LEEASA on the way to deliver goals

COVER STORY LEEASA on the way to deliver goals

Nearly 18 months after introducing a new strategy for LEEASA, the board of directors are well on its way to delivering the goals it set out to achieve. It is a process that has not been without challenges, but the organisation is starting to see real change. Lifting Africa finds out more.

By no means would one consider the LEEASA board of directors' new brooms anymore. They have, after all, been in office now for more than a year. When it comes to sweeping, however, there are no signs of them slowing down as they start to see the impact of the changes introduced. “The need for change was long overdue if the association was going to be able to meet its members' expectations and deliver value,” says chairman Ashley Davis.

He is the first to admit that the past year and a half was not always easy, but that it was necessary. “LEEASA is now far more visible than it ever was and there is a clear understanding in the lifting community of the importance of a strong association. LEEASA is listening to its members and working for the better of the industry.” According to the board of director member Andries Agenbag, while it might still feel like yesterday that they took over, the directors have been extremely proactive in identifying the change needed, not only in maintaining what the old committee had established but to enhance and uplift LEEASA into a new era where it meets the needs of the new generation. “This would have to be started with the new look of LEEASA. It was our first step as a board and it was very necessary to refresh the look and establish within the industry that change was taking place and LEEASA was turning over a new leaf.” Francois Blignaut, also on the board, agrees. “The change was necessary, but it was not necessarily easy to achieve. The start was slow and rocky. We had lots of resistance and retaliation and we were asked what we would do differently than the previous board of directors. We had to prove ourselves.” Says board member Kyle Graham, “The last 18 months have been a learning curve for all the directors, working for our members and adding value to all stakeholders. During the last 18 months, we learned of much dissatisfaction with the way things were done in the past. Probably one of the greatest hurdles to restore has been the faith of our members and other stakeholders in what LEEASA should stand for and what the new board of director’s aim was for the industry and all stakeholders as a whole.”

Introducing change

The updating of the association’s logos and introduction of a new website were the first signs that change was taking place, says board vice-chair, Surita Marx. “The website is not only indicative of the change but also presents LEEASA to the industry in a new and different way. It is an important channel for us to engage with our members.” Agenbag agrees to say it is a platform that showcases that LEEASA has changed and will continue to grow as it aims to be a strong voice for the industry focused on positive developments. According to Graham, the website is the first point of call. “We have managed to achieve a lot including the implementation of the new MOI that is clearly defined and ensures that all directors act in the best interests of the association, our members and the industry as a whole,” he says. “Our goal is to be the voice of the industry and offer support to all stakeholders. This is something we need to be cognitive of at all times, we are here, not for us or for any individual in particular,

but we are here for our members as a whole.” According to Agenbag, having identified that the board are there to serve the industry and registered professionals, several internal changes had to take place as well including systems, applications, membership processes, and CPD services, to mention a few. “We are putting our strong drive into the right direction, and have achieved by maintaining and bettering LEEASA for the future to be accepted, seen, and giving valueadded service to the industry.” “One of our main objectives was to open up meaningful conversation between LEEASA, the Department of Employment & Labour and ECSA, as there is no evidence that this had taken place before the new board or at least hasn’t occurred in several years,” says Graham. “We successfully hosted a meeting and are happy to say that meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders is taking place. This will allow us to work closely together for the better of the industry as a whole.” The board also embarked on a campaign to give back to members and has allocated R120 000 for the up-skilling of members. This bursary scheme is the first of its kind for a voluntary association in the local lifting industry.

Going forward

Whilst much has been achieved, there are still some challenges to overcome, says Davis. “Having set out goals and timelines we have achieved most of what we set out to do to date.” “We are on track and we are committed to continuing what we have started and are now starting to look at the future.” There is agreement amongst the board that growing the association is at the centre of its strategy and will remain the focus for the next few years. Keeping members happy, meeting their needs and lobbying with stakeholders to address industry challenges are all part of the process.

Director (Chairman): Ashley Davis ashley@leeasa.co.za Director (Vice Chair) : Surita Marx surita@leeasa.co.za

Director : Kyle Graham kyle@leeasa.co.za

CPD registration as a service provider and courses that could be given, continuing dialogue with the government and ECSA is also important. “We need to also be involved in cleaning up our industry,” says Blignaut. The opportunities for LEEASA are endless, says Graham. “As the go-to association for the lifting industry, we have grabbed the bull by the horns and are actively exploring new opportunities for the association that will add value to our members.” “These new opportunities will be explored more and if they are found to bring benefit - we will execute and bring that value to the association.”

You can be the next forklift champion!

In an effort to promote the importance of Forklift Operation and operators in the Supply chain and Logistics industry

Lifting Africa and LEEASA (Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA) is hosting a Forklift Driver competition

Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA, +27 (0) 79 658 5602, during Electra Mining Africa. The event will provide forklift operators with an opportunity to prove their driving skills, compete with others around Johannesburg, win prize money as well as achieving recognition as a admin@leeasa.co.za champion. www.leeasa.co.za

Entries are open for all operators who have a valid Forklift license and can drive either a reach truck or a counterbal anced Forklift Truck in racking. The focus of the competition is on accurate, safe driving skills and knowledge, not on speed. Competitors start with a score of 0 and receive points for errors made, whereas the participant with the lowest number of points becomes the winner.

All participants will receive a certificate of participation, with the winner(s) receiving a

R20 000 worth prize as well as a trophy. The first round of heats for counterbalanced forklift operation will be an online test to assess entrants’ practical skills, theoretical knowledge, attitude and efficiency Lifting

Africa and LEEASA want to assist in promoting the importance of inspection, safety and training and reward the safest forklift drivers at Electra Mining Africa.

You can be the next forklift champion!

Lifting Africa and LEEASA (Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA) is hosting a Forklift Driver competition during Electra Mining Africa. Sponsorship opportunities (only one per industry) The event will provide forklift operators with an opportunity to prove their driving skills, compete with others around Johannesburg, win prize money as well as achieving recognition as a champion. Forklift Company – sponsor the forklifts Racking ad Shelving Company - sponsor one of the practical driving tests Pallet Company - supplying all pallets and containers PPE – who will ensure that all those competing for the Forklift Operator competition are suitably attired Logistics Company – logistic partner Training company – will be an online test to assess entrants’ practical skills, theoretical knowledge, attitude and efficiency, Inspection Company - Pre-Use inspection test Sponsorship opportunities availableLoad testing company - to conduct load testing Forklift Attachment Company Tyre Company Battery Company

Endorsed by SAPICS: Sponsors: