The Southern African Society for Human Genetics is a multi-disciplinary non-discriminatory society with the aims of advancing the practice in science of Human Genetics in Southern Africa, facilitating contact between the various disciplines involved with the field, maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards and providing a forum through which education and contact can be maintained.
Aims
Our aims are
- to promote and advance the practice and science of human and medical genetics in Southern Africa
- to facilitate contact between persons in the different branches of human and medical genetics
- to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in all its affairs and activities
- to arrange conferences and symposia
- to initiate contact with similar organizations in other parts of the world
- to practice its affairs in a non-profit making and non-discriminatory manner
Constitution
The SASHG Constitution sets out the rules of the organisation, including membership, elections and the responsibilities of the Scientific Committee and other sub-committees.
The SASHG is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation with the South African Revenue Service, and will conduct its business as stipulated in Section 30(B) of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962.
History
In 1978 a cytogenetic study group was established at the initiative of Drs. Molly Nelson and Renée Bernstein. Their first meeting was held at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town and thereafter they met on an annual basis.
On 1 July 1986 an inaugural general meeting of the Southern African Society for Human Genetics was held at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
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.