# South Africa Proposes Mandatory Registration for Scientists with Jail Threat New draft law could imprison natural scientists for up to a year if they fail to register with a government body. - **Source:** [Nature](https://brifing.si/source/4d850c3b-dd79-4024-bc91-db2571889199) - **Published:** 2026-08-19 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ded8ce23-edea-4d51-bb6e-68b638b74dc6 ## Core objective of the bill A new draft law before South Africa's parliament mandates natural scientists to register with SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions). Established in 2003, the council already has 21,000 registered scientists, but many academics remain non-compliant. The bill aims to subject scientists to professional standards, similar to engineers and healthcare workers, to elevate scientific practice. ## Criminal penalties The legislation proposes up to one year imprisonment for unregistered 'practising natural scientists', defined as those providing scientific services or advice—whether paid or voluntary. Exemptions apply to educators at recognized institutions and government policy developers. However, ambiguity remains regarding researchers who consult externally, and enforcement mechanisms lack detail. ## Council's justification SACNASP CEO Matshidiso Matabane emphasizes their goal is 'not gatekeeping but professionalizing natural sciences through regulation'. The council asserts responsibility to protect both the profession and public interests. Some academics like plant scientist Lise Korsten support the measure, citing rampant issues with fraudulent 'experts' in consultancy roles across the country. ## Scientific community backlash Physicist Nithaya Chetty from University of the Witwatersrand condemns the bill as a 'money-making scheme', criticizing its vague definitions and excessive powers granted to SACNASP's board. Many researchers remain unaware of the legislation or its penalties. Critics highlight that the annual fee (1,920 Rand) could burden early-career scientists, given South Africa's minimum wage of ≈5,500 Rand/month. ## Registration costs Local scientists face a one-time registration fee of 2,560 Rand (≈$150), while foreigners pay 5,410 Rand, plus 1,920 Rand annual membership. With South Africa's hourly minimum wage at 30.23 Rand (≈5,500 Rand/month), these costs may deter young researchers. No data exists on how many academics remain unregistered across the council's 26 disciplines. ## Legal ambiguities The bill fails to clarify requirements for academics who research while occasionally consulting. An ethics code will be developed with scientific representative organizations (also mandated to register). SACNASP deferred questions to the Department of Science, which hasn't responded. Drafted in March and open for public comments until May, the bill now awaits parliamentary debate. ## Global context South Africa's move parallels global trends in standardizing scientific professions, albeit with unusually harsh penalties. Comparatively, the US NIH is reforming grant evaluations, while Afghan women scientists struggle for basic education rights. SACNASP's model mirrors existing engineering and medical councils but stands out for its criminalization approach. ## Policy implications This legislation reflects South Africa's push to combat pseudoscience and elevate research quality. However, risks include unintended barriers for interdisciplinary and early-career scientists. The parliamentary debate will likely center on balancing professional standards with academic freedom—a decision that could reshape the nation's scientific landscape for decades. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02516-2 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._