Durban Branch report
 |
| Maxime Lenferna |
Let me start with a typical Madonna input and say that as a first-time subscriber to the newsletter I feel somewhat "like a virgin". But, having said that, we as the KZN arm of IESSA are probably the 'Old School Graduates' of the one-time ILESA which has now evaporated and cooled into the IESSA entity.
To my mind, although this change of nomenclature is simple in itself, it has had a far-reaching impact on our organisation - not only in terms of our membership but also in our understanding of how we as IESSA want to evolve. Perhaps I've started this preamble in jocular manner but in trying to put down on paper what I'd wanted to say-I found it a little more difficult than I had originally anticipated. So, what the hell, here goes.
I'm not sure whether we as the Durban fraternity are any different from the national standard. But, on speaking to our members there seemed to be some confusion as to how we, the management, were presenting IESSA as an institute. At some stage we seem to have lost direction, and perhaps this may only have been within our region, but seeing the collapse of our partners in the Cape I believe we weren't the only group to feel the impact. I think we need some clarity as to what and who we were and in turn, what as an organisation we want to be recognised for. This in itself is difficult when you are trying to be all things to all people, in dealing with the whole gamut of the lighting industry.
It can be done and it is possible. However, comparing ourselves to the overseas institutes, I see they too are experiencing some wobbles, as in the case of the UK lighting institution. They are also finding it difficult to maintain their leadership structure, which shows we're not alone.
And although I understand, I also must admit I may not fully appreciate the conundrum we're facing - being a somewhat toothless organisation which cannot attend to legitimate regulatory requirements as laid down in the OHS Act in matters relating to illumination levels. Surely this must change. I have always maintained we should create a watchdog service to compel contractors and developers to install required illumination levels in their new projects, or revamps for that matter. It just doesn't happen.
However, I think and hope that we in Durban are starting to find our road again, in terms IESSA. Our talks have thankfully started to be well attended once again. It can be so frustrating for participants and presenters alike, to have just a few smiley faces staring at you when you had anticipated a substantial audience. We are pleased to announce that we are once more becoming a vibrant forum for presenting discussions on various lighting related issues. The seats are starting to fill once more and for that I must thank all our present participating members. I look forward to like-minded individuals interested in being informed about lighting in all its forms and becoming a part of our discussion forums which we are slowly setting up.
After a long and arduous road, I am also pleased that we will be holding our own lighting courses over the coming months for us locals. Having to consider taking courses in Gauteng proved expensive for most of us. So members will be advised of the upcoming dates for these preliminary sessions in due course. It is anticipated that we will be presenting four modules of the IESSA lighting course during May and September/October, depending on the response to these courses. As a non-profit organisation, we must thank in advance those who will be lecturing/presenting these lessons and look forward to good participation. As it is, we are being inundated with enquiries as to when we intend holding our courses here in KZN. Soon, guys, soon!
In passing, may I also voice my appreciation to the Institute of Consulting Engineers for having involved us, in part, in their recent annual awards dinner here in Durban. The awards recognised and highlighted the importance of the lighting portion of some of these winning projects. Great!
Having alluded to what I think may be some of the problem with the institute may I end off my grind by saying that I suggest we need a stronger representation of IESSA and its membership within government structures in recognition of the status of the lighting industry. Perhaps then we will start having some say on various platforms and may even become recognised as worthy of some input to the engineering fraternity, as compared to being the also-rans of the industry.
It must be said that there really have been some fantastic designs that have been done by our local lighting technicians.
I believe the lighting industry has had substantial input into symposiums such as energy saving principles. This must start to be seen for what it is - good engineering!
I'd also like to say that it will come to pass soon!
We must just try harder - that is all!
Contact Maxime Lenferna, Tel 031 303-3750, maxime@iafrica.com
