The South African Pump Manufacturers Association (Sapma) has launched itself as a restructured association and, as of January, officially changed its name to the Southern African Pump Systems Development Association (Sapsda).

In 2008, Sapma members decided to start the process of restructuring the association, changing it from an employers association to a development association – modelling itself on the structure of the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda).

The main focus of the newly established Sapsda is to develop the pumps industry, not only in South Africa but also in all Southern African countries.

Sapsda chairperson Mathys Wehmeyer tells Mining Weekly that the first official Sapsda training course outside South Africa was held in Namibia, during February and, owing to the success of this course and requests from the pumps industry for additional technical assistance, it was decided that Sapsda could also offer a consulting service to assist in solving specific pumps-related problems. This service is currently available.

The association aims to use the combined experience of its pool of 40 existing members – including all the original Sapma members – to establish this consulting service, as they have the expertise required to assist companies with client-specific pumps-related problems.

“Training will still be the main driving force when it comes to developing the Southern African pumps industry, as the Sapsda training course covers every aspect of the sector, focusing on pump systems and seals, electric motors, couplings and drives,” he says.

Particular aspects of the association’s training courses include pumps installation, pumps testing, and the pumping of liquids containing solids and acids.

Wehmeyer adds that an introductory course is available for pumps industry newcomers. He tells Mining Weekly that this course focuses on teaching learners about the basic principles of pumps, specifically from a practical point of view, while the advanced course comprehensively covers all aspects of the pumps industry, including topics such as hydraulics application and affinity laws.

Membership categories of the association remain unchanged, with local manufacturing member companies constituting the majority of the association.

Meanwhile, under the auspices of Sapsda, the South African Pump Cluster was established in February last year, with the aim of operating independently from Sapsda, but complementing the objectives of the association.

The South African Pump Cluster seeks to promote local manufacturing by tapping into the proposed capital spend of State-owned companies to grow local manufacturing, create jobs, improve skills and develop strong local companies that are competitive in export markets.

The cluster comprises member companies that manufacture locally in South Africa and have a common intent to service and revitalise the South African pumps, seals, motors and couplings industries.

Other objectives of the South African Pump Cluster include focusing on revitalising the industry through strategic capital investments and world-class manufacturing; achieving the economies of scale to become globally competitive on cost, thereby increasing export potential; and improving supply chain localisation through the development and upliftment of downstream suppliers.

“The South African Pump Cluster is striving to create transformation through the promotion of local manufacturing, which will create meaningful jobs and foster black-owned businesses. The cluster’s emphasis on skills development, exports and developing new markets dovetails with Sapsda’s overall objectives,” says Wehmeyer.

Sapsda membership is open to both local and international pumps companies, consultants, individuals and/or students who are involved in or related to the Southern African pumps industry.

“Moreover, as the survival of locally manufactured pumps is greatly influenced by their use of castings manufactured by the local foundry industry, Sapsda prioritises creating greater working relationships with members of the South African foundry industry,” concludes Wehmeyer.