Civil Engineering December 2022 | Vol 30 No 11

52 December 2022 Civil Engineering forums that did not quite fulfil the same function as the previous forums. However, during 2005 the very first meeting of Heads of Departments from all higher education institutions in South Africa met for the very first time since the re-landscaping of the sector to discuss matters affecting construction, and particularly construction education. This meeting was repeated in 2006 where the need was expressed for the establishment of a formal forum/association of uni- versities to engage in discussion, debate, collaboration and promotion of matters of mutual interest. ASOCSA therefore aims to be the professional association for the development and advancement of construction education in Southern Africa, where the sharing of ideas and knowledge inspires, guides and promotes excellence in curriculums, teaching, research and service. To achieve this aim ASOCSA is partnering with the construction industry to find ways to effectively represent the interests of both construction academic and industry practitioners. ASOCSA will offer a variety of programmes and services designed to help its members serve their customers more effectively to succeed in the increasingly challenging environment of construction information management and technology. To this end ASOCSA provides a forum for the debate and discussion of issues of mutual interest to all industry stakeholders. For example, one of the tasks of ASOCSA will be supporting the development of curriculums that address the needs of the construction sector in the Southern African region. ASOCSA convenes an annual conference that is one of only two construction-related conferences accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) where construction academics and practitioners can interact relative to practical experience and the findings of relevant research. This conference series is endorsed and underwritten by the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) as well as several major industry stakeholders. The Journal of Construction , which is accredited by the Department of Higher Education – currently published electronically four times per year – is the official journal of ASOCSA, and in the past more than 5 000 complimentary copies were distributed to all industry stakeholders in the Southern African region. The production and distribution of practice notes and technical papers is a further endeavour to grow the partnership between academia and industry. With respect to the Southern African region, ASOCSA is committed to the following: Vision To drive innovative construction-related higher education. Mission statement To promote, facilitate, develop and monitor the relevance and quality of construction-related curricula, research and graduates in conjunction with higher education institutions, industry and government. Strategic objectives The objectives of the Association are: Q Q To promote and facilitate the develop- ment of curricula for construction- related programmes. Q Q To assist with the accreditation of construction-related programmes. Q Q To hold an annual conference that acts as a forum for multi-disciplinary interaction between academics and practitioners. Q Q To publish an accredited, research- based journal and contribute to the built environment body of knowledge. Q Q To disseminate information dealing with construction education and related matters. Q Q To develop and maintain closer links with industry and government. Q Q To represent the collective views of its members. Q Q To liaise with other organisations and persons to promote the interests of its members. Q Q To promote and support relevant postgraduate research. Q Q To provide bursaries to postgraduate students in accordance with set criteria. Heads Forummeetings ASOCSA believes that meetings of the Heads Forum comprising Heads of School and Departments of Construction is a vital component of its functions, and therefore holds Heads meetings during each conference. International affiliation ASOCSA has commenced discussions about closer collaboration with similar institutions, such as the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) in the United States, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Australian Institute of Building (AIB), and the Council of the Heads of the Built Environment (CHOBE) in the United Kingdom. ASOCSA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB). Summary In summary, benefits of membership of ASOCSA include participation in meetings of the Heads Forum throughout the region, access to the Journal of Construction , reduced rates at all ASOCSA, MBA and CIB events, involvement at regional level with industry-academia forums, interaction and networking opportunities relative to e.g. collaborative research, curriculum development, external moderation of courses, and external examination. ASOCSA W: www.asocsa.org ASAQS (Association of South African Quantity Surveyors) The ASAQS was inaugurated in 1908 and was formed to achieve and maintain the following goals and ambitions for the profession: Q Q To advance and promote the science and practice of quantity surveying and cognate matters. Q Q To uphold the dignity of the quantity surveying profession. Q Q To watch over, promote and protect the interest of its members. Q Q To afford opportunity for the inter- change and recording of the body of knowledge and experience of quantity surveying. Q Q To promote high standards of professional competence and integrity in the quantity surveying profession.