Professional Practice South Africa

South Africa

The South African Institute of Architects is a voluntary association of affiliated and regional institutes re-established in 1996 (originally established 1927). Membership of the Institute is open to all architects nationally and internationally, the only prerequisite being a recognised academic qualification, a minimum of 24 months practical experience and an examination in professional practice.

The members of the Institute, in striving to make a meaningful contribution to society, acknowledge the basic needs and rights of all the people of South Africa, but recognise that humanity also has other intellectual, cultural, spiritual and socio-economic needs which it needs to satisfy. The members

• Accept that the planning of settlements should provide a framework for freedom, dignity, equality and social justice and that planning should include citizen participation.
• Recognise the need to be responsive to the diverse cultures of the people of South Africa.
• Acknowledge the need to promote ongoing human resource development recognising the different skills and technologies appropriate to our South African situation, particularly in the light of the need for enhanced economic opportunities and a better future for all.
• Strive to recognise, promote and conserve the rich cultural heritage of our built and natural environment for the benefit of all communities.
• Recognise the need to facilitate and promote continuing architectural education and research amongst our members and at institutions of learning.
• Promote excellence in architecture and the built environment through peer review recognition for works of merit and excellence.
• Strive to assist in developing policies and practices at all levels of government that address the objectives of this Institute.
• Contribute our skills and resources to the development of architecture nationally and internationally, recognising that we have an important role to play on this continent.

Since 1996, the SAIA has supported the establishment of a new Council for the Architectural Profession. The SAIA is party to the drafting and finalisation of new regulations in terms of the Act and contributes to the structures and activities within the broad legislative context that affect the Built Environment and the Construction Industry, e.g the Council for the Built Environment (coordinating 6 professional councils resorting under it) the Construction Industry Development Board, the Construction Education and Training Authority and the National Home Builders Registration Council. The Institute participates and supports the current process towards the finalisation of a Transformation Charter for the Industry in accordance with the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act published recently.

The executive structure of the Institute consists of a Board of Representatives (nominated by the Regional Institutes) and 4 elected Management Committee members. The Board has established 7 focussed committees viz Practice, Education, Benefits, Communication, Promotion, Heritage and Habitat to address its constitutional aims, and these committees are mirrored in the Regions.

There is a good working relationship and also official interaction between the SAIA and many of the industry associations, e.g. SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), Master Builders SA, the SAISC (Southern African Institute of Steel Construction), and the CCI (Concrete and Cement Institute).

SAIA participates in the Built Environment Professions (BEP) Grouping of Voluntary Associations, an informal forum where the organisations representing architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other disciplines consult on matters of mutual concern.

We support the aims of the profession in the international arena and SAIA representatives participate wherever possible in the structures of the AUA, the CAA and the UIA. Past President Llewellyn van Wyk is the current President of the CAA, and President Trish Emmett serves on the AUA and UIA Councils.

The secretariat’s core function is to manage a national database of members and practices and to control the financial affairs of the SAIA. The SAIA provides administrative support to the Commonwealth Association of Architects under the direction of the London-based office.

Angola

We are 400 Architects we have strong competition with Portuguese and Brazilians Architects. We have Five Universities (One Public and Four Private). Our Order is affiliated to the International Council of Portuguese-speaking architects and was elected President for the period of 2007-2009, we are member of AUA and UIA since 2007.
The President is Mr. Arch.  Antonio Gameiro (phD)
The Vice President is Mr. Arch. Manuel de Carvalho
The Sec. Gen. is Mr. Arch. Victor Leonel A. C. Miguel

Botswana

The Building Industry Development Professional (35 architects) forms part of the CAA and regroups all the professionals of the building trade. There is an architectural association. AAB.

Lesotho

10 architects with a strong presence of South African architects.

Malawi

Legally recognised profession, the 30 local architects are still battling against the lobbies of foreign aid agencies.

Mozambique

About 50 architects still very linked with Portugal. Environ 50 architectes très lié au Portugal. The local organisation is affiliated to the International Council of Portuguese-speaking architects Profession still not legally recognised.

Namibia

The profession in Namibia is governed by 2 statutory bodies: The Namibian Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (NCAQS), which is the registering body, and the Namibia Institute of Architects (NIA). Registrations are conducted in liaison with the South African Council for Architectural Professions (SACAP)to ensure compliance with SA registration standards. Currently a revision to the architect's act is underway which will make the profession more accessible to allied technical practitioners.

There are no schools of architecture in Namibia at present although a technical school is being established at The Polytechnic of Namibia in Windhoek. Presently there are 86 registered professional architects, 13 non-resident and retired architects and 21 registered architects-in-training in Namibia and 57 registered architectural practices.

No CPD programme is currently active although it is under development and it is expected to have the framework finalised by year end

Reunion

207 architects registered to the Ordre National de France and provide their services mainly to the island. Their political situation isolates them from the region and their neighbours. Most of the projects are government initiated and they have strong competition from metropolitan French architects.

Swaziland

About 30 architects in a common organisation including engineers and quantity surveyors. Still not recognised by law.
UIA Dossier sent on 05 Sep 03

Zambie

No News.

Zimbabwe

No News.