PMSA is the autonomous, local representative professional body for project management, which strives to advance professional project management in South Africa

The most established and esteemed professions available to career-minded people have bodies and associations designed to promote that profession, represent its practitioners, prescribe a desirable code of conduct, promote best practices and develop a sense of community. A professional body exists to further the particular profession and, in doing so, consider the interests of the stakeholders in that industry and the professionals who comprise their membership.

While it is a relatively new and growing profession, project management is becoming increasingly popular as a discipline applied to many aspects of an organisation’s delivery.

Project management is, indeed, emerging as a desirable, profitable profession; but with all this opportunity comes the challenge of differentiating between real project management that follows an acceptable standard or methodology, and a buzz term adopted by individuals and companies wanting to capitalise on the demand for project managers.

By belonging to a professional association such as Project Management South Africa (PMSA), project managers show that they are aware of what constitutes legitimate practices based on particular standards, methodologies and guidelines widely supported by project managers around the world.

For aspiring project managers, a membership option exists whereby they become exposed to the professional community at the start of their careers, and use this as a solid foundation as they develop into professionals in their own right.

PMSA has existed as an autonomous representative body for almost 15 years, and continues to look for ways to improve its value to members and the extent to which it represents South Africa’s project managers in various forums.

Benefits of PMSA membership

• Official membership certificate that can be used in tenders and work applications (does not apply to student or associate membership);
• Networking opportunities at PMSA events;
• Access to topical speakers and project management thought leaders at
  PMSA events;
• Discounts to attend PMSA branch meetings;
• Discounts in delegate fees at PMSA national and regional conferences;
• Copies of PMSA’s member magazine ProjectNet per year;
• Four complimentary copies of The Project Manager per year;
• Access to conference proceedings and papers dating back to 1997;
• Access to knowledge resources developed or negotiated for members;
• Discounts on a wide range of published standards and textbooks;
• Representation, through PMSA committees, on relevant statutory and industry-related bodies;
• Access to PMSA’s library; and
• Access to the membership zone of the PMSA website, where project management resources are made available.

How to become a member

PMSA offers different grades of membership to accommodate the different career stages of its members:

Associate membership

Associate members do not have voting rights, but enjoy the other benefits of PMSA membership. They are new to project management or would like to enter the project management environment.

Full membership

Full members have a tertiary qualification and at least three years’ experience managing projects.*

Professional membership

Professional members have a tertiary qualification in project management, the appropriate amount of experience leading projects, and are active in promoting
the industry.*

Retiree membership

Retirees are those members who reach retirement age, having been members of PMSA prior to their retirement.

Honorary membership

Honorary membership is conferred from time to time on individuals who have dedicated most or all of their careers to project management and furthering it as a profession.

Full and professional membership applicants are required to go through a grading process. (Consult the grading application form and criteria for exact requirements applicable to a grade).

There is a once-off grading fee, and applicants need to submit proof of their experience and qualifications.

Membership fees

Associate Membership: R590.00 per year

Full Membership: R630.00 per year plus a once-off grading fee of R235.00 payable on application

Professional Membership: R1 160.00 per year plus a once-off grading fee of R235.00 payable on application

(The above fees are inclusive of VAT)

Completing your application

Should you wish to join PMSA, kindly go online to www.projectmanagement.org.za, or contact the National Office weekdays between 09h00 and 13h00 at (011) 257 8003 or via e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Applicants for Full or Professional Membership, kindly include the following with your application:

• A resumé indicating qualifications and years of project management experience;
• In the case of a Professional membership, a completed grading checklist (enquire through the National Office or the PMSA website) ;
• Evidence of your application of project management methods and best practices in your working environment;
• Copies of your qualifications; and
• Proof of payment of the grading fee.

How is PMSA structured?

PMSA is a not-for-profit (Section 21) professional association that is governed by a board of directors, managed and administered by a national office, and directed by a national executive committee.

The board and national executive committee members are elected volunteers. The national executive committee is headed up by a president who serves a two-year term, and comprises vice presidents in the portfolios of projects, finances, membership, branches, special interest groups, marketing and public relations, technical and education, and professional liaison.

PMSA branches operate in areas with a high density of members. Branches are currently operational in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Cell groups and additional branches are considered in those areas where members express an interest.

Members are invited to become involved in the PMSA operating structures as volunteers. National executive volunteers are nominated and appointed at the time of the Annual General Meeting each year.

Those interested in joining the branch structures may make enquiries to the relevant branch at any time.

PMSA and career development

PMSA does not offer training in project management. It does, however, have a programme called the Registered Education and Training Provider programme, through which training and education providers apply to be registered by PMSA.

This PMSA endorsement is conferred on successful applicants according to the quality of the courses on offer, and the alignment of the curriculum to an accepted industry standard or methodology. Successful applicants and their offerings are then listed in a searchable database on the PMSA website.

PMSA is not exclusively aligned with any specific project management standard or methodology, but is aware of many who have contributed to, and in most cases has copies of the prevailing standards and methodologies and can advise members of an option that is appropriate to their particular needs.

PMSA has co-operative or alliance agreements with several local and international project management and related bodies, and continues to invite relationships with these bodies where mutual member benefit exists.

PMSA is a founder member of the Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards (GAPPS); a member of the Project Management Chamber of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority; and is represented on the ISO working group for project management. (Find out more about GAPPS at www.globalpmstandards.org.) ☑

How to reach PMSA

Contact the National Office:

Postal Address:

PO Box 4328

Rivonia, 2128

Gauteng, South Africa

Physical Address:

3 Autumn Street

Rivonia

Sandton

Tel: (011) 257 8003

Fax: (011) 234 1604 / (088011) 662 2961

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.projectmanagement.org.za

Office hours are weekdays from 09h00

to 13h00