www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 11
Associations
Manyukwa noted . " The goal is to have a regional certification that provides mobility for technicians across Southern Africa . Whether you ' re in Zambia , South Africa or Mozambique , your certification should hold the same weight and allow you to work without unnecessary restrictions ."
This vision of a unified regional certification system reflects the association ’ s broader aim of creating a cohesive , professional and sustainable RAC industry in SADC . Having a common set of standards for training and certification would not only foster greater regional cooperation but would also ensure that environmental sustainability remains at the forefront of the industry ’ s priorities .
“ One of the challenges we face is the lack of infrastructure in certain parts of the region , which makes it harder to implement green practices at scale . Cold chain management is a good example of this . The entire region is heavily dependent on refrigeration to preserve our agricultural produce , from fish to dairy products , yet the cold chain infrastructure is still underdeveloped in many areas . We recognise that refrigeration without borders means overcoming these barriers — so that no matter where we are we can ensure a consistent standard of service and support that promotes growth and resilience in our industries .
“ This association has always been about more than just the exchange of knowledge ; it ’ s about creating a strong , unified industry that advocates for a shared standard across SADC . Whether it ' s certification , gender equality or sustainability , we are in this together , and our success depends on the strength of our relationships with one another .
The ‘ Refrigeration Without Borders ’ mantra is not just a catchy slogan — it is a call to action . “ We are moving in the right direction , and as we engage more deeply with governments , the private sector and each other , we can make this vision a reality . It ’ s about more than just refrigeration . It ’ s about a sustainable , inclusive , and interconnected industry that can thrive well into the future ” said Manyukwa . RACA
“ A universal refrigeration certification will ensure that technicians can work seamlessly across borders in Southern Africa , maintaining the same standards wherever they go .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2025 11