The Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA) is forming a new Contractors and Consultants Special Interest Group (CCSIG), set to begin meeting in the second quarter of 2001.
As more and more companies are using Contractors and Consultants instead of permanent staff to satisfy their IT needs, and as more employees are opting to work from home on a contractual basis, the need has arisen for these individuals to network with each other. The Contractors and Consultants SIG will provide a forum for these members to discuss the implications and ramifications of independent contracting.
Nadine Gr"onum, chairman of the CCSIG, explains the reasons behind the formation of the group. "We feel that it is time that independent contractors and consultants have a forum through which to discuss the issues that arise from working without the support of a `parent company`. There are many challenges that are unique to people who work on their own. The CCSIG will give independents the opportunity to work through these issues with others facing the same challenges."
Themes that will be covered by the CCSIG include taxation, legal and binding contracts, finances (managing holidays), sick leave and group schemes, stress management and setting up a home office.
Aside from receiving skilled instruction and networking with others in related fields, participants in the CCSIG will benefit by receiving group discounts for seminars, conferences and bulk purchases, as well as group discounts for training and education.
The CCSIG`s first meeting will be held on 14 June at 4.30pm for 5pm at the IBM offices in Rivonia. Those interested can contact Nadine Gr"onum on 082 920 8859 or e-mail nadineg@acenet.co.za.
Share
The CSSA, established in 1957, strives to enhance professionalism and promote the interests of its members in the ICT sector. The CSSA SIGs provide an important vehicle for information and participation for members. Other CSSA SIGs include the Computer Measurement Group, Repository User Group, Project Management SIG, Outsourcing SIG and Information Security SIG. These groups, along with the Contractors and Consultants SIG, have been set up specifically to share knowledge and ideas related to these key aspects of IT.
Editorial contacts