55 years on, CSSA (Computer Society South Africa) has become IITPSA (Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa) – the formal change being announced at the Annual General Meeting on 23 July 2013.
The move follows an international trend to emphasise the value of professionals in the industry, supported by research among the South African information technology community and reinforced by the recent recognition by the South African Qualifications Authority of CSSA as the professional body for the sector.
The IITPSA’s striking new identity is launched, with a bold logo and new supporting media, including web site (www.iitpsa.org.za), membership cards, stationery and marketing material. Tony Parry, Executive Director / CEO and manager of the transition, confirmed that all events and communications after the AGM will carry the new brand. “It will take a year to replace all the membership cards and members will be able to use the CSSA post-nominals until December 2014,” he adds. Parry also said that the process of informing all the stakeholder organisations was underway.
Rabelani Dagada, President of IITPSA, pointed out that the philosophy was that the body is no longer a club serving its members but a respected professional group serving its community. “Our members are working to meet the demand for information systems that are designed, built and maintained to be secure, robust and responsible, using the application of skills that follow approved standards of practice and ethical behaviour,” he said.
Dagada went on, “The new face that is IITPSA underlines the values of advocacy, education, transformation and representation that the Institute offers the critical technology sector – professionals and aspiring professionals with shared interests in creating a better tomorrow for South Africa.”
