PAST PRESIDENTS
SAIRAC remains the recognised Industry authority on all matters pertaining to air conditioning and refrigeration in Southern Africa
PATRICK BURKE 2000 – 2002
My tenure as National President happened to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Institute and what a privilege it was to be part of the action . As President , it was incumbent upon me and my wife to attend each arranged function , wherever that happened to be . I remember flying to Durban and Cape Town to attend black-tie dinners on consecutive Friday and Saturday nights . An extremely hectic time , but enjoyable all the same . No doubt the 70th will be just as hectic for the various committees .
The highlight of my Presidency was no doubt helping to arrange the second Dreosti Memorial Lecture . To present his lecture was none other than Professor Will Stoecker , author of every HVAC Engineer and Technicians book of knowledge , ‘ Refrigeration and Airconditioning ’ ( as well as several other notable HVAC Industry publications ). It was my privilege to host this fine Gentleman . His interest in our country , particularly the colonial period and his local insight was phenomenal . Our visit to the Voortrekker Monument was of particular interest to him given its similarity to the history of the American frontier .
During my stint , the SAIRAC website became a reality , thanks to the hard work and input from Derek Truscott , Vice-President at the time .
ACRICSA ( just recently established as a functioning council at the time ) finalised the Industry Standards with the help and guidance of SAIRAC . These standards were the very first to be approved by the relevant Government departments – a great achievement in itself .
With the support of SAIRAC , Rory Macnamara ’ s Pipe Trade Publishers managed to restore the official trade journal to its former glory despite many difficulties and obstacles . The RACA journal in my opinion , can hold its own alongside the very best of its kind in the Engineering world .
Professor Stoecker , Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois , presented his paper titled ‘ Ammonia , the natural refrigerant for air conditioning and refrigeration beyond the 21st Century ’. I wonder what his take on the subject would be today . During his visit , ( on the 24 August 2001 ), it was my privilege to hand Professor Stoecker an honorary Fellowship of SAIRAC , which he graciously accepted .
SAIRAC remains the recognised Industry authority on all matters pertaining to air conditioning and refrigeration in Southern Africa . Its sphere of influence locally and internationally , is both respected and far-reaching . No doubt it will continue to serve our Industry for a further 70 years and beyond .
10 SAIRAC 70TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE | 1951 - 2021