SACAP engages with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements on the role of Architectural Professionals in Shaping Sustainable Communities

Friday, 15 November 2024 | press-release

On 14 November 2024, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) engaged with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) in a key dialogue focused on the pivotal role that architectural professionals play in shaping sustainable, resilient, and inclusive human settlements. This engagement underscored the importance of architectural professionals in ensuring that communities are functional, safe, habitable, and aesthetically pleasing, crucial elements for the long-term success of housing initiatives, especially in the face of climate change.

MEC, Tasneem Motara, who opened the meeting, acknowledged SACAP as a critical stakeholder in the delivery of housing projects. She highlighted the department's commitment to building infrastructure that meets the highest professional standards. "We recognize the importance of working with SACAP to ensure that our housing developments align with the required professional standards," she said.

SACAP President, Charles Nduku, thanked the MEC, HOD, Ms Phindile Mbanjwa and other esteemed stakeholders for giving SACAP the opportunity to engage with the département. He further emphasised that architectural professionals are essential to the design of low-cost housing that is not only resilient to extreme weather but also energy-efficient and sustainable. "When effectively utilised, architectural professionals can significantly contribute to the creation of homes that withstand climate impacts, enhance energy efficiency, and incorporate renewable energy solutions," he said.

The SACAP Registrar, Adv. Toto Fiduli, highlighted key aspects of the architectural profession, including registration requirements, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and the various categories of registration. He emphasized the role of Building Control Officers, who are responsible for approving building plans and must comply with SACAP standards. Adv. Fiduli also discussed the importance of the SACAP Code of Conduct, the Identification of Work (IDoW), Guidelines Professional Fees, and mentorship opportunities. He called for collaboration between SACAP and the GDHS to support and assist graduates entering the profession.

The meeting also addressed key challenges in the sector, including the registration requirements in procurement and tender processes, which pose barriers due to legislative constraints. The MEC expressed the need for capacity-building workshops for the supply chain, particularly in technical areas of the built environment.

In response, SACAP committed to continued collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and other relevant stakeholders, including the Auditor General, Health Sector, Education Department, and Treasury, to address these challenges. The importance of involving architectural professionals in the design and implementation of RDP houses and social housing was also discussed.

"We believe that a bottom-up approach, where communities are actively involved in the design process, will ensure that the homes we build meet both the needs and aspirations of those who live in them," said the SACAP President. Mr Nduku.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a desire to continue their collaboration and foster ongoing engagement to address the evolving needs of South Africa’s built environment. MEC Motara reiterated the department's commitment to working with SACAP, and she encouraged further dialogue to ensure that the integration of architectural expertise becomes a cornerstone of future housing projects.

About SACAP

The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) is legally charged to regulate the architectural profession in South Africa by the Architectural Profession Act 2000, Act 44 of 2000. The architectural profession includes professional architects, senior architectural technologists, architectural technologists, draughtspersons, specified categories, and candidates in each of the categories of registration, all of whom are required to be registered with SACAP before they can practice architecture. www.sacapsa.com.

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