Time flies when you are having fun and in the blink of an eye the fourth quarter of 2009 is upon us. Without a doubt 2009 will prove to be one of the most memorable years we have endured. In conversations both within social and business circles, it is clear that most people have had to put in longer hours with more stress and showed lower returns for their efforts – the hard reality of a recession. I am no economist, but I have fingers crossed, hoping for the recovery we all anticipate with bated breath.
I do, however, believe that South Africa has been saved from the worst of the global recession, largely due to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The spinoffs from the on-going construction and infrastructure upgrades have softened the blows, albeit with an increase in road rage. Roll on JRA (Johannesburg Roads Agency), let us reach that ‘happy place to be’ that they frequently advertise on the radio, sooner rather than later.
Hydraulic unit standards
For SAFPA, it has been a very successful year, with the roll-out of some long-term projects. Firstly, on the most time consuming project, the finalising and writing of Hydraulic Unit Standards for training is nearly complete for Unit Standards 2, 3 and 4. The training material will then be submitted to MERSETA for approval, whereafter actual training can commence. The moderation and evaluation of the training will be the next hurdle. This has been a long road, but will be very beneficial in lifting skills levels within the fluid power industry.
Hose assembly accreditation
SAFPA’s next largest project is the Hose Assembly Accreditation document, our attempt to improve quality and reliability within the South African market. With the permission of the British Fluid Power Association, (BFPA), SAFPA and industry leaders adapted BFPA’s document to suit the South African environment. The BFPA has since reviewed our document and approved our changes. Watch this space for the national roll-out early next year.
Hose tariff relief
The association has also been the venue for negotiating import tariff relief on steel-reinforced rubber hosing. A few objections were raised locally concerning this and these have since been resolved. Bar any further hiccups, this project should be finalised in the near future.
Thanks
SAFPA council has been encouraged by the ongoing support of its functions and meetings by members, despite the state of the economy. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the council members for their ongoing efforts to add value to the fluid power industry. Our corporate and individual members will ultimately reap the benefits of SAFPA’s work.
Best wishes to all SAFPA members and their families for the up-coming festive season, happy holidays and safe travels.
Regards,
Norman Hall
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.vdw.co.za |
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