The microscopy society of Southern Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to furthering microscopy in the broadest sense in all branches of science within the Southern African region. 

The Society was founded as the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa (EMSSA) in 1962 and became a formal member of IFSEM (the International Federation of Societies for Electron Microscopy) in 1966. 

The primary objectives of the Society are

• To further microscopy and related topics in all branches of science
• To arrange meetings of microscopists (and workers in associated disciplines) in Southern Africa
• To act as liaison between members of the Society and the IFSEM or other bodies.

This is achieved mainly through

• an annual meeting of the Society
• publication of a Newsletter [MSSA NEWS]
• maintenance of an Instrument and Skills Database
• the establishment of regional groups with closer co-operative ties