PAST PRESIDENTS
At the time SAIRAC recognised the leading , international role that ASHRAE fulfilled , and the value that a South African chapter would have . One particular area identified was the addition of a full conference to be added to the highly successful Frigair Expo .
However , the interests of both bodies had to be protected and a mutual acceptable agreement needed to be reached . After several attempts and exhaustive negotiations , I am proud to say that at a historical meeting on the 24 of July 2018 , I had the opportunity to meet with the then ASHRAE president Sheila J . Hayter and senior ASHRAE members in Johannesburg . The purpose of the meeting was to plot out the course for the new South African ASHRAE chapter . The two organisations met in a spirit of co-operation to ensure that activities are to the benefit of all members and to the industry as a whole .
We were pleased to announce that SAIRAC and ASHRAE would be working closer together in the future with particular focus on educational activities . It is well known that SAIRAC utilises ASHRAE international distinguished lecturers to our Frigair expo and activities of this nature will be greatly enhanced with the two organisations working in partnership .
Frigair continued to prove itself as the trade show that ‘ delivers innovation and opportunity ’ and the brand is proudly owned by SAIRAC . The sold-out 2018 Frigair Expo boasted 140 exhibitors , representing not only the local HEVAC & R market , but also leading international players . The expo was hugely successful and Frigair exhibitors were given plenty of opportunity to engage with the record numbers of high-profile visitors . The workshops where well-attended , being conducted within the exhibition space of the expo with a diverse range of presenters and topics on offer . ASHRAE international speakers were invited to present papers at the small Frigair conference . In a separate event but part of the expo , SHECCO held a conference focusing on natural refrigerants .
On a personal note , a highlight in my career occurred at the Frigair members breakfast held at Gallagher Estate , where I was awarded the SAIRAC gold medal by SAIRAC national council . A great honour indeed .
As the Frigair brand has gathered momentum it has in the past come under threat from third parties . To protect SAIRAC an application was submitted to register the SAIRAC logo , the Frigair Expo and FRIGAIR Conference .
With regards to education , processes were put in place to update the SAIRAC Courses . Subject matter experts were identified to assist in this regard . The courses fill the recognised gap between technician and engineer . SAIRAC courses have been validated by the Engineering Council of South Africa and as such members successfully completing courses can apply for Continuous Professional Development points . There was an upswing of courses and attendance in this period .
During this period , the need for a more interactive , updated website became clear . The implementation proved to be no easy matter . An attempt to assist members in the payment of their membership fees was made in the form of a payment gate on the new website , this proved to be challenging . The website was successfully launched and added value for SAIRAC ’ s membership . Development of the new website proved to be an evolutionary process and as technology moves forward so too should SAIRAC .
As a professional institute SAIRAC has met its mandate . SAIRAC can and does act as a catalyst between members , external bodies , and government . SAIRAC has , without doubt , added great value to its members , industry , and South Africa .
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HERVAC INDUSTRY 15