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News
CHANGES TO SARACCA ’ S NEC ANNOUNCED
By Eamonn Ryan
SARACCA has announced changes to its National Executive Committee ( NEC ).
The newly appointed president is Tony Moodley , together with the following team :
• Simon Mthetwa – vice president
• Grant Gilbert – Western Cape chairperson
• Lungile Nsthulana – Western Cape vice chairperson
• Warren Bird – KwaZulu Natal chairperson
• Phophi Nematangale – Gauteng chairperson
The announcement noted that , “ This team is dedicated to driving SARACCA ’ s mission of advancing professional standards , fostering collaboration , and empowering our members across South Africa .”
RACA Journal joins SARACCA in congratulating and welcoming the new leadership team .
In November last year , then vice president Moodley delivered the welcome speech at the SADC RAC interactive conference ( featured extensively elsewhere in RACA Journal ). In the light of his appointment , we profile that presentation here . Moodley began his address by emphasising the importance of collaboration among countries within the region to build a competent and skilled workforce . He highlighted that a skilled workforce is not only essential for the growth of the industry but also for addressing broader challenges such as food security and environmental protection . “ Our industry plays a role in ensuring that food grown in remote areas reaches consumers in a safe and hygienic manner through the maintenance of cold chains ,” Moodley explained . He
Phophi Nematangale , Gauteng chairperson and SARACCA NEC committee members , who has previously been profiled as a successful businesswoman in RACA Journal . pointed out that this could only be achieved through continuous investment in training and skills development .
He emphasised the pressing need to embrace new technologies and refrigerants , especially as the world grapples with the consequences of climate change . " People , climate change is real , and we need to implement changes now so that we leave a sustainable planet for future generations ," he cautioned .
As part of SARACCA ’ s commitment to the industry ’ s development , Moodley stressed the significance of technical and vocational training . He urged SADC RAC associations to promote quality training programmes that would produce a pool of skilled technicians and
SARACCA president ( but vice president at the time of this photos ) Tony Moodley , speaking at the SADC RAC conference .
engineers capable of meeting the growing demands of the sector . “ We must ensure that Africa grows into a new era of innovation , with professionals who are equipped to drive the region forward ,” he said .
Moodley made it clear that SARACCA is dedicated to the certification of all workers handling refrigeration systems in South Africa , and he encouraged other countries in the region to adopt similar standards . This commitment is part of SARACCA ’ s broader mission to enhance safety standards and improve the professionalism of the workforce within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry .
Highlighting the shift to natural and flammable refrigerants , Moodley urged the industry to be proactive rather than reactive . “ We must not wait for disaster events before we act ,” he said , acknowledging the ongoing changes in the refrigerant landscape . The adoption of safer and more sustainable refrigerants is key to both environmental protection and the industry ' s long-term success .
Moodley concluded his speech with a message about the importance of converting knowledge into action . " Knowledge is power , but only if you act on it . If you don ’ t convert knowledge into action , it will remain a source of untapped energy and wasted potential .”
With SARACCA ’ s strong commitment to training , certification and sustainable practices , the region ’ s refrigeration and air conditioning sector is poised to continue growing and contributing to a more sustainable future . RACA
All images by © RACA Journal
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