April 2020
UPDATE ON CURRENT ACTIVITIES DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Dear SAIF Members & Members of Industry,
Following the second address to the nation by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 9 April, 2020 on the extension of the lockdown in South Africa, the SAIF Board of Directors would like to provide you with the following feedback and announcements:
SAIF Office Operation
Our office and the operation thereof remains fully functional and is continuing remotely. The Executive Assistant, Marina Biljon can be reached via email on mbiljon@uj.ac.za or alternatively on her mobile on 082 971 0289.
Training
It is likely that training will only resume in June pending further announcements from the President. The provisional date is set for the 6th June for training to resume. This will still allow us enough time to complete the three semesters of training as per the initial plan for 2020. Students are urged to confirm their email addresses in order for the lecturers to engage with learners by preparing self-study worksheets and homework assignments.
Technical Presentation Evenings
There will be no technical presentation evenings or workshops during the months of April and May 2020.
Annual General Meeting for SAIF Members
The AGM has provisionally been scheduled for 18 August 2020.
Annual Awards Dinner 2020
The SAIF Annual Awards Dinner has been provisionally moved to 18 September 2020.
SAIF Annual Golf Day
The SAIF Annual Golf Day is scheduled to take place on 12 November, 2020.
The above annual events are unfortunately part of the current Government restrictions for the hosting of events and mass gatherings which is currently either prohibited or restricted with additional precautions. As these restrictions are in place to protect the citizens of South Africa, we as an Institute, have no alternative but to abide by these regulations until the Government relaxes or deems them no longer necessary.
Industry Feedback
Manufacturing Cost Relief
The Casting, Forging & Machining Cluster of South Africa NPC (CFMC) submitted a Letter to The Presidency with a proposal for manufacturing cost relief. The document can be read here. The proposal recommends that monies from the municipal electricity accounts be used to reduce manufacturing costs for a limited period.
A copy of the letter submitted by the CFMC to NERSA regarding the guidelines that they released for public comment can be read here.
Essential services and associated manufacturing during lockdown
Business South Africa has launched a supplier portal for those who would like to be considered for procurement opportunities, for medical and related supplies for COVID-19. Please register via https://covid19manager.co.za/login
COVID-19 SMMEE Emergency Funding Solution
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in partnership with NEF are joining hands to support manufacturing companies with access to finance in response to COVID-19 challenges. To access the Funding Brochure, please click here.
Draft Public Procurement Bill – Response to Treasury due by 31 May 2020
Members of industry is requested to respond to the Public Procurement Bill, which is expected to make welcome changes in the way that public procurement is managed in our country. Suppliers of products or services to SOC’s, parastatals, or government, have an opportunity to help shape legislation. Responses to Treasury are due by 31 May 2020. Please submit responses to Steve Jardine sjardine@rsaclusters.co.za of the CFMC by no later than 8 May 2020.
Exclusive benefits to SAIF members
Company members can take advantage of the Company Member Profile listing on the SAIF website. This is an exclusive service to members. Company members are listed on the website for casting buyers to identify a suitable supplier for their needs and requirements. The service is aimed at providing company members with a platform to advertise themselves to be able to generate potential sales leads.
Your company profile will include: Your company name, logo, contact details and a link to your website. For an example of such a listing please click here and go to Metal Connection. This opportunity will allow you to create awareness of your company and your expertise, products and services and provide potential customers with a direct link to your company information and website.
Should you be interested in taking up this opportunity please complete the Company Member Profile listing form and send back to mbiljon@uj.ac.za.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SERVICE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO FULLY PAID UP SAIF MEMBERS!
From the Office
During this time of lockdown, our focus remains on supporting our members and the industry in the best way possible. We are still available to deal with all your enquiries. As our economy and our industry is severely hampered by the current lockdown demands we realise that these are difficult times for all and we encourage our members to make use of the quiet time to list your Company Profile on our website. We continue to receive both local and global enquiries for castings and your profile on our website will simplify the search for their required needs.
While we continue to come to terms with the Covid-19 Pandemic and the ways that we need to change our daily routines and behaviours. We encourage all members to obey the requirements as laid out by the national state of disaster. It is in all of our best interests to look after yourselves, your families, your work environment and communities. Please continue to where possible stay at home, to practice safe hygiene habits and social distancing and to support those severely affected by this pandemic.