The Institute originates from a Steering Committee of twelve persons from academia and industry formed in 1982 for the purpose of founding the South African Institute of Computer Scientists with the following objects: to further the study and application of computer science; to disseminate information and knowledge related to computer science; to promote and accredit education of computer scientists; to promote and uphold the interests of the Institute, its members, and computer science; to do things which may be desirable for the attainment of these objects.

The members of the Steering Committee were: Stef W Postma, Judy M Bishop , Pierre Visser, Gideon de V De Kock, Niek F du Plooy, I Douglas G Laing, Ken J MacGregor, Phil P Roets, Trevor Turton, Gerrit Wiechers, Trevor Winer, Roelf J van den Heever and Derrick Kourie.

During 1992 a process of restructuring commenced for the purpose of fulfilling the mission. Consensus was reached during 1994 to broaden the membership to university graduates and technikon diplomates of three year standing in the fields of Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems.