As pumps are a niche market, the only way for the industry to develop and compete internationally is to provide training and safeguard skills, says Southern African Pump Systems Development Association (Sapsda) chairperson Gareth Langton.

He recommends that pumps companies should offer apprenticeships, as this is the only way to develop a skills base.

Sapsda offers introductory and advanced courses on various aspects of the pumps industry, namely basic pump principles, pump types, installation, operation and maintenance, the pumping of various fluids and slurries, as well as using electric motors and variable-speed drives.

The organisation also publishes a yearly pump handbook as a supplementary document for the training courses.

Sapsda intended to get Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority accreditation for its training courses earlier this year, however, Langton notes that “the labour intensity involved [in getting accreditation] does not justify the benefits [accreditation provides]”.

However, Sapsda administrative director Fiona Knell notes that the association is registering with the Department of Trade and Industry, as well as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

Meanwhile, Sapsda director Steve Rose says the organisation’s revised mandate focuses on the organisation being “Southern African, rather than South African”. To that end, Sapsda presented introductory and advanced training courses in Zambia in May this year, which was attended by 20 candidates.

The Zambian programme coincided with the Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural & Commercial Show held in Kitwe, from May 27 to 31.

Knell adds that providing training in Southern African countries is beneficial to Sapsda because it assists members who have clients and distribution bases in those areas.

It is also beneficial to the recipients, contributing to their skills development and uplifting their communities.

Industry Overview
Langton believes that the pumps industry is stable, though he does note that industry growth has been inconsistent. He notes that although growth in the petrochemical and mining industries has slowed, power generation has remained stable.

He says “projects have slowed, but repair work continues”, adding that in a market subject to challenging constraints, repair and maintenance services drive industry growth.

Further, Sapsda’s main objective – to act as a lobby group and facilitate discussion in the manufacturing, labour and government sectors – will help develop long-term solutions for the pumping industry.

Langton believes that a lack of vision is one of the primary causes for the current economic instability in South Africa. “Take mining for example – unions often demand wage increases that are uneconomical and then a few months down the line, half the staff complement is retrenched.”

Sapsda hopes to mitigate potential problems in the pumps industry by having frank and frequent discussions at scheduled member meetings before lobbying these decisions in Parliament.

Members’ meetings form the basis of Sapsda’s lobby group. “Representatives from all the relevant sectors can come together to network, discuss, and develop a somewhat united stance on how to develop the pump industry.”

This is partly why Sapsda has allowed membership of individuals and other companies that have a vested interest in the pumps industry.

Rose adds that Sapsda’s mandate does not cover only pumps companies but also seals, motors and other pumps affiliated companies.

Langton mentions that Sapsda is also trying to attract new types of members, “who would not traditionally form part of a manufacturing association”, adding that the organisation has extended its reach by acting as an interface between suppliers and end-users.

Upcoming Events
Sapsda will host a golf day at ERPM golf course on September 15, and a scheduled introductory training course in Gauteng from September 21 to 22, with the advanced course taking place from October 21 to 22.

The organisation will also hold a network meeting in October.

Sapsda also plans to conduct training in Port Elizabeth later this year, as well as in Southern African countries towards mid-2016.