The Southern African Institute of Welding (Saiw) has begun its regional expansion as a result of an increasing demand for its services in Durban and Cape Town.

Saiw executive director Jim Guild says the branch in Milnerton, Cape Town, has been identified and it is expected to be operational in May.

This facility will be used to run courses, examinations, evening meetings and seminars and will enable Saiw to better service its clients by providing a fully equipped facility that is near a large portion of its market.

“There is an even greater demand for courses and other services in KwaZulu-Natal, so finding a facility in Durban is a priority and our regional representative Ann Meyer is investigating options.

Further, establishing a satellite facility in Mpumalanga is an important goal for us as it will relieve the pressure on the Johannesburg branch, which is working at capacity, and will take the institute nearer to an important section of its clientele,” he says.

Saiw GM Sean Blake says the Durban branch is expected to be up and running by the end of the year and will have the same functions as the Cape Town branch.

“We hope to continue on the positive growth path that we have been experiencing over the last few years. We also hope to enhance our service offering and to introduce new courses,” he adds.

More changes in the company will result in a new president being elected at Saiw’s annual general meeting (AGM) on May 9, following the departure of Madeleine du Toit, who will take up a position at the Wollongong University in Australia.

“The institute and the country are losing an outstanding professional person who is also charming and approachable. We hope that the move works out well for her and thank her for the leadership she has given to the institute over the last four years,” Guild says.

Further, members of Saiw will be asked at the AGM to support the institute’s intention to convert Saiw from an unincorporated association to an incorporated nonprofit company, registered under the Companies Act.

Guild says the memorandum and reasons for the proposed change will be explained in a communication, which will accompany the notice for the AGM.