About DAMA South Africa
DAMA South Africa is the local chapter of DAMA International, the global not-for-profit association for Data Management Professionals.
Our mission is to promote the understanding, development and practice of managing data and information as key enterprise assets. Established in 2006, the chapter brings together the people who manage data across South African organisations — to share knowledge, raise professional standards, and grow the practice of Data Management in the region.
As the South African chapter of DAMA International, we connect local practitioners to a worldwide body of knowledge — including the DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) and the CDMP certification — while focusing on the topics and regulation that matter here, from data governance and data quality to data protection under POPIA.
Every organisation now runs on data, but data only creates value when it is well governed, trusted and understood. Data Management is the discipline that makes that possible, and our community exists to help practitioners do that work well — whether you are a data manager, architect, modeller, engineer, analyst, governance or quality specialist, a business person who works with data, or someone building a career in the field. You don't need to be a member, or a specialist, to take part.
Supporting Data Professionals
Knowledge Sharing
Monthly chapter meetings and special interest groups where members exchange practical, real-world experience across the Data Management disciplines.
Certification & Training
Guidance, a weekly CDMP Q&A webinar, and training with our partners to help members earn the globally recognised CDMP credential.
Mentoring
Initiatives that pair experienced practitioners with professionals developing their Data Management careers.
Certification and Training
The Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is DAMA International's globally recognised certification for the profession, based on the DMBOK. It's the credential that demonstrates real, rounded competence across the Data Management knowledge areas.
DAMA South Africa helps members working toward it with practical guidance and a weekly CDMP Q&A webinar every Friday, where you can ask questions and prepare for the exams. Formal training is delivered through our partners, Modelware Systems and Info.Blueprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DAMA South Africa?
DAMA South Africa is the South African chapter of DAMA International, a global not-for-profit community of technical and business professionals dedicated to advancing the concepts and practices of information and Data Management. The chapter was established in 2006.
What is the DMBOK?
The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) is the reference framework that defines the knowledge areas of Data Management — from data governance, architecture and modelling to data quality, security, metadata and more.
When and where are the chapter meetings?
The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings are held online — announced and RSVP'd through our Meetup group and run on Microsoft Teams — with an educational presentation, discussion of a Data Management topic, and networking.
What is the CDMP certification, and how does the chapter help?
The Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is DAMA International's globally recognised certification, based on the DMBOK. DAMA South Africa supports members pursuing it with guidance and a weekly CDMP Q&A webinar every Friday, and formal training is delivered through our partners, Modelware Systems and Info.Blueprint.
Is DAMA South Africa only for technical people?
No. Data Management is as much about business, governance and process as it is about technology, and our community includes practitioners, managers and newcomers from every background.
What special interest groups does DAMA South Africa run?
The chapter runs three special interest groups: data protection for Data Management Professionals, big data & big science (data science, AI and machine learning), and data modeling.
Does DAMA South Africa offer mentoring?
Yes. DAMA South Africa connects experienced practitioners with data professionals who are growing their careers.
How much does membership cost and how do I join?
Standard individual membership is R450 per year and is open to anyone with an interest in Data Management. You can join online in a few minutes from the Become a Member page, or email membership@dama.org.za with any questions.