The South African Society for Technical Communication (SA-STC) is a group of individuals who share a common interest in technical communication. The purpose of the SA-STC is to gather and grow that interest under a common banner. The SA-STC aims to promote the awareness and recognition of technical communication as a professional activity in Southern Africa and to improve the performance of that activity within the region.

"There are not many Technical Writers in South Africa and very little awareness of the professional need in industry." says Sean Wheller, Director of In Words. "Sponsoring and taking the initiative to build the SA-STC is not only important for In Words, but all people, active or interested, in the profession in South Africa."

Unlike most societies where membership is linked to an annual fee, SA-STC membership is linked to contribution. When asked why this approach was adopted, Sean Wheller had this to say, "Adopting a "gift culture" approach makes sense when you consider the low profile and activity of the profession in South Africa. We don't need to register legal entities or do any of the formal stuff that hampers other societies. Everyone interested in the profession can play a role in uplifting and promoting the profession, no strings attached. Through everyones contributions we build value for the society and the profession as a whole. By virtue of their contribution, anyone can join and add value immediately. Each time a person contributes, they and the community benefit immediately."

While In Words is taking the lead initiative in building the SA-STC, it does not own the society, the mailing list or the Web site. Instead it has contributed these resources to the community. "It is still "early days" for the SA-STC. Many challenges lay ahead, but together I believe that we can reach the goals we have set out to achieve." says Sean Wheller. "All we need to succeed is to believe and take action on our ideas."

Details about the SA-STC can be found on the SA-STC Web Site.