This is the final president’s letter of 2014 and the final issue of Motion Control for the year – yes this year is all but over. We are left looking back at what we as the fluid power industry have achieved and how many of our own personal new year resolutions and goals we have stuck with and succeeded in achieving, with the exciting prospect of a bright and fresh new year ahead.
I would like to thank all SAFPA members for their support throughout 2014. We as an association would cease to function or even exist without the continued support we receive. SAFPA has with this support achieved a number of its goals and objectives in 2014. We have added to our training portfolio through our education sub-committee. SAFPA is also actively involved in developing SABS standards relating to fluid power, and has planned and hosted technical meetings and a number of functions, to mention but a few.
We are currently busy expanding our educational offerings at the postgraduate level through the Da Vinci institute and are optimistic that we will be ready for the first intake of candidates by mid-2015. I would like to urge industry to start looking for possible candidates. Companies will have a significant advantage having their employees involved and completing this programme. It also contributes to the individual’s personal growth, not to mention the advantages it provides in furthering education in South Africa as a whole. SAFPA is also looking at the feasibility of creating so called ‘stepping stones’ for candidates who do not have the academic prerequisites to register for this course. This will most likely be achieved with the involvement of a FET college that would offer relevant courses. Watch this space!
With respect to the courses we as SAFPA currently offer, we would urge industry to take advantage of these offerings. They are compiled and presented by industry leaders and are an asset to anyone who attends. For information on these courses please contact the SAFPA office.
SAPFA has planned and hosted a number of functions in the course of 2014. Our annual dinner was held at the Bryanston Country Club. The venue was sold out and the event was enjoyed by all who attended. SAFPA also hosts three annual sporting events, a soccer tournament, a golf day as well as a cycling race.
Congratulations to Hytec for winning the SAFPA golf tournament! Our 2015 calendar will shortly be released so please diarise all the events. With respect to the monthly technical presentations, SAFPA is a registered ECSA voluntary association, thus these meetings qualify for CPD points as well as being relevant and informative.
In closing, I would like to thank all members of the SAFPA committee for their tireless work and commitment to SAFPA. I have mentioned but a few of the activities that we as a working group are currently involved in, and the time and effort that our committee members dedicate to these efforts are appreciated.
SAFPA wishes everyone a merry Christmas season and a happy, prosperous 2015.
Regards,
Eugene
Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
Email: | [email protected] |
www: | www.safpa.org.za |
Articles: | More information and articles about SA Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) |
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