South Africa Newsletter, June
When we arrived at FIG Congress 2026, we knew we wanted to introduce more people to EMI. What we didn't quite know was how those conversations would unfold.
It was a reaction we heard again and again at the Cape Town gathering of surveying and geospatial professionals from around the world.
For many of the surveyors, students, academics, and industry professionals who stopped by our stand, it was their first introduction to EMI. What began as curiosity quickly turned into conversations about projects, communities, and the opportunity to use professional skills in service of others.
One student summed it up perfectly when she asked:
Above left: Civil Engineer Tatiana Sanchez ready to welcome visitors to the EMI stand at FIG Congress 2026. Above right: Architect Henco Posthumus chatting with two prospective volunteer surveyors who were eager to learn how they could get involved with EMI.
In many ways, that captured the response we encountered throughout the conference.
As we shared stories from projects across Africa and beyond, people were often surprised the variety of ways professionals can contribute to EMI's work. Discussions quickly moved beyond surveying to healthcare, education, community development, and the role that architects, engineers, surveyors, planners, and other specialists can play in helping organisations serve their communities.
One particularly memorable conversation was with a delegate from Kenya who immediately recognised connections to healthcare projects EMI has been involved with in the region. Encounters like these reminded us just how interconnected the global professional community can be.
We met people from across Africa, Asia, and beyond who wanted to learn more about EMI, explore opportunities close to home, and find ways to get involved.
From students eager to serve during university breaks to experienced professionals interested in volunteering their time and expertise.
Above left: Charles Mugwagwa sharing the story of EMI and the many ways professionals can use their skills to serve communities around the world. Above right: Intern Coordinator Jennifer Forrest and intern Niza Chewe catching up with long-time EMI volunteer Ben Shinaberry, hearing about his latest projects and experiences in the field.
The conference also provided an opportunity for our staff to spend time with long-time EMI volunteer and surveyor Ben Shinaberry. Beyond introducing many of us to the latest surveying technologies and equipment on display, Ben's enthusiasm for both his profession and EMI's mission was contagious. It was a reminder of the important role volunteers play, not only on project trips, but in helping connect others to opportunities for service.
Perhaps most encouraging was the number of people who moved beyond asking "What is EMI?" to asking "How can I help?"
Whether through volunteering, sharing expertise, donating equipment, providing financial support, or simply spreading the word, we encountered a genuine willingness from the people we met, to serve and support communities through their professional skills.
As we follow up with the connections made during the conference, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the relationships take shape. Several upcoming projects are currently seeking volunteers, and for some of the people we met at FIG, the next step may be moving from words to action by serving on a project team in the months ahead.
There are many ways to get involved with EMI, whether through a project trip, technical expertise, mentoring, prayer, or supporting the work behind the scenes. Explore current opportunities and discover where your skills might be needed.
Find your place to serve here.
