Grassroots September 2016, Vol. 16, No. 3 | Page 45

Congress Presidential Address 2016 Leslie Brown L University of South Africa [email protected] ast year the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) celebrated its 50th congress that was held in Pietermaritzburg – where it all started back in 1965 with a few dedicated scientists realising the importance of establishing a society where researchers in this field can share and discuss their ideas and research. Starting with a membership of only 97 people the Society has grown over the years to more than 400 members nationally and internationally. Starting with a membership mainly focussing on rangelands and pastures, the diversity in membership has increased during the past few years resulting in the Society updating its mission to “Advancing ecology and management of African rangelands and pastures in a changing world”. Although not a radical change, with its core focus still on rangeland ecology, it accommodates a more diverse membership. This increased diversity is one of the strengths of the Society which has led to the growth in its members. Our membership consists largely of professionals involved in various fields of natural resource management. The GSSA is a proud society with a remarkable history and is right up there when compared to other societies from other disciplines. Looking back at this year I can report that the Society is a financially viable organisation with excellent administrative support. We are also recognised by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a voluntary organisation and is therefore consulted on and informed of various decisions taken. We have a highly respected journal, African Journal of Range and Forage Science with an excellent editorial team. Due to the hard work of this team and solid scientific contributions by our members the journal’s ISA rating has once again improved! The Journal has become a highly respected journal drawing manuscripts not only from southern Africa, but also from various parts of the world. Our newsletter and the mouthpiece of the Society, Grassroots, has grown over years in stature and published articles of a semi-scientific nature that is widely read and appreciated by readers. The latest issue alone had seven new articles and three feature articles. All of this is due to our member’s contributions and the dedicated and passionate Grassroots editorial team. Grassroots The GSSA has placed emphasis on the development of young scientists in the field of range and forage management. As such we are involved in different public relations activities. These include the Eskom Expo’s, the holding of farmer’s days and the student awards. Through these and other activities and awards the GSSA creates a conducive environment for the development of young scientists. We have become a society where professionals, technical advisors and land owners are encouraged to openly debate issues relating to their respective fields. As with any other discipline and society we must never become complacent. It is important that we as a society and all its members actively engage with new policies relating to our respective fields of expertise. By supporting each other and by actively marketing our fields of specialisation at all levels of society we will ensure the continued realisation of the importance of rangeland and pasture science and conservation. We must actively market the Society and register new members. At tertiary-level it is important that we actively engage with departments and faculties and imprint the importance of our science. I am a firm believer that our strength lies in our members and our diversity of interests. It is also my belief that we must become a society that, although based on scientific research and principles, actively engages with the semi-scientist, agronomist, rancher and general public. Our research and findings must be put in such a way that everyone can understand and implement it. If our research/science does not culminate in advice/suggestions/guidelines to the general person involved in rangeland and pasture management and ecology, our research and we as a Society would eventually become obsolete. We have much to learn from these people and so can they from us. It is therefore important that we become a society where everyone feels comfortable to belong to and are able to express their experiences and thoughts. One of the main reasons for the Society being able to deliver excellent service to its members has always been the splendid administrative support delivered by Freyni du Toit who has over the years become synonymous with the GSSA. Unfortunately Freyni will be leaving the Society at September 2016 Vol 16 No.3