The South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) and the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) have launched FM FORWARD, a joint initiative to advance the professional recognition of facilities management in South Africa.
SAFMA President, Batabile Sibaca, says FM FORWARD represents a major step towards statutory professional recognition for facilities management. “As a Recognised Voluntary Association, SAFMA is facilitating the process of Professional Categorisation of facilities management under the SACQSP.
“The initiative aims to strengthen professional standards, give the sector a stronger voice in national policy and drive greater recognition of the vital role facilities management plays across South Africa’s built environment.”
SAFMA was founded in 1998 and has evolved significantly over the years, growing from a voluntary association into an established professional body.
“SAFMA became a Section 21 company in 2011 and was recognised as a professional body by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in 2013. This recognition as a non-statutory professional body was renewed in 2023. Today, SAFMA maintains four registered professional designations, ranging from Certified Facilities Practitioner to Accredited Facilities Professional,” adds Sibaca.
These designations provide a framework for demonstrating competence and commitment to ongoing professional development. Members are required to adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and maintain their professional development through continuing professional development (CPD).
Arthur Quphe, President of SACQSP says FM FORWARD is about taking the next important step for the profession. “Facilities management is fundamental to the effective, safe and sustainable operation of the environments in which people live, work and conduct business. This initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen the profession’s standing and ensure its voice is heard in shaping national policy.”
The initiative comes at a time when SAFMA is strengthening its own governance and leadership structures, expanding its provincial reach and deepening its focus on sustainability, technology, education and governance.
“With an established national membership base, international links through Global FM, professional designations and a growing network of practitioners and organisations, SAFMA is well positioned to help lead the sector forward. FM FORWARD is an opportunity to build a more robust and future-focused profession for South Africa,” concludes Sibaca.
