession Bill” (SPB) to transform the Surveying Profession; BUT

• Following consultation with various stakeholders, change to “Geomatics Profession Bill” (GPB) was adopted to encompass all fields of Geomatics

• There is no work reservation in present Act.2

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INITIAL PROCESS (SPB) INITIAL PROCESS (SPB) Planning Profession Act of 2003 used as

model for the BillAlso considered other new legislation:

Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Valuers: All Acts passed in 2000

Initial Draft (SPB) approved by Deputy Minister and Minister(2005)

Published (SPB) for public comment (2005)Workshops (SPB) to sense public comment,

specifically from the Profession (2005/06)3

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INITIAL PROCESS (GPB) INITIAL PROCESS (GPB) GPB Process started in 2008In 2009 was the Bill was part of the legislation

programme.Same year the priorities of the Department changed.Focus was mainly on Rural Development change.In June 2010 further consultation was conducted with

all stake holders, private and public.Comments were received and incorporatedPublished (GPB) for public comment (2010)Comments were sourced also from Department of

Higher Education.In 2011 the GPB was submitted to Cabinet Committee

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PRINCIPLES OF THE GPBPRINCIPLES OF THE GPB. Profession to be more inclusive of related fields e.g. land, mine and engineering surveying ; geospatial information sciences, etc. Council members appointed by Minister. Nominations through transparent process.•CURRENT ACT : only Institutes may nominate members. GPB : 4 members representing State (3 from DRDLR, one from DMR); 5 members not state employed; 1 member from the public; 1 member from Council of Higher Learning

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Four registration categories : Candidate geomatics practitioner Geomatics technician Geomatics Technologist Geomatics Professional

Each category has different branches, like Mine surveying, Engineering Surveying, etc

State will fund Council (currently Council is funded solely from fees paid by registered persons)

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CHAPTER 1CHAPTER 1Explains definitions in context of BillSets out Geomatics Profession principles

applicable to Council and its registered persons, which guide interpretation, administration and implementation

Highlights interests of the publicObliges Council to achieve transformation

and high standards of quality and integrity

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CHAPTER 2CHAPTER 2Provides for establishment of Council, its

composition, committees, powers, duties, functions, meetings, administration and disqualification of its members

Regulates the decision process of CouncilProvides for the Council’s funding; keeping

and auditing of records

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CHAPTER 3CHAPTER 3Provides for registration of practitionersSpecifies the various categories and

certification of registrationOutlines the identification of geomatics work

and the reservation thereofThis will encourage eligible persons to

register appropriately, thereby facilitating effective regulation of the Profession at large

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CHAPTER 4CHAPTER 4Provides for recognition of Voluntary

Associations by the CouncilMain object of Voluntary Associations would

be the promotion and protection of the interests of the Geomatics Profession

Council will issue a Certificate of Recognition to voluntary associations, subject to compliance with rules set out in Section 30(2)

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CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5Deals with professional conductOutlines a code of conduct and relevant

requirementsSpecifies process of dealing with improper

conduct, rights, regulation of proceedings and sanctions

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CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6Provides for establishment and functioning

of Appeals BoardSpecifies the composition of the board and

the qualification of its membersBoard members are appointed by Minister,

who will enhance transformation process by ensuring transparency as well as gender, disability and other demographic representations

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CHAPTER 7CHAPTER 7Regulates general issuesDeals with professional fees, regulations and

rules, administration procedures, delegation of powers, offences and penalties

Facilitates transitional provisions, repeal and amendment of relevant legislation

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION Approval of the Bill by Parliament will

facilitate transformation, guarantee alignment with the Constitution and ensure inclusivity of all sectors of the Geomatics Profession

THANK YOU

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