Professional Bodies

What are professional bodies?

Professional bodies are organisations that represent and regulate the professions in South Africa. They are established by law or by voluntary association of professionals in a specific field. They aim to promote the interests, standards and ethics of their members; to provide opportunities for professional development and recognition; and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in their field.

Why are professional bodies important?

Professional bodies are important for various reasons:

• They protect the public interest by ensuring that professionals adhere to codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
• They enhance the credibility and reputation of professionals by granting them designations, titles or status that indicate their competence and qualifications.
• They facilitate the mobility and employability of professionals by recognising their qualifications and experience across different contexts and jurisdictions.
• They foster collaboration and networking among professionals by providing platforms for communication, information sharing and peer support.
• They influence policy and legislation by providing expert advice and advocacy on matters relating to their field.
• They support innovation and excellence by conducting research, developing standards and curricula, and offering training and development opportunities.