A Note From SAIA: A Focus on Stakeholders

SAIA is fully aware that while regulations are essential in our built environment, more often than not they tend to impact heavily on our member’s business operations and, in some cases, on their ultimate livelihood and financial survival.

To this end, the organisation has been hard at work enhancing its engagements with stakeholders and its regulator, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

In February 2016, SAIA held its Board Meeting in Mpumalanga, affording members the opportunity to interact with regional stakeholders.

It is important to note that the field of stakeholders with whom SAIA engages ranks from local government authorities to participation by SACAP at the very highest level.

Key issues currently affecting the profession include:

• procurement of services; and
• approval processes from local authorities.

The latter encompasses building plan approvals and the professional regulatory context, as well as Competition Commission rulings.

SAIA is pursuing all possible avenues to ensure that the interests of members are safeguarded. SAIA’s National Architectural Awards programmes have kicked off on a positive note this year and will culminate with awards events during the second half of 2016.

Thanks and appreciation to all those who have submitted entries, all which are of a very high standard. As always, I end off with a reminder of who we are:

Mission

A collective Voice serving the interests of Architects in pursuit of excellence and responsible design.

Vision

SAIA Architects to be the Authoritative Leaders in the built environment.