14
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
<< Continued from page 13
the sharing of ideas between the ECI and CDAA. He felt
that the two organisations could benefit from exchanging
ideas and good practices. He concluded by making it
clear that his role was to ensure that information flowed
between Europe and Africa.
From left: Bernard Respaut
(ECI CEO), Jonathan
Shapiro (cartoonist),
Evert Swanepoel (CDAA
chairperson), and Levine
Warries (CDAA centre
director).
the plan would explain how the ECI organises itself to
deliver the values in the most efficient way.
Respaut highlighted advocacy as an area that is
prioritised in the three-year plan. As a new function, the
main purpose of advocacy is to increase visibility and
become more proactive in influencing regulations to the
benefit of the copper industry.
The CDAA represents the Africa region of the ECI and
was involved in the build-up of the three-year plan.
Respaut believes that Africa has significant growth
potential. As such, Respaut explained that the ECI has
decided to increase the contribution of the ECI to the
CDAA by 16% in US dollar terms. The ECI was impressed
with the CDAA’s work on various projects; hence, the
increase in funding. In addition, Respaut encouraged
ON A HIGH NOTE
Shapiro, the guest speaker, was the last to address the
members. His newly launched book Hasta La Gupta,
baby! was discussed. He highlighted some cartoons in
the book that touched on various issues around current
affairs in South Africa and in the world. He mentioned
that the issues happening in government, the private
sector, and the media affected everyone from different
walks of life.
During his talk, Shapiro made reference to State Capture,
Donald Trump becoming president of the US, and politics
in Zimbabwe. He also discussed some light-hearted
subjects such as when he met former president Nelson
Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In conclusion,
Shapiro expressed his optimism about positive change in
the political space. PA
The CDAA represents the
Africa region of the ECI and
was involved in the build-up
of the three-year plan.
SABS standards and
Competition Law Indaba
The Indaba, held at The Forum in Bryanston in October 2017,
sought to address inclusive growth from more stakeholders, and
to develop and improve standards to ensure consumer safety.
By Benjamin Brits, with supporting information from the SABS
South African National Standards (SANS) properly
developed, used, and implemented, are intended
to be a cornerstone in the effort to address
the socio-economic development challenges
of the country, and to open up regional trade
opportunities to the growing and evolving South
African economy.
February 2018 Volume 23 I Number 12
Standards form the basis for the introduction of
new technologies and innovations, and ensure
that products, components, and services supplied
by different manufacturers and resellers can be
compatible and interoperable. Standards are also
aimed at providing safety and quality assurance to the
consumer base about the products they purchase.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za