4 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I April 2026
COMPLIANCE networking
MARKET PRESSURES AND SKILLS SHORTAGES Despite positive momentum in some areas, SARACCA members continue to face significant challenges. Chief among them are cash-flow pressures caused by slow payment cycles.
“ Poor payment is the number one issue members raise. There is work in the market, but payments are extremely slow, particularly for contractors working with government entities,” Moodley says.
To address this, SARACCA is exploring a new payment model already used in other sectors.“ We’ re engaging with other associations, including electrical and aluminium bodies, to develop a joint proposal. It’ s not something that will change overnight,” he explains.
Skills shortages remain another critical concern.“ We’ re losing experienced technicians to emigration. As soon as they become qualified, they often receive better offers overseas and leave.”
In response, SARACCA has expanded its training incentives.“ We offer rebates on training for member companies to take on more apprentices, and we’ ve approved a separate fund to support apprentice training.”
PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD Looking forward, Moodley says SARACCA will continue to build on its existing initiatives rather than reinventing its strategy.“ We want to increase member engagement and grow our member base. The more people who contribute, the stronger the industry becomes as a whole.”
A key priority is increasing the issuing of CoCs within the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.“ Compared to the LPG gas sector, we issue far fewer CoCs. We need to change that culture,” Moodley notes.
To remove cost barriers, SARACCA now fully subsidises CoCs for its members.“ If a member purchases CoCs and uses them, we reimburse 100 % of the cost. It costs them nothing, and it encourages compliance.”
Ultimately, Moodley believes that a compliant, well-trained industry benefits everyone.“ If someone works on an installation, the end user should expect a CoC as standard,” he says.“ That’ s how we uplift the industry, protect consumers and ensure the long-term success of HVAC & R in South Africa.” RACA
4 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I April 2026