The economy
It hardly seems like we have had a break and it is New Year already. 2009 will remain imprinted on our memories for the multitude of challenges that it threw at us. I believe 2010 is going to be similarly taxing, but with a completely new set of challenges.
There is a lot of talk about slow business over June and July, which I think will be a reality for all those not in the tourism industry. To counter this we can hope for 'panic' buying prior to June as deadlines loom. This ought to slingshot us through the extended school holidays and the FIFA World Cup period.
SAFPA activities
SAFPA has a busy year ahead, and we are starting off with a bang. The roll-out of the Hose Assembly Accreditation document has been confirmed for 16 March 2010. This will be an all day affair at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Roy Marcus, chairman of The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management. This will be followed by presentations on guidelines for the introduction and implementation of the scheme by the BFPA’s Ian Morris and Martin Kingsbury who are flying to South Africa specifically for this launch.
There will be additional presentations on South African safety legislation and the imminent introduction of the Consumer Protection Act. If you are either a user or a supplier of hose assemblies, we encourage your attendance to this event. We are expecting a good turnout, so pre-registration is essential. You should find an application form inserted in this edition of Motion Control. If someone has beaten you to it, please visit www.safpa.org.za or contact the SAFPA secretariat.
On this note, I would like to say thank you to all the sponsors of this event, SAFPA appreciates your generosity. A list of sponsors at time of going to press can be seen on the application form.
SAFPA’s next two main focuses, the Unit Standard training material and the proposed drop in import tariffs on hose are now squarely in the laps of various government departments. Enough said.
Lastly, SAFPA has already organised a couple of interesting Technical Meetings for the first six months of this year. Now that SAFPA is an associate member of ECSA, attendance and/or presentation at these meetings will help registered professionals accumulate their mandatory CPD points. Keep an eye on SAFPA’s Annual Calendar on the website for details of the meetings and other events for 2010.
Regards
Norman Hall
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