RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 13
SARACCA
SHARPENING FOCUS ON TRAINING: LEARNING WHILE EARNING
NETWORKING associations
By Eamonn Ryan
As the South African refrigeration and air conditioning industry faces growing regulatory, skills and sustainability pressures, SARACCA is sharpening its focus on training reform, compliance and regional collaboration.
According to David Botha, executive director of the South
African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association( SARACCA), one of the association’ s most significant initiatives for the current year is the rollout of a new e-learning programme linked to safe refrigerant handling.
“ One of the biggest things we are launching this year is the new e-learning platform for SARACCA. We’ ve taken the safe handling of refrigerants and moved a large part of it online,” says Botha.
The programme is based on SARACCA’ s existing NQFaligned safe handling of refrigerants material, which has been in use for more than three years. The content has been updated and redesigned specifically for digital delivery, using practical, everyday examples to make learning more accessible.
“ We’ ve improved the documentation and asked an e-learning company to redevelop it for online, simplifying it and making it easier to understand,” Botha explains. A key objective of the e-learning platform is to reduce the amount of time technicians must spend away from work to complete training.
“ By moving sections online and keeping assessments and practical elements with training providers, we reduce downtime and help people continue earning. This material will only be accessible to our approved training providers. We currently have 16 approved providers, and all facilitators will be required to complete the safe handling component before it is rolled out to the industry.”
Beyond refrigerant safety, SARACCA is already planning additional e-learning modules.“ We have additional planning in place for e-learning development on ammonia, CO₂, and also for the motor industry. There’ s a massive need in those sectors to get more people trained and registered so that standards are consistent across the country,” says Botha.
Alongside training, SARACCA continues its role as a supporter of industry bodies within the broader HVAC & R sector.“ We support the rest of the industry associations that form part of air conditioning and ventilation.”
Geographic expansion within South Africa also remains on the agenda. Regionally, SARACCA remains active within the Southern African Development Community( SADC), working with counterpart organisations to uplift refrigeration and air conditioning standards beyond South Africa’ s borders.
“ We’ ve been working with RACASA( Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Association of Southern Africa), including engagements in Botswana, to improve the refrigeration and food industry standards in the region. It’ s about collaboration and uplifting the industry across borders,” says Botha.
A regional conference is also anticipated, although details are still being finalised.
Botha says SARACCA’ s approach to growth remains deliberately measured, with a strong emphasis on legal compliance and industry credibility. Now in its 64th year, SARACCA continues to position itself as both an industry representative and a support structure – even for nonmembers.
SARACCA’ s priorities remains: modernising training delivery, supporting compliance, strengthening regional collaboration and maintaining high membership standards.
“ We add value through training, compliance and industry support,” Botha concludes.“ That’ s why companies continue to join – not just for membership, but for what we contribute to the industry as a whole.” RACA
David Botha, executive director of SARACCA.
© RACA Journal
RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 13