Events and Exhibitions
SAIRAC HOLDS REGIONAL
AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and subsequent third-wave lockdown resulted in the institute moving their 70th celebrations to a later date , while continuing with their AGMs as planned to coincide with the election of national council and regional committee members .
Cape Town hosted the national annual general meeting ( AGM ) via a virtual platform on 27 July 2021 . Each other region ( Durban , Johannesburg , Port Elizabeth ), prior to the national AGM , reported on their various activities and status through the virtual platform throughout the month . Naturally , for each region the pandemic / lockdowns of the past year were the common factor that had continued to drive difficult conditions for the sector as a whole .
Archie Steyn , Cape Town committee chairman kicked off the meeting with greetings and apologies for those members who could not attend . Cape Town , as the founding region of the institute noted the official 70 th AGM held whereafter the centre formalities were presented .
2020 / 2021 were noted as being probably a couple of the most challenging years for all role players in terms of what one knows , the adversities that have been faced through the pandemic and for some a bit of a ‘ wake-up call ’ in terms of business models , how things are done and achievement of objectives .
Jaco Pieterse , current SAIRAC president was handed the floor to address attendees of the national AGM welcoming members , associate visitors , and institute fellows . He also extended a special welcome to the ASHRAE South African chapter president and vice president , Mr Olu Soluade and Mr Richard Humphrey .
A moment of silence was held in remembering members who sadly passed away over the last year , as well as those lost due to the ongoing pandemic .
Pieterse thanked all national and regional committee members for their tireless efforts and service , particularly because of the voluntary nature of their participation .
Reporting was delivered around the institutes activities over the past term including membership drives , website and social media activity , ongoing engagement with the RACA Journal , finance , site visits , technical talks , and enrichment courses . The 70 th celebrations were to be moved to later in October this year at the time of the AGM . A list of all the training is available from each centre should any member require such information .
National membership experienced a declined due primarily to the impact of the pandemic resulting in additional financial stress to several businesses . As of 30 June 2021 , the institute membership stood on :
• 6 students
• 219 associates
• 301 associate members
• 430 members
• 55 fellows
Total SAIRAC membership thus tallied to 1011 members , and the geographical representation of members was issued as follows :
• Cape Town : 24 %
• Durban : 16 %
• Johannesburg : 48 %
• Port Elizabeth : 10 % and
• Foreign members : 1 %.
Pieterse further brought to members attention the progress of Spoor and Fisher in the trademark process of both the SAIRAC and FRIGAIR logos that should be concluded later this year . There was also a reminder that SAIRAC was recognised as a voluntary body under the rules of the Engineering Council of South Africa ( ECSA ) and able to allocate continuing professional development ( CPD ) credits for certain learning and activities .
Pieterse further presented the memorandum of understanding ( MOU ) initiated with ASHRAE South Africa Chapter earlier in the year that aims to support , advance , and promote the mutual interests of their respective members and employees . The bodies to the MOU committed to working together towards the following activities and goals :
• consistent leadership
• communication
• conferences and meetings
• advocacy
• publications
• education
• technical activities
• coordination , and
• research .
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RACA Journal I October 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za