Surveyor of the Year

Citation for Nomination: Mr. Mmuso Riba – Global Surveyor of the Year 2026

Mr. Mmuso Riba (1967–2021) architected a modern, inclusive, digitally advanced land surveying profession in South Africa, breaking barriers and driving national progress.

First Black Chief Surveyor-General (2008) in South Africa and Chairperson of the South African Geomatics Council, he continued and led post-democratic cadastral digitalization and delivered authoritative, unbiased land ownership data and services.

He launched cadetship and bursary programs, producing hundreds of qualified professionals, Technologists and Technicians, secured scarce-skill status for the profession, and aligned the profession with South Africa’s demographics.

By founding a dedicated training directorate and shaping new legislation, he institutionalised mentorship, innovation, and efficiency, elevating the profession to continental excellence.

Serving on UNGGIM-Africa’s executive and contributing to FIG and UN-Habitat endeavors, he advanced global geomatics equity.

Through education and training, he built a skilled, representative profession. For his transformative impact on equity, technology, and leadership, he is nominated as Global Surveyor of the Year.