Southern African Society For Human Genetics
Health in Johannesburg

Winner of the SASHG and SAASTA essay competition to celebrate Darwin anniversary in 2010.

Focus groups related to medical genetics, genetic counselling and medical scientists. The Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) is a non-profit organisation for health care professionals involved and interested in human or medical genetics. The Society is open for membership to any person interested in the field of Human Genetics irrespective of that person’s specific discipline. to promote and advance the practice and science of human and medical genetics in Southern Africa. to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in all its affairs and activities. to practice its affairs in a non-profit making and non-discriminatory manner. In 1978 a cytogenetic study group was established at the initiative of Drs. Their first meeting was held at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town and thereafter they met on an annual basis. There were 55 people present at this meeting and Professor Trefor Jenkins was elected as chairman and Professor Renée Bernstein was appointed the first secretary/treasurer. The Society’s affairs are managed by a committee consisting of a chairman, a secretary and treasurer as well as additional committee members. These office bearers are elected for a two year term of office at the biennial general meeting. The Society does involve itself in numerous activities. The most important of these activities is the biennial SASHG congress. Each congress has had a number of invited international keynote speakers that has contributed towards our Society becoming known internationally and provided a forum for education of all our members. The Medical Genetic group is a focus group functioning under the banner of the SASHG. The Young Researchers’ Forum (YRF) aims to provide both a meeting place and a voice for all students; postdocs and junior faculty members involved in human genetics research in South Africa and beyond. to advance and promote the science and practice of Medical Genetics. to ensure high standards of training for professionals within Medical Genetics. to advocate for appropriate resources for provision of service and care to patients with genetic disorders and birth defects. to engage in constructive dialogue with government and other politicians on genetics-related issues. Membership is open to all registered clinical genetics in South Africa who are also members of SASHG. Maintain a high standard of training that remains internationally recognised. Accessibility of genetic counselling to all communities in South Africa.