The Southern African Geography Teachers’ Association (SAGTA) was born from a conversation with the late Candida Mannozzi of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) at a conference I attended in Ethiopia. What began as an idea soon gained momentum through the generosity and support of Candida and Sives Govender of Environmental Information Systems Africa (EIS-Africa), who invested their time, expertise and resources in exploring the feasibility of establishing a professional association for Geography teachers in Southern Africa. Candida generously offered AAG membership to SAGTA members, while Sives opened the doors to EIS-Africa’s resources and support until we reached the magical milestone of fifty members and could finally stand on our own two feet. SAGTA is deeply grateful to both Candida and Sives for believing in the vision and helping to make it possible.
On 25 September 2014, at the Winelands to Whale Coast Geography Conference, we arranged a conference call with the AAG to officially launch SAGTA. It was here that we signed up our founding members, and from that moment, SAGTA has been on a journey of finding synergies, building partnerships and developing projects that best meet the needs of our members.
SAGTA is run by volunteers who are passionate about Geography and education. Along this journey, we have been fortunate to work with many dedicated people who have contributed to the growth and development of the association.
Here, I must honour Vusi Masuku, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 on 13 January 2021. Vusi was one of our founding committee members, and his advice, wisdom and friendship will always be greatly missed.
SAGTA would also like to remember the amazing Anthea Manson, the Mother of Geography, who left us too soon. Anthea taught us all so much—not only about Geography, but about how to care, mentor and share. Her generosity of spirit and commitment to supporting others have left a lasting legacy within the Geography teaching community.
I would also like to remember the notorious Tony Hambly, who presented at our first official conference in Pietermaritzburg in 2015. We met there for two days to formalise the association and begin the exciting journey that has brought SAGTA to where it is today.
SAGTA has continued to grow and develop through collaboration, both locally and internationally. Following our hosting of the global conference in Stellenbosch from 27–31 October 2025, SAGTA has now partnered with the International Geographical Union’s Commission on Geographical Education (IGU-CGE).
What began with a conference call and a handful of passionate Geography educators has grown into a vibrant professional association built on volunteerism, collaboration, friendship and a shared commitment to Geography education.
SAGTA has funded the MapDownloader, PrepShare, webinars, visitorships, SACE endorsed courses, conferences and our new academic Journal, the Journal of Geography Education in Africa. JoGEA is now accredited by the DHET (and appears on the South African List of Approved Academic Journals). Join SAGTA today to receive these benefits and more. Watch this space for more exciting projects for our members.
Written by - Bridget Fleming & Clinton van der Merwe
