Branch Workshops

At last, we have reached the stage where we are able to proceed with the proposed workshops in the different regions. The first proposal by the SARPA Executive to organize training sessions during the Branch meetings proved to be difficult to implement. Organizers felt that if the training session should be held on the same day as the Branch meeting, it would escalate the attendance numbers at the meetings to such an extent that they would have to utilize other more expensive venues. It was also noted that the persons attending the meetings are not necessarily the persons who should be attending the training.

During the PIESA / SARPA training session that was held in November 2009, we received no attendance from the branches Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Polokwane areas.

All Branches have subsequently indicated during consultation that they would rather have separate events, as they would also like to draw in members from the smaller Utilities. It was also suggested that the workshops should be held in more than one place in big Branch areas, in order to save on travelling for attendees. In order to save on costs it is also suggested that we only make use of Municipal venues. We are also looking to obtain sponsorship from affiliate members for the purpose of refreshments for these workshops.

The Cape of Good Hope Branch has already identified 2 venues in the Western and Southern Cape areas, in order to hold the workshops in September. The Polokwane Branch has indicated that the workshop would be held in tandem with their November meeting.

Representatives from some of the Metros have also indicated that they would like to assist in the facilitation process. It is, therefore, suggested in order to keep costs low, that other branches follow the Polokwane initiative and arrange the workshop in tandem with other important events in the region. We have, therefore, requested that the relevant Branch Chairpersons notify us regarding the proposed venues and dates of their workshops as soon as possible, as we need to report back at the Convention regarding the proposed dates and venues of the workshops.

Please note that these workshops will be unique in the sense that the information to be shared will be determined by the persons who attend each specific workshop. A list of topics and processes that could be discussed have already been drawn up and will be distributed to City Managers, so that they can decide which members to send to these events.

We see this is as a golden opportunity to also interact with the smaller Utilities, who are mostly non-members of SARPA and to get them involved in our activities. It is one of our goals this year to obtain new membership and to assist Utilities in minimizing their losses. It is important that we in SARPA show that we really care about these issues by sharing our knowledge with all the Utilities in Southern Africa.