COMPANY OVERVIEW

The South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors  Association (SARACCA). The South African Refrigeration and Air  Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA) is the recognised body  representing contractors in the  refrigeration and air conditioning  industry across South Africa. SARACCA’s members adhere to a set of agreed industry standards while maintaining healthy competition amongst themselves.

The Association works collaboratively to elevate the image and standards of the industry, providing a forum for discussion, development, and professional advancement.

In recognition of its longstanding contribution to the industry, SARACCA received the Award for Excellence from SEIFSA (The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa) in May 2016. This accolade acknowledged SARACCA’s continued relevance since its establishment in 1963 and a remarkable 34% growth in membership during the 2016 financial year.

Training and Skills Development

SARACCA provides training opportunities throughout South Africa via accredited training providers. These programmes cater to various skill levels and equip technicians with essential competencies in the identification and safe handling of refrigerants used in air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Technicians can earn SETA-accredited qualifications through a combination of theoretical and practical, on-the-job learning. Continuous professional development is further supported through regular health and safety updates and networking sessions, ensuring practitioners stay abreast of industry changes.

Benefits of SARACCA Membership

Membership with SARACCA offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Regulatory Support SARACCA, through its Executive Director, plays a key role in administering SAQCC Gas registrations for Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioners and monitoring Certificates of Conformity, in line with the Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER).
• Training Subsidies Members receive subsidies for the training of site personnel in duct erection, refrigeration, air conditioning, and project management through short courses aligned with SAQA-approved Unit Standards.
• Support for Graduate Engineers SARACCA promotes practical training for university engineering students, offering grants to members who host students for experiential learning.
• Access to Industrial Relations Services Through its membership in SEIFSA, SARACCA members benefit from expert labour relations services, including advice on employment practices, dispute resolution, and industrial relations.
• Bargaining Council Membership Membership of the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council is available through SEIFSA.
• Affiliation with Master Builders South Africa SARACCA’s affiliation with the Master Builders South Africa ensures alignment with the broader building and construction sector.
• Standards and Compliance SARACCA actively contributes to the review and revision of national standards through representation at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This includes input on SANS 10147 (refrigeration), SANS 10173 (installation, testing, and balancing of ductwork), and SANS 1238 (manufacture of ductwork). Notably, SANS 10147 is now referenced in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and PER, which underscores the importance of compliance in refrigeration installations, maintenance, and repairs.
• Technical and Contractual Guidance With over 30 years of industry experience, SARACCA’s Executive Director, David Botha, provides members with expert advice on tendering, contracting, and documentation.
• Representation in Industry Committees SARACCA maintains a strong presence on the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) Technical Committee and Board through its participation in the Specialist Engineering Contractors Committee and Master Builders South Africa. This ensures the voice of air conditioning sub-contractors is heard in matters relating to building contracts, allowing the Association to propose amendments and remedies to unfavourable contractual conditions.
• Industry Data and Pricing Updates Members receive regular updates on the Contract Price Adjustment Provisions (CPAP) and SEIFSA indices, enabling them to monitor index movements and apply relevant weightings for work groups specific to the HVAC industry.