Half a Century, One Community
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
This year marks an important milestone for the Southern African Geophysical Association as it celebrates 50 years of advancing geophysics in South Africa. Reaching half a century is a significant achievement for any professional body, and throughout the year SAGA will reflect on the people, progress and partnerships that have shaped the organisation and the discipline it represents.
In this spirit of reflection, SAGA chairperson Stephanie Enslin shares a personal perspective on the journey of the profession, the challenges it has faced, and the opportunities that lie ahead for the next generation of geophysicists:
“Over the past 50 years, SAGA has achieved a great deal. I must admit though, that I have often struggled with being a geophysicist. The profession can demand long periods away from home, and there are times when it feels as though geophysics becomes your entire life, leaving little space for anything else. Hence my own path remained largely in academia, because it offered some sense of autonomy.
Working in a male-dominated industry has also brought its own challenges. Men and women often approach problems differently, sometimes with different attitudes and vocabulary, which can cause strain.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that parts of the history of geophysics unfolded in ways that excluded some voices, and at times in service of commodities that have not always improved the world.
I believe that perceptions like these are part of the reason why many young people are hesitant to pursue careers in geophysics and the geosciences. And while many of the “old guard” might be frustrated about this change in generational thinking and perception, it is still something that needs to be considered. For that reason, it is important that we pause and ask how we want geophysics to be perceived in the next 50 years. If we want the field to attract the next generation, we must shape a narrative that is more positive, more inclusive, and more connected to the challenges facing society.
There is also much to be proud of. Today, the geophysics classroom in South Africa looks very different. It is transformed, multiracial, and in the 2025 class, evenly balanced between men and women. Exploration is increasingly focused on the critical materials needed to support a cleaner future. And SAGA itself feels less like a formal professional body and more like a community, even a family.
What has always defined geophysicists is that we are problem solvers. That strength will be essential as we confront new challenges, including the pressure that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are placing on electricity and water resources.
I believe that when we gather to celebrate SAGA’s 100th anniversary in 50 years’ time, we will look back and see the meaningful contribution geophysics has made to building a better future. The theme of this year’s conference, “Geophysics for Generations”, will therefore have been well chosen.
As we mark this milestone, perhaps the most important question for every member, and every future member of SAGA, is this: What will each of us do to ensure that geophysics truly serves generations to come? SAGA is not just the committee or the conference organisers, it is each one of us.”
DR. STEPHANIE SCHIEBER-ENSLIN
CHAIR PERSON
Join us for a walk down memory lane
Help us celebrate 50 years of SAGA by sharing your photos and memories. We are compiling a visual tribute to be displayed at our Networking Dinner, capturing the people, moments and milestones that have shaped our community over the decades.
This is also an opportunity to honour colleagues and friends who are no longer with us. Most recently, Ray van Rensburg left a profound void in our community, and we would like to include photographs that celebrate his life and contribution.
If you have photos from conferences, fieldwork, gatherings, or memorable SAGA moments, please upload them using the link below and the following naming convention:
i.e. file name to be [name person uploading_saga event type and year_n] where n is the number of photo if multiple photos are uploaded with same file name. Examples:
Jon Doe_SAGA2024_1
Jon Doe_SAGA2024_2
Jane Doe_SAGA meeting 2005_1
Together we can celebrate the history of SAGA and the remarkable people whose legacy continues to shape our profession.
CONFERENCE MEMORIES
