Civil Engineering December 2022 | Vol 30 No 11

Civil Engineering December 2022 53 Membership of the ASAQS provides guidance and resources to succeed in quantity surveying and to stay abreast of developments in the built environment. Mandated by the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession, the ASAQS provides events that members can attend to keep their CPD portfolio up to date. It provides an environment in which professionals may learn, grow and work together to advance the techniques and science of quantity surveying. From its earliest beginnings, the ASAQS has grown to include quantity surveying professionals from every area of the construction industry – from private practice, government and parastatals, to construction companies. ASAQS PO Box 3527, Halfway House, 1685 T: +27 11 315 4140 , F: +27 86 601 7087 E: info@asaqs.co.za , W: www.asaqs.co.za Suite G6, Building 27, Thornhill Office Park, Bekker Road, Vorna Valley Ext 21, Midrand SAIW (South African Institute of Welding) SAIW is a non-profit technical organisa- tion dedicated to furthering standards in welding fabrication and related technolo- gies. Established in 1948, it is a founding member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). SAIW provides training programmes, consultancy and industry support services. Based in Johannesburg, with branches in Cape Town and Durban, it is active throughout Southern Africa and also has experience further afield, predominantly in Central Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and the United Arab Emirates. An Authorised National Body (ANB) of IIW since 2003, SAIW offers the full range of IIW qualifications – engineer, technologist, specialist, practitioner, welder and inspector. It also has strong affiliations with leading training organisations such as the Universities of the Witwatersrand and Pretoria. An SAIW qualification has long been regarded as the industry standard in South Africa and also enjoys international recognition. In 2008 SAIW became an IIW Authorised National Body for Company Certification (the first outside Europe), enabling implementation of the IIW Manufacturer Certification Scheme. In terms of the Scheme, welding and fabrica- tion companies are certified for compli- ance to ISO 3834 (Quality Requirements for Welding). SAIW also administers personnel certification programmes for a number of inspection activities, including non-destructive testing (NDT), and for South African regulatory categories of pressure vessel inspectors. Certification programmes are based on the ISO 17024 standard (General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons) and is accredited for these activities by SANAS, a South African member of the International Accreditation Forum. In 2005, SAIW formed SAIW Certification, a separate Section 21 not-for-profit company, to administer examinations and certification programmes. The separation of these activities is in line with international best practice. Appointed a Regional Designated Centre for NDT by AFRA, the African Regional Cooperation Agreement affiliate of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), SAIW also conducts training for IAEA-funded fellows and takes a lead in regional scientific cooperation to promote self-sufficiency in the field of nuclear science and technology. Other SAIW activities include hosting workshops, seminars and conferences, the latter including IIW regional assemblies. SAIW 52 Western Boulevard, City West, Johannesburg, 2092 T: +27 11 298 2100 E: info@saiw.co.za, W: www.saiw.co.za SAIAE (South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers) SAIAE was established in 1964 to represent the discipline of Agricultural Engineering in South Africa. Life on earth needs a sustainable supply of food, water and energy in order to feed and sustain a growing population under a variable and changing climate. Agricultural engineers utilise technology to connect the living world of plants, soil, water and animals with the technology of engineering, i.e. systems, structures and machines. They operate in the broad fields of precision agricultural production systems – efficient use of water in agricultural production (e.g. irrigation), sustainable catchment management (e.g. soil and water conservation structures), agricultural water resource systems (e.g. canals and pipe networks), intensive production-controlled environment struc- tures (e.g. greenhouses), animal handling facilities (e.g. poultry houses). They also develop technology to grow and utilise sustainable sources of energy (e.g. bio- fuels, solar, wind), and limit post-harvest losses by processing and adding value to agricultural products and the design of storage systems. The aims of the SAIAE are: Q Q The promotion and development of the science and technology of Agricultural Engineering Q Q The promotion of the Agricultural Engineering profession Q Q The promotion and encouragement of research and training in Agricultural Engineering Q Q The dissemination of knowledge, information and ideas in the field of Agricultural Engineering through meetings and publications Q Q The creation of mutual meeting op- portunities for Agricultural Engineers and related technologists and techni- cians in South Africa Q Q The establishment of a body that can speak with authority on Agricultural Engineering issues in South Africa and that may also stipulate standards, norms and codes or make recommen- dations in this regard Q Q The protection and promotion of the interests of members of the profession, and mutual support for each other in technical and other areas. SAIAE PO Box 912719, Silverton, 0127 Business Manager: Chikondi Gurira T: +27 78 889 8925 E: admin@saiae.co.za , W: www.saiae.co.za CREDITS We acknowledge with appreciation that some of the information in this article was taken from the websites of the various bodies discussed. Please see the contact details underneath each body for the relevant website address. We also acknowledge with thanks the assistance received from senior staff members and office bearers of these bodies.