The Association of Social Engagement Facilitators of Southern Africa (ASEFSA) is a regulatory and accrediting body for Social Engagement Facilitators (SEF) of Southern Africa. In addition to regulating social engagement facilitation ASEFSA also provides services such as social engagement strategies and corporate social engagement policies development, Social Intelligence and Master Class training for aspiring or practicing Social Engagement Facilitators.

Social Engagement Facilitation is an all-encompassing term which refers to individuals and companies who specialize in facilitation and engagement processes for stakeholders and social partners. Different entities use different terms such as Community Liaison Officer (CLOs), Public Liaison Officers (PLOs), stakeholder engagement officer (SEO), Social Facilitator (SF). Institutional and Social Development (ISD) etc.
ASEFSA acknowledges the great work that these individuals and companies do, however lack of a standardised approach to social engagement and recognition of the work they are doing deprives them of career growth opportunities and limits the growth of social engagement as a profession. It is within this context that ASEFSA developed a structured training, standardisation, professionalization, regulation and accrediting programme for practising and aspiring Social Engagement Facilitators.

The persistent tensions and violent conflicts manifesting as municipal service delivery protest, violent disruptions in the construction sector and mining sectors has resulted in many corporates, public entities and government sectors to rethink and start prioritizing Social Engagement Facilitation as the first port of call. Other entities are mainstreaming Social Engagement Facilitation throughout their value chain.

There is now more than ever an increasing demand in the market for Social Engagement Facilitators who specialize in stakeholder engagement, social facilitation, social intelligence and conflict management.

ASEFSA is the Only Social Engagement Facilitation Regulatory and Accrediting Body in Southern Africa