Dr. G.M Dreosti was a scientist and his interest was primarily in the food industry and its preservation by means of refrigeration. He had an engineering degree and in 1930 obtained his doctorate in engineering physics at the University of Utrecht.It takes people to make things happen. These people come from different backgrounds, different upbringing, different schools/education. In any group of people sharing a common desire will be leaders, the visionaries/motivators, the implementers/doers, the practical, the academic and the followers. All of these are essential in the formation of a common interest body.
So on the 28th of February 1951, a visionary scientists called together a group of like-minded people and implemented a vision that we recognize 50 years later. It said,
The vision was to form an institute of refrigeration and share knowledge. The task set for the steering committee required the doers to produce:-
A steering committee was formed, consisting of the following persons:-
E.G. Reynolds (Chairman)R. Bowie (Vice Chairman)H. Challis (Secretary)L. Campbell (Treasurer)C.E.B. CooperA.B. CumbersT.A. MillerK.A. OettleB.W. Ross
They began working on a new Institute and on the 17th July 1951, the South African Institute of Refrigeration (SAIR) was officially inaugurated. At the Hotel Bordeaux, Cape Town, the institute was launched with 41 members.
At this inaugural meeting, the following committee was elected:-
Dr G.M. Dreosti (President)E.G. Reynolds (Vice President)R. Bowie (Vice President)H. Challis (Secretary)L. Campbell (Treasurer)J.E. KinksburghC.E.B. CooperA.B. CumbersT.A. MillerK.A. OettleJ.H.B. SteenkampS.J.v.N Cillie
Dr. G.M Dreosti was a scientist and his interest was primarily in the food industry and its preservation by means of refrigeration. He had an engineering degree and in 1930 obtained his doctorate in engineering physics at the University of Utrecht.
He was a member of many institutions and societies, always willing to share his knowledge and learn from others. His dedication and commitment to totally involving himself in the formation of official bodies, where he believed they were essential to serve the sector, were shown in both SAIRAC and the Food Science Society of South Africa. He had over 300 papers published, on subjects in the fields of refrigeration, dehydration, canning and many more.
In March 1961 the Port Elizabeth Center of SAIR was started. T.F. Longe and L. Broderick were elected Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Around this time it became obvious that air-conditioning and an important role to play. Members and industry when making the significant and close relationship between the two.
In July 1962 SAIR broadened its focus and the South African Institute of refrigeration and air-conditioning was born. As a prelude to SAIRAC's arrival, Cape Town Center was formed in July 1961, opening the way for a national body to be created. The first Cape Town Center committee consisted of:-
L.Ginsburg (Chairman)C.A.Johnson (Vice Chairman)L. CampbelG. GarzoliniW.W. BoyesA.M. LewisA.P. AlderN.C. HumphriesJ.P. Trautmann
The Transvaal (now Johannesburg) Center was formed on the 25 July 1963, with Dr. Denkhaus and Dr. Hodgson as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively.
the Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) Center was formed officially in 1967. R.F. March and G. Alder as Chairman and Secretary respectively.
SARACCA played a vital role by holding a meeting in November 1966 and encouraged the formation of SAIRAC.
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