The Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA)
In 1970 a group of professional archaeologists formed the Southern African Association of Archaeologists (SA3). The principal aim of this association was to encourage the training of archaeologists to provide the expertise necessary to manage cultural heritage, and promote public awareness of archaeological heritage. Over the ensuing years the discipline of archaeology grew and became well established in many of southern Africa’s Universities and museums. Over time the profile of Archaeology in southern Africa has changed and archaeologists now operate in many different sectors – from the public and educational sector through to trade and industry.
The association is undergoing a critical transition, moving from an informal body that promotes archaeology to a professional organization that will play an active role in regulating the standards and practice of archaeology in the SADC region. To reflect this transition the name of the organization has been changed to the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) and it will be registered as an NGO – non-profit organisation. The aims of the new organization are to:
- protect and serve the interests of archaeologists operating within the research and contract resource management sector,
- develop and promote the research and management of archaeological resources,
- promote the exchange of archaeological information within southern Africa and abroad.
Web site: http://rockart.wits.ac.za/origins/index.php?section=56
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