From a small beginning of six Gem and Mineral Clubs at the inaugural meeting, the Federation has grown in size, with 12 Clubs/Societies affiliated to it in Southern Africa. At present Clubs/Societies exist in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Richard's Bay, Nelspruit and Walvis Bay. Of course there have also been ups and downs and with sadness the demise of such Clubs were taken note of in Paarl, Springbok, Mafikeng, Kwe Kwe Mbabane, Pietersburg and Johannesburg Mineral Guild.
The Federation acts as an umbrella body for the Gem and Mineral Clubs in the Southern African region. The Clubs as such retain their autonomy, but the Federation acts as "vehicle" for certain events which promote the hobby in the region and also liaises with Government Departments and overseas bodies having the same aims. Thus the annual Easter GEMBOREE has become the main co-ordinating event on the calendar of the Federation. In the past, various Clubs have organised National Gem and Mineral Shows on behalf of the Federation in the major cities of South Africa. The "SOUTH AFRICAN LAPIDARY MAGAZINE" has been published regularly since the founding of FOSAGAMS and is the official organ of the Federation.
Members of Clubs also have to abide by a Code of Ethics which is binding upon members, in order to protect our mineral and gem collecting sites and uphold the name of collectors throughout the region.