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The SACAP emerges victorious as the Johannesburg Magistrates Court finds an unregistered person guilty of committing a criminal offence
The SACAP emerges victorious as the Johannesburg Magistrates Court finds an unregistered person guilty of committing a criminal offence |
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| Johannesburg, 23 May 2023 — The Architectural Profession Act 44 of 2000 stipulates that performing architectural work without registration with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) is a criminal offence. On 10 May 2023, the Johannesburg Magistrate Court handed down a ruling in the case of Vusimuzi Maduna, finding him guilty of contravening this provision. |
It establishes a framework for the registration of architectural professionals and the regulation of architectural practices, with the aim of maintaining high standards in the built environment.
The court's ruling serves as a significant deterrent to those who engage in architectural work without being registered with the SACAP. It reaffirms the importance of upholding the ethical and legal responsibilities of the architectural profession, protecting the interests of the public at large. One of SACAP’s core Mandates is to protect the public.
The Architectural Profession Act 44 of 2000 and its provisions play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of the built environment. By upholding these standards and regulations, the architectural profession contributes to the creation of sustainable, innovative, and well-designed spaces that enhance the quality of life for all individuals.
These unscrupulous unregistered individuals deceive and target unsuspecting members of the public to exploit their hard-earned money. Of particular concern, is that the building plans prepared by an unregistered person cannot be approved by the municipality. This deceitful practice not only jeopardises the safety and well-being of the public but also undermines the integrity of the architectural profession as a whole.
The court imposed a penalty of R20,000.00 or 18 months imprisonment upon the accused, with the entire prison sentence being wholly suspended for a period of 5 years. However, this suspension is conditional upon the accused not being convicted of any violation of Section 26(3)(c) read with Section 18(2) of Act 44 of 2000 during the specified suspension period.
Members of the public are urged to report any individuals suspected of performing architectural work without registration to the SACAP. Reports can be made by contacting the SACAP at 011 479 5000 or via email at legal@sacapsa.com This collaboration between the public and the regulatory body is essential in maintaining the integrity of the architectural profession and protecting the public interest.
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
Media Enquiries:
Ntokozo Masango
Email- Ntokozo.masango@sacapsa.com
Mobile- 082 327 2139
Stakeholder Relations, Marketing, and Communications Manager