New SASS accreditor supports river biomonitoring in the Western Cape
CapeNature continues to strengthen its role in freshwater conservation through the expertise of its staff, with freshwater ecologist Jeanne Gouws receiving her South African Scoring System (SASS) accreditation as an accreditor. Having successfully passed every three-yearly assessment since 2007, she is now the official Western Cape SASS accreditor.
SASS accreditation is the formal certification process that enables practitioners to conduct aquatic biomonitoring using the SASS5 method in South Africa. The SASS is a widely used bioassessment tool that evaluates river health by analysing aquatic macroinvertebrates. It forms the backbone of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s national biomonitoring programme.
While training courses introduce practitioners to the SASS5 methodology, completing a course does not automatically grant accreditation. Accreditation is a separate, rigorous process that assesses a practitioner’s ability to apply the method accurately in the field. After training, practitioners are encouraged to build experience before undergoing evaluation by a SASS auditor.
Maintaining SASS-accredited capacity within CapeNature has always been essential. Accurate and standardised river monitoring data is important for understanding ecosystem health and informing conservation decisions.
With Jeanne’s continued accreditation, and her new role as the Western Cape accreditor, CapeNature is well positioned to support high standards in biomonitoring across the Province. This includes ensuring that consultants, NGOs, conservancies, municipal teams, and government officials conducting SASS surveys apply the method consistently and correctly.
CapeNature Freshwater Ecologist, Jeanne Gouws sampling in the Kammanassie River - picture by Dr Annelise Vlok
This achievement also strengthens collaboration across the freshwater sector. By supporting consistent application of SASS, CapeNature contributes to a shared foundation of credible data that benefits multiple stakeholders.
These partnerships include ongoing work with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), as well as environmental consultants, specialists, and non-governmental organisations.
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