The Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) is committed to advancing meaningful transformation in the environmental sector by positioning mentorship as a strategic tool for empowerment and capacity development.

Aligned with its vision and mission to improve the quality of environmental assessment practice in South Africa, EAPASA recognises mentorship as a critical mechanism for developing emerging professionals—particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds—thereby contributing to greater equity and inclusion within the sector.

To date, EAPASA has successfully paired 405 Candidate Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Cand.EAPs) with professionally registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners (Reg.EAPs) through its structured mentorship programme. As a direct outcome of this initiative, 54 Candidate EAPs have progressed to professional registration, marking a significant milestone in their professional development.

Promoting Continued Professional Development (CPD) remains a core objective of EAPASA, and the mentorship programme plays a vital role in supporting lifelong learning and skills enhancement for both mentors and mentees. Under the programme, Candidate EAPs follow a structured Mentorship Plan, implemented under the guidance of a registered supervisor or mentor, who oversees the development of the competencies and practical skills required for progression to Registered EAP status.’

Through targeted knowledge sharing and professional guidance, mentorship equips emerging practitioners to contribute more effectively to South Africa’s sustainable development priorities. EAPASA remains steadfast in its commitment to building a profession that reflects the country’s demographic diversity and enables equitable career advancement.

By strengthening mentorship as a cornerstone of professional development, EAPASA continues to advance its mandate as a capable, credible, and inclusive Registration Authority, fostering both transformation and excellence in environmental assessment practice.