"It is more important than ever for us to stand together not only as members of ESDA but also as an industry." This was the call made by Anthony Rosenbaum, Chairman of ESDA (the Electronic Security Distributor's Association), at the organisation's 13th annual general meeting held in Johannesburg recently.
Admittedly, business is becoming more and more competitive, with the rand taking a battering, and economic expectations both locally and abroad under severe pressure. A host of other factors are influencing business in general. But, can an industry as competitive as the security industry stand together?
According to Rosenbaum, the answer is yes. "Most of us (ESDA members) are competitors and we can continue to compete against one another, but most important of all, together, we can ensure the continued existence of our industry. We all want to keep out the 'fly-by-nights and the un-professionals', as well as prevent over-regulation, but to do this we need to stand together. ESDA is our platform - support it."
The ESDA AGM was held over lunch at the Horizon Restaurant at the Wits Technikon hotel school. The Chairman's report highlighted ESDA's successes over the past year including:
Kreditinform meetings
In addition to merely exchanging credit information, a discussion forum to cover relevant issues pertaining to the security industry has been started at the regular KreditInform meetings.
Matters such as credit application documents and the various loopholes, the new laws relating to cheques and many other issues of importance, as well as day-to-day financial issues relating to all businesses are covered at these meetings.
Training
The security industry training process was halted to accommodate new requirements from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Leon le Roux has now been tasked with the creation of a national qualification that will be internationally recognised. The emphasis will be on practical competency as opposed to theory. It is envisaged that this qualification will count as a credit toward a technical diploma or a degree course.
A recognised prior learning assessment (RPL) will be undertaken to ensure that all learners are able to participate at a similar level. A course will be set up in adult basic education and training (ABET) to accommodate inexperienced or unskilled learners. Experience and prior exposure count equally with written qualifications.
Security industry survey
ESDA's intention in endorsing this survey has been to ensure it would be unbiased, professional and credible. This will be achieved through the efforts of Paradigma Publishing and Proactive Marketing who co-opted to ensure that these criteria were met.
Funds for the survey were contributed by Reed Exhibitions, POSLEC SETA and ESDA. The project was due to commence on 1 August 2001; however, confirmation of the funding by the three contributors was only received during mid-August 2001, and the kick-off date thus became 4 September. Watch this space.
ESDA website
An ESDA website, www.esda.co.za has been developed to serve as a source of information for the industry. Nonmembers will have access to membership application forms, basic information and the ESDA code of ethics. Members will have access to bulletin boards, forthcoming events and functions, minutes of meetings, and notices of overseas companies seeking local representation.
For further details, contact Anthony Rosenbaum, ESDA, tel: (011) 708 3073, fax: (011) 708 3091, e-mail: [email protected]
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