As a means to prioritise the interests of the South African pumps industry and pumps manufacturing companies, the South African Pump Manufacturers Association (Sapma) has taken on projects designed to benefit the industry, in the form of pumps training courses.

The Engineering Council of South Africa-accredited training advanced pumps course was held from August 22 to 23. The course was an effort to aid industry players in becoming more prolific in the pumps industry, as well as ensuring that the sector actively participates in the South African economy.

The two-day course consisted of equipping candidates with a set of comprehensive advanced pumps course notes, a USB complete with vibration standard ISO: 10816 parts one to seven, balancing standard: ISO 1940 parts one to two, and pump testing standard: ISO 9906.

Students also received an API 610 pump standard, electronic steam tables, an electronic conversion program, as well as a certificate, complete with the candidate’s name and completed activities, and a continuing professional development number, which was presented to the candidate at the end of the course.

The training session was facilitated by State-owned power utility Eskom turbine plant engineering designer Willem van der Westhuizen, who has 26 years of experience in power station critical pumps, which includes selection, evaluation, manufacturing, testing, installation, commissioning and trouble shooting.

Sapma’s Key Objectives
Sapma offers an ideal platform for its members to network with relevant industry players, and to discuss issues pertinent to the pumps industry, such as government legislation, labour laws and general matters affecting the steel and engineering industries within South Africa and the pumps sector at large.

Key objectives of the association include regulating relations between members, employees and trade unions, promoting the interest of Sapma members, planning and organising administrative and lawful activities within the pumps sector, promoting, supporting or opposing any proposed legislation that could pose a threat to Sapma members, furthering the interests of the industry through public relations activities, obtaining, collating and distributing relevant information from the pumps industry to Sapma members, and creating and maintaining employment within the South African pumps industry.