Formed in 1974, the organisation currently has 21 members who collectively account for a substantial number of the valves and actuators manufactured or assembled in South Africa.
Regular meetings of the association are held under the auspices of the Steel and Engineering Industries’ Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA).
SAVAMA sub-committees actively drive the objectives of Training, SA Standards, Import Tariffs and Export.
Savama aims to inform industry about products and services offered by valve manufacturers, as well as actively drive training objectives to suit South African manufacturing standards, and import and export conditions.
The association encourages membership participation and support to increase its strength in representing, promoting and protecting the interests of the industry.
Savama membership also entitles members to Seifsa services, including advice from industry experts in industrial relations, economic and commercial aspects, skills development and health and safety (The Power of Affiliated Membership).
Association members also get preferential rates from Seifsa on company level consultations, training courses, seminars and workshops.
The association formalised an online training platform in 2006, which presents basic valves, working with valves and control valves courses throughout the year. These courses take between three and six months to complete, depending on individual commitment.
Upon completion of this training, attendees receive certification and are in possession of sound theoretical knowledge about valve manufacturing, selling and maintenance. These courses will assist in significantly increasing the specialised skills base within the valve industry.
The Basic Valves course is a short six module course covering an introduction to all the different types of valves, their end connections, components, methods of operation and terminology. It also covers valve selection, along with the design, characteristics and application. There are six quizzes to complete as one progresses through the material.
The Working with Valves course has ten modules that look at principles of valve design, application, characteristics and installation .Choosing the right valve for the job as well as giving substantial time to materials of construction and valve ratings.
There are online quizzes and assignments, as well as an exam at the end of this course.
The most specialised of the online courses is the Control Valves course. Here the principles of fluid mechanics are covered along with control valve design and selection criteria. Software packages are compared for the sizing and selection of control valves along with factors affecting material selection.
Actuator types and categories are covered along with all control devices and the significant testing required. It is a ten module course with an exam at the end.
To register for these courses, one can contact Savama course administrator Sam Trollip at info@workingwithvalves.co.za.
Why you should join
Some of the reasons why your company should be a member of this Association are:
- The SAVAMA provides an effective platform for you to get close to matters affecting the industry and your business; • Your membership participation and your support will help the Association to increase its representative strength. This is vital if the Industry is to speak forcibly in promoting and protecting the interests of its members;
- Membership of the Association gives companies a powerful, collective voice on important issues which affect the industry; • Regular, close interaction and engagement with the government issues around the designation, local content and procurement • Close links and cooperation with VAMCOSA to bring local valve and actuator manufacturers together in order to create a common focus and
goal for the respective industries and to provide an effective platform to lobby Government through designated channels of the government and the SACEEC with regard to industry specific concerns
- The Association represents member companies in the MEIBC Main Agreement negotiations with trade unions over wages and conditions of employment in the industry
How do I join?
By contacting the SAVAMA Administrator at christa@associationadministrator.co.za or on 083 444 1365 or by visiting the website www.savama.co.za
