By Erik Söderlund, ITC-SA General Manager
Welcome to 2022! The Directors and staff of the Institute for Timber Construction (ITC-SA) would like to thank the members for revitalising the Institute after the ups and downs of 2019 and 2020. We wish you a year of good health, success, inspiration, personal growth and prosperity.
January presents an opportunity for a fresh look at the ITC-SA’s role in the industry and the trends that will influence our future in the built environment.
Despite the devasting impact of the pandemic on our personal and professional lives, I believe 2021 was a positive year for the Institute. We achieved the objectives of the first phase of our “back to basics” theme.
“Back to basics”
In January 2021, I formally took on the role of General Manager and appointed Boitumelo Shoro as an Admin Assistant. We focus on the Institute’s core functions of developing, growing and maintaining the high levels of professionalism, technical prowess and ethical customer service in South Africa’s prefabricated timber roof truss industry.
The key objectives achieved during the year were
- The ITC-SA reaffirmed its commitment to its Professional Body status with SAQA (the SA Qualifications Authority) and its Voluntary Association status with ECSA (the Engineering Council of SA). Doing so ensures that the engineered timber truss industry is consulted and contributes to applicable government policy and legislation.
- The Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) was amended, and the ITC-SA membership categories rationalised to better align with the organisation’s objectives.
- There is a functioning staff structure with representation and presence throughout the country.
- Skills development resumed, and ECSA recognises key programmes.
- We have re-established working relationships with the National Homebuilders Registration Council (NHBRC), other Regulators and related industry bodies. Maintaining good relationships with stakeholders is essential for participation in proposing, reviewing and implementing policies and standards.
“Back to basics” continues in 2022
We look forward to the new challenges in 2022 and building further on the strong foundations in place.
The AGM will be held in April or early May when the annual audit report is available. The final date will circulate once confirmed. All members are encouraged to attend and use the opportunity of the AGM to ensure that the ITC-SA is best structured and managed to achieve its objectives for its members.