About Professionalisation

DMISA has pursued the professionalisation of the Disaster Management discipline for a number of years. The reason for this quest to professionalise is the clear need to establish minimum standards in the practice of Disaster Management, which in turn is an expression of DMISA’s simple goal of supporting its members and the profession in general to be as good at reducing disaster risk as they can possibly be.

The members and elected leadership of DMISA are convinced that Society deserves the best possible Disaster Management personnel, and that persons responsible for implementing the essentials of resilient communities should be operating at their optimum levels of effectiveness and efficiency. In short, if you do disaster management, you should be at the top of your game, the best you can possibly be. These functionaries should be recognised as professionals with a mandate for real action and the discipline they commit themselves to as Disaster Managers should be recognised and respected. In moving towards these objectives, the self-confidence and esteem of practitioners need to be strengthened and the extent, reach and nature of the profession should be clarified and clearly delineated. In order to advance the professionalisation agenda, DMISA applied for and became the SAQA recognised professional body for Disaster Management in South Africa. As part of the recognition as professional body, first one and then an additional three designation were applied for and approved by SAQA, namely that of Disaster Management Professional (PrDM), Disaster Management Practitioner (DMPc), Disaster Management Associate (DMA) and Disaster Management Technician (DMT).

DMISA has been very busy preparing and implementing the documents, systems and procedures to accommodate the governance of the four designations and all the resources required by potential applicants to apply for registration and to maintain their registration through continuous professional development. On 1 April 2017 DMISA also went live with its professionalisation portal on the Internet, accessible from www.disaster.co.za and containing all the relevant information and resources required.

All Disaster Management functionaries interested in professional registration can visit the portal to familiarise themselves with the requirements and process for registration. DMISA understands the need for potential applicants to be supported or coached through the process and resources for DMISA membership coaches has been developed, is constantly improved and has already been workshopped successfully with all DMISA regions’ leadership

Registration requirements

Procedure 1: Standard registration

Disaster Management Technician [DMT]

SAQA Designation ID 760

The requirements for standard registration are:

• NQF level 5 qualification in Disaster Management
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Associate [DMA]

 SAQA Designation ID 761

The requirements for standard registration are:

• NQF level 6 qualification in Disaster Management
• A minimum of 3 years in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Practitioner [DMPc]

SAQA Designation ID 762

The requirements for standard registration are:

• NQF level 7 qualification in Disaster Management
• A minimum of 3 years in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Professional [PrDM]

SAQA Designation ID 593

The requirements for standard registration are:

• NQF level 8 qualification in Disaster Management
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in senior management, of which at least 3 years must be in a full-time disaster management position at management level.

For a standard registration, the following documents are required for all four designations:

• Completed application form
• Certified copy of ID
• Certified copy of drivers licence (minimum code EB)
• Full curriculum vitae including employment record
• Certified copies of Qualifications
• PrDM: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects of which you were in charge, of no more than 500 words each. It should clearly indicate your ability pertaining to project management, and financial management. Proof of additional courses completed in project and financial management will be advantageous.
• DMPc: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a supervisory role, of no more than 500 words each.
• DMA: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a specified responsibility, of no more than 500 words each.
• DMT: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a specified skill you practiced, of no more than 500 words each.
• A job description
• A letter of confirmation by current employer
• Signed Code of Conduct

Please note:

• The assessors, moderator or DMISA can request any other additional information to support any claims made.
• The application will be administered by DMISA who will present it to two independent assessors for verification. After acceptance by both assessors, a moderator will quality check the application and call the final approval for registration. The application will then be processed to grant Professional Designation Status to the applicant. Professional status will only be official if you signed the code of ethics, which will include a commitment to CPD.

Explanation of requirements:

Registration requirements

Procedure 2: RPL Registration (Recognition of Prior Learning)

Disaster Management Technician [DMT]

SAQA Designation ID 760

The requirements for an RPL registration are:

• Any NQF 5 plus 5 – 8 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 6 plus 3 – 5 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 7 plus 1 – 3 years in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Associate [DMA]

SAQA Designation ID 761

The requirements for an RPL registration are:

• Any NQF 5 plus 8 – 10 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 6 plus 5 – 8 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 7 plus 3 – 5 years in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Practitioner [DMPc]

SAQA Designation ID 762

The requirements for an RPL registration are:

• Any NQF 5 plus 10 – 15 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 6 plus 8 – 10 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 7 plus 5 – 8 years in the field of Disaster Management

Disaster Management Professional [PrDM]

SAQA Designation ID 593

The requirements for an RPL registration are:

• Any NQF 5 and 15-20 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 6 and 10-15 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 7 and 8-10 years in the field of Disaster Management
• or: Any NQF 8 and 5-8 years in the field of Disaster Management

For an RPL registration, the following documents are required:

• Completed application form
• Certified copy of ID
• Certified copy of drivers licence (minimum code EB)
• Full curriculum vitae including employment record
• Certified copies of Qualifications
• Detailed, certified, official results of qualifications indicating the subjects completed and marks obtained. [This is needed for a mapping exercise.]
• PrDM: 5 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects of which you were in charge, of no more than 500 words each. It should clearly indicate your ability pertaining to project management, and financial management. Proof of additional courses completed in project and financial management will be advantageous.
• DMPc: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a supervisory role, of no more than 500 words each.
• DMA: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a specified responsibility, of no more than 500 words each.
• DMT: 2 summarised reports of specific disaster management projects in which you participated with a specified skill you practiced, of no more than 500 words each.
• A job description
• A letter of confirmation by current employer

Please note:

• The applicant must ensure that the above documentation confirms all the claims made on the application form. If needed, additional evidence must be provided to validate claims made.
• The assessors, moderator or DMISA can request any other additional information to support any claims made.
• The application will be administered by DMISA who will present it to two independent assessors for verification. The assessors will complete a mapping exercise to evaluate the applicability of the qualifications presented, against the requirement of professional status. After acceptance by both assessors, a moderator will quality check the application and call the final approval for registration. The application will then be processed to grant Professional Designation Status to the applicant. Professional status will only be official if you signed the code of ethics, which will include a commitment to CPD.

Explanation of requirements:

 * The RPL tools are detailed documents, stipulating the outcomes of disaster-specific qualifications as registered on the NQF. These tools are available to applicants on request. Designated assessors are trained and assisted in completing the rigorous RPL process. Any RPL process is always more cumbersome than a standard process to ensure quality of standards. However, it remains a worthwhile exercise to ensure access to education and/or professional progress. RPL tools are not used for standard registration.

Code of Conduct

All registrants must commit to the code of conduct.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DMISA) CODE OF CONDUCT: DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROFESSION

PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

There are two purposes of this code of conduct. The first purpose is to protect the public standing and the integrity of the Disaster Management Profession. The second aim of the code of conduct is to protect the general public and those assisted by the practitioner against the unscrupulous acts and/ or omissions of the practitioner.

DEFINITIONS

1. In this Code, unless the context indicates otherwise any word or phrase defined in the Disaster Management Act, Act, 57 of 2002 and the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa (DMISA) Constitution has that meaning and:

• ‘Code’ means the Code of Conduct for the Disaster Management Profession that applies to Disaster Management Professionals, Practitioners, Associates and Technicians registered with the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa;
• ‘Institute’ means the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa which is the SAQA approved professional body for Disaster Management and administers and oversees the SAQA registered designations of Disaster Management Professional (PrDM), Disaster Management Practitioner (DMPc), Disaster Management Associate (DMA) and Disaster Management Technician (DMT);
• ‘“Registrant” means a person professionally registered as Disaster Management Professional, Practitioner, Associate, or Technician with DMISA;
• “Functionary” means a person who practices within the disaster management field / discipline irrespective of whether that person is professionally registered;
• “Registration Applicants” means persons who are in the process of applying for professional registration within one of the designations administered by DMISA; and
• “Practitioner“ with a capital “P” refers to the designation Disaster Management Practitioner (DMPc) while “practitioner” with a lower case “p” refers to those practicing in the disaster management field irrespective of whether they are professionally registered. The word “practitioner” with a lowercase “p” as described here and the word “Functionary” has the same meaning.

GENERAL

2. The Disaster Management Functionaries who are Registrants or Registration Applicants with the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa:
   • acknowledge the noble calling of their profession to prevent, mitigate and prepare our country for any disastrous incidents;
   • acknowledge that the attitude, dedication, self-discipline, ideals, training and conduct of the Disaster Management Functionaries determine the quality of resilience in this country;
   • acknowledge, uphold and promote basic human rights, as embodied in the Constitution of South Africa;
   • commit themselves therefore to do all within their power, in the exercising of their professional duties, to act in accordance with the ideals of their profession, as expressed in this Code; and
   • act in a proper and becoming way such that their behaviour does not bring the Disaster Management profession into disrepute.

CONDUCT: REGISTRANTS

3. A Registrant:
   • respects the dignity, beliefs and constitutional rights of his / her client, including the employer, and any other persons that will be in contact with him / her in the performance of his / her duties, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality;
   • strives to perform his / her duties within the set of values consistent with the fundamental rights contained in the Constitution of South Africa. These values will include; to be:
     • Lawful;
     • Honest;
     • Trustworthy;
     • Competent;
     • Dignified;
     • Transparent;
     • Diligent; and
     • Impartial;
   • does not abuse the position he or she holds for financial, political or personal gain;
   • is not negligent or indolent in the performance of his or her professional duties;
   • recognises that the professional disaster management functionary serves the community, and therefore acknowledges that there will be differing customs, codes and beliefs in the community;
   • conducts him / herself in a manner that does not show disrespect to the values, customs and norms of the community;
   • refrains from undermining the status and authority of his or her colleagues;
   • respects the various responsibilities assigned to colleagues and the authority that arises therefrom, to ensure the achievement of professional objectives;
   • uses proper procedures to address issues of professional incompetence or misbehaviour;
   • promotes gender equality and refrains from sexual harassment (physical or otherwise) of his or her colleagues;
   • uses appropriate language and behaviour in his or her interactions with colleagues; and
   • avoids any form of humiliation and refrains from any form of abuse (physical or otherwise) towards colleagues.

CONDUCT:  THE REGISTRANT AND THE PROFESSION

4. A Registrant:
   • acknowledges that the exercising of his or her professional duties occurs within a context requiring co-operation with and support of colleagues;
   • behaves in a way that enhances the dignity and status of the disaster management profession and that does not bring the profession into disrepute;
   • keeps abreast of educational trends and developments in the profession;
   • promotes the ongoing development of disaster management as a profession;
   • accepts that he/or she has a professional obligation towards the education and induction into the profession of new members of the disaster management profession;
   • will refrain from any unethical canvasing, touting and advertising;
   • avoids providing inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information to any person;
   • will refrain from undertaking any work that exceeds their scope of practice;
   • will expose any person that is unregistered who may be performing the tasks that require a professional person,
   • will expose any person that intends to bribe and extort another functionary;
   • if there are (is a) professional certificates and reports need to be issued to the client of the practitioner, those certificates and reports will be a format acceptable format by the profession;
   • will not endorse any product and services from one service provider against the other; and
   • will temporary relinquish the profession whilst facing criminal charges and/ or insolvency.

CONDUCT: THE REGISTRANT AND HIS OR HER EMPLOYER

5. A Registrant:
   • recognises the employer as a partner in disaster management;
   • acknowledges that certain responsibilities and authorities are vested in the employer through legislation and serves his or her employer to the best of his or her ability;
   • refrains from discussing confidential and official matters with unauthorised persons;
   • will disclose any fees and commissions that may accrue in the performance of his/ or her function for his/ or employer;
   • will also disclose any business partnerships (this may include immediate family members) to his/ or employer to avoid any conflict of interests; and
   • will decline to enter into any unethical employment contract or appointment.

CONDUCT: THE REGISTRANT AND THE INSTITUTE

6. A Registrant:
   • makes every effort to familiarise him/herself and his/her colleagues with the provisions of the Code;
   • complies with the provisions of this Code;
   • discloses all relevant information to the Institute;
   • informs the Institute and/or relevant authorities of alleged or apparent breaches of the Code within his/her knowledge;
   • co-operates with the Institute to the best of his or her ability; and
   • accepts and complies with the procedures and requirements of the Institute, including but not limited to the Registration Procedures, the Disciplinary Procedures of the Institute and the payment of compulsory fees.

Annexure: Disciplinary Procedures

Code of Conduct – Disciplinary Procedures

All registrants must commit to the code of conduct.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DMISA)

CODE OF CONDUCT: DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROFESSION

EFFECTIVE DATE: 16 March 2016

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

1. Introduction

1.1 This document must be read together with the provisions of Section 19 of Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa’s (DMISA) Constitution.

1.2 The purpose of this document is to provide a fair procedure governing the investigation and hearing of alleged breaches of the code of conduct of Disaster Management Professional ethics for Disaster Management practitioners.

1.3 The Institute commits itself through these procedures to the development of a high standard of ethics governing the disaster management profession.

1.4 These procedures are intended to be corrective and not punitive, where this is possible and desirable, taking into account the interests of the disaster management profession as a whole.

2. Functions of the disciplinary committee

2.1 The disciplinary committee must:

2.1.1 ensure that alleged breaches of the code are investigated;

2.1.2 establish investigating panels to investigate alleged breaches of the code;

2.1.3 establish disciplinary panels to conduct disciplinary hearings into alleged breaches of the code;

2.1.4 ensure that disciplinary hearings are fair and comply with the procedures set out in this document; and

2.1.5 on the basis of recommendations received from disciplinary panels, recommend findings and appropriate sanctions if any, to the Institute in respect of breaches of the code.

2.2 The members of investigating and disciplinary panels established by the disciplinary committee need not be members of the Institute.

3. Investigation of alleged breaches of the code

3.1 Any person who believes that a disaster management practitioner has breached the code may lodge a complaint with the Institute.

3.2 The complaint must:

3.2.1 be in writing; and

3.2.2 clearly disclose the alleged breach of the code.

3.3 The disciplinary committee may investigate any alleged breach of the code, whether or not a complaint has been lodged.

3.4 The Executive Committee Chairperson must, as soon as practicable possible after receiving a complaint, refer the complaint to the disciplinary committee.

3.5 The disciplinary committee must refer an alleged breach to an investigating panel for investigation.

3.6 An investigating panel may, in investigating any alleged breach of the code:

3.6.1 interview complainants and other possible witnesses;

3.6.2 subject to clause 3.7 may interview the disaster management practitioner who is alleged to have breached the code;

3.6.3 notify the disaster management practitioner of the alleged breach and subject to clause 3.7,give the disaster management practitioner an opportunity to respond within the period specified in that notice;

3.6.4 gather evidence relevant to the alleged breach;

3.7 Before interviewing a disaster management practitioner as contemplated in clause 3.6.2, and in any notice contemplated in clause 3.6.3, the investigating panel must warn the disaster management practitioner:

3.7.1 of the disaster management practitioner’s right against self-incrimination;and

3.7.2 that any admission or explanation given by the disaster management practitioner may be used as evidence against the disaster management practitioner at a disciplinary hearing.

3.7.3 the right to consult and seek advice

3.8 The investigating panel must keep a record of the investigation.

3.9 If an investigating panel is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence of a breach of the code by a disaster management practitioner, the disciplinary committee may refer the matter to a disciplinary panel for hearing.

3.10 A member of a panel that has investigated an alleged breach of the code cannot serve as a member of the disciplinary panel which hears the matter.

3.11 A member of a panel that has investigated an alleged breach of the code shall present the allegations and evidence at the disciplinary hearing.

4. The disciplinary hearing

4.1 Where a disciplinary hearing case has been confirmed the disciplinary committee must appoint a panel of not less than two and not more than three persons to conduct the hearing. One of the appointed persons shall assume the chairpersonship of the panel.

4.2 Once a matter has been referred for hearing by a disciplinary committee, the Panel Chairperson must issue a notice to appear at a disciplinary hearing to the disaster management practitioner who has allegedly breached the code.

4.3 The notice must disclose:

4.3.1 the nature of the alleged breach;

4.3.2 the date, time and venue of the disciplinary hearing;

4.3.3 the disaster management practitioner’s right to be represented at the disciplinary hearing, including the right to legal representation;

4.3.4 the disaster management practitioner’s right to call witnesses to give evidence and to produce books, documents and other items in support of the disaster management practitioner’s case; and

4.3.5 the disaster management practitioner’s right to make written submissions against any recommendation of the disciplinary panel to the disciplinary committee.

4.4 The notice must be served to the relevant postal, employment and/or residential address appearing on the DMISA register by way of:

4.4.1 delivery by hand;

4.4.2 telefax; or

4.4.3 registered post.

4.5 The date on which the notice is served is regarded as, in the case of:

4.5.1 service by hand, the date of delivery;

4.5.2 service by telefax, the dispatching date reflected on the telefax; and

4.5.3 service by registered post, the date on which the letter was signed for in the absence of proof to the contrary.

4.6 The notice must be served on the accused at least ten (10) working days before the date of the disciplinary hearing.

4.7 If in the opinion of the panel, the offence committed is of such a nature that the accused disaster management practitioner could commit said similar offence or worse, the panel may decide to proceed with the matter in the absence of proof of delivery of the notice.

4.8 The Executive Committee Chairperson may issue a notice to any other person to attend the disciplinary hearing in order to give evidence or to produce any books, documents or other items.

4.9 If the disaster management practitioner, who is issued a notice to attend,fails to attend a disciplinary hearing, the disciplinary panel may deal with the matter in the absence of the practitioner.

4.10 A witness who attends a disciplinary hearing is entitled to such allowance as the Institute may from time to time determine.

4.11 Any disaster management practitioner, who fails to attend a disciplinary hearing when given notice to do so, or fails to stay in attendance until excused by the disciplinary panel, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to suspension as a professional practitioner.

5. Procedure at the disciplinary hearing

5.1 The disciplinary panel may exclude any person or category of person from attending a disciplinary hearing:

5.1.1 on reasonable grounds; or

5.1.2 if the orderly conduct of the inquiry so requires.

5.2 The disciplinary panel may postpone or adjourn a disciplinary hearing:

5.2.1 at its discretion; or

5.2.2 on the request of any party to the hearing, prior to the date set for hearing;

5.3 A postponement will not be granted where a particular disaster management practitioner’s representative is otherwise engaged on the hearing date.

5.4 The disciplinary committee may appoint one or more suitably qualified assessors to be present at a disciplinary hearing, and to advise the disciplinary panel on matters of law, procedure and evidence, or other matters requiring specific expertise.

5.5 A disaster management practitioner charged with an alleged breach of the code is entitled to representation, including legal representation at any disciplinary hearing.

The disciplinary panel must:

5.5.1 record the evidence at a hearing; and

5.5.2 administer an oath or affirmation to any witness at a hearing.

5.6 At the commencement of the hearing, the disciplinary panel must:

5.6.1 inform the disaster management practitioner of the disaster management practitioner’s rights:

(a) to representation, including legal representation;

(b) against self-incrimination;

(c) to an interpreter; and

(d) to present evidence and challenge evidence at the hearing.

5.7 put the charge to the disaster management practitioner and ask the disaster management practitioner to plead to the charge;

5.8 If the disaster management practitioner:

5.8.1 pleads guilty to the charge, the disciplinary panel must decide whether or not to hear evidence regarding the charge;

5.8.2 pleads not guilty, the disciplinary panel must hear the evidence regarding the charge;

5.8.3 refuses or fails to plead, the disciplinary panel must enter a plea of not guilty and must hear evidence regarding the charge.

5.9 If the disaster management practitioner charged with a breach of the code fails to attend the disciplinary hearing, and the disciplinary panel decides to proceed with the matter in the absence of the disaster management practitioner, it must enter a plea of not guilty and hear evidence regarding the charge.

5.10 If the disciplinary panel decides to hear evidence pertaining to the charge, every party to a hearing or the party’s representative is entitled to:

5.10.1 lead evidence in support of their case;

5.10.2 cross-examine any witness of an opposing party;and

5.10.3 re-examine any witness led by that party.

5.11 Members of the disciplinary panel may question any witness at the hearing.

5.12 The record of any evidence of a breach of the code in any criminal proceedings or disciplinary proceedings by an employer constitutes prima facie evidence of such breach by a disaster management practitioner for purposes of a disciplinary hearing in terms of the DMISA Constitution.

6. Recommendation of the disciplinary panel

6.1 The disciplinary panel must make its recommendation on whether or not there has been a breach only after:

6.1.1 evidence has been completed; and

6.1.2 every party to an inquiry has been given a fair opportunity to be heard.

6.2 If the disciplinary panel recommends that the disaster management practitioner has breached the code, the panel must request the parties to make representations on an appropriate sanction. This may include the leading of further evidence, including evidence on any previous convictions of the disaster management practitioner for breaches of the code. A certificate issued by the Executive Committee Chairperson containing details of any previous convictions constitutes prima facie evidence of such previous convictions.

6.3 If the disciplinary panel recommends that the disaster management practitioner has breached the code and recommends a sanction it must:

6.3.1 record its recommendations;

6.3.2 inform the disaster management practitioner in writing of its recommendations; and

6.3.3 submit a presiding officer’s report of the hearing and its recommendations to the disciplinary committee.

7. Recommendation of the disciplinary committee

7.1 On the basis of the recommendation of the disciplinary panel the disciplinary committee must recommend a finding and an appropriate sanction, if any, to the Institute.

8. Decisions of the Institute

8.1 The Institute, after considering the recommendation by the disciplinary committee and submissions by the disaster management practitioner concerned, if any, may:

8.1.1 accept, reject or substitute the recommendation of the disciplinary committee wholly or in part

8.2 The Institute may impose the following sanctions on an disaster management practitioner who is found guilty of a breach of the code:

8.2.1 a caution or reprimand;

8.2.2 the removal of the disaster management practitioner’s name from the register for a specified period or indefinitely, or subject to specific conditions.

8.3 Pending the completion of a disciplinary hearing, Institute may request from an employer,the immediate suspension of an accused disaster management practitioner where said suspension would be in the interest of employer.

8.4 The Institute may suspend any sanction contemplated in clause 8.2 for a period and on conditions determined by it.

8.5 The Institute must inform the disaster management practitioner in writing of its decision.

8.6 The Institute’s decision is final.

8.7 The Institute:

8.7.1 may publish such information relating to the hearing as it deems reasonable.

8.7.2 Where prima facie evidence of a criminal breach comes to the attention of DMISA they are obliged to report the matter to the South African Police Service.

9. Appeal against the decision of the Institute.

9.1 Any disaster management practitioner who is found guilty of a breach of the DMISA Code of Conduct may, appeal to the Institute against the recommended findings or sanction of the disciplinary committee or against both.

9.2 The appeal must be lodged with the Executive Committee Chairperson, within (5) five working days after the Institute has informed the accused of its decision or sanction.

9.3 The Chairperson must appoint an Appeals Committee of at least 3 independent persons selected from a list of panelists approved by Institute to hear the appeal.

9.4 A person hearing an appeal must not have been a member of the Investigation Panel or Hearing Panel, which dealt with the matter.

9.5 Persons appointed to the Appeals Committee should not be members of the disciplinary committee or Institute.

9.6 The appeal should be based on the record of the proceedings of the disciplinary panel. In exceptional cases, the Appeals Committee may hear new evidence in relation to the appeal but only where such evidence was not reasonably available at the time of the disciplinary hearing may have had a material impact on the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.

9.7 The Appeals Committee must consider the appeal within 30 days after the notice is delivered to the Executive Committee Chairperson.

9.8 An accused whose appeal was dismissed by the Appeals Committee may appeal to the appropriate High Court

9.9 A person referred to in 9.4 must, after giving notice to the Institute, lodge a notice of appeal with the registrar of the appropriate High Court within one month from the date of the decision of Institute.

10. The Appeal

10.1 The appeal referred to in Section 9 above must specify the grounds upon which the accused believes the finding/s and sanction to be wrong.

10.2 The appellant, the Institute and the complainant or their representatives should be given an opportunity to present argument on the appeal before the Appeal Committee reaches a decision.

10.3 The Appeals Committee will make a recommendation to the Institute based on their findings.

10.4 The Institute, after considering the finding and penalty recommended by the Disciplinary Committee or the Appeals Committee, may-

10.4.1 confirm or set aside the finding;

10.4.2 confirm or set aside the sanction; or

10.4.3 refer the matter back to the Disciplinary Committee or Appeals Committee as case may be for further deliberations.

10.5 A disciplinary finding and sanction only takes effect on confirmation by the Institute.

11. Definitions

In this document, unless the context indicates otherwise, any word or phrase defined in the Disaster Management Institute Southern African Constitution has that meaning and:

11.1 ‘Appeals Committee’ means the disciplinary committee of the Institute;

11.2 ‘Chairperson’ means the Executive Committee Chairperson of the Institute;

11.3 ‘Code’ means the code of conduct for disaster management practitioners;

11.4 ‘Institute’ means the Disaster Management Institute of Southern African, the abbreviation of which is DMISA;

11.5 ‘Disciplinary committee’ means the disciplinary committee of the Institute;

11.6 ‘Disaster management practitioner’ means any disaster management professional registered fully, provisionally or conditionally with the Institute;

11.7 ‘Register’ means the register in the database of the Institute; and

11.8 ‘Registered address’ means the address of a disaster management practitioner as it appears in the register.