At the South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM), membership is uniquely tailored to individual professionals in the field of occupational medicine. This reflects a personal commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and continuous professional development (CPD) within the discipline. SASOM’s membership structure aligns with South African legislation, regulatory principles, and the guidelines specified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Individual membership

SASOM is dedicated to supporting individual professionals, ensuring they have access to tailored benefits, resources, and CPD opportunities. Membership represents a direct connection to the society and a commitment to:

• Maintaining professional accountability and ethical standards.
• Meeting CPD requirements, as mandated by the Health Professions Act (No. 56 of 1974) and the HPCSA Guidelines on CPD.
• Actively engaging in the advancement of occupational medicine in South Africa.

This focus on individual membership reflects SASOM’s role as a professional society governed by the Non-profit Organisations Act (No. 71 of 1997), which emphasizes service to individual members rather than corporate entities.

Corporate membership

SASOM offers corporate membership as a financial and practical benefit for companies that wish to enroll multiple employees in SASOM collectively. This structure is designed to support workforce professional development while maintaining the integrity of individual membership. Key aspects of corporate membership include:

• Group Benefits: Companies enrolling multiple employees benefit from cost savings and streamlined administrative processes.
• Individual Membership Status: Each enrolled employee is granted full individual membership, with access to SASOM’s benefits, CPD opportunities, and resources.
• Employer Support with Individual Responsibility: While companies facilitate access, the professional and ethical responsibility lies with each individual member.

Why companies cannot hold membership

Membership in SASOM is personal and cannot be extended to corporate entities. This approach is supported by:

• HPCSA Regulations: Professional societies are intended to serve individual practitioners, fostering their professional and ethical development.
• Health Professions Act: The Act underscores the importance of personal responsibility for CPD and ethical conduct.
• Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998): Individual membership aligns with the Act’s focus on professional empowerment at the personal level.

Corporate entities are welcome to support their employees’ professional growth through corporate membership, but the accountability, benefits, and responsibilities remain uniquely tied to each individual practitioner.

Conclusion

SASOM’s membership model ensures the integrity, accountability, and professional growth of its members. Through corporate membership, companies can invest in their employees’ development while preserving the personal commitment that defines SASOM’s relationship with its members.