SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION AND THE AFRICAN ELECTROTECHNICAL STANDARDIZATION COMMISSION (SANC/IEC/AFSEC) DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 25 August 2015- V2.0
CONTENTS SECRETARIAT OVERVIEW... 3 1. STRATEGIC DIRECTION... 4 1.1. WHAT DOES A SUCCESSFUL SANC LOOK LIKE IN 2018?... 4 2. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES... 4 2.1 MANDATE... 4 3. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS... 5 3.1 WHERE ARE WE NOW?... 5 3.2 WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?... 5 3.3 HOW CAN WE GET THERE?... 6 4. STRATEGIES... 6 4.1 MAKING SANC IEC THE HOME OF INDUSTRY [a1]... 6 4.2 LEADERSHIP IN EMERGING MARKETS AND TECHNOLOGIES [a2]... 7 4.3 EXPANDING THE AUDIENCE [a3]... 7 4.4 RAISING THE MARKET PROFILE [a4]... 7 4.5 ANTICIPATING MARKET NEEDS [b1]... 8 4.6 SYSTEMS AND SECTORAL APPROACHES [b2]... 8 4.7 MIRROR COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION AND OPERATIONS [d1]... 9 4.8 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT GOVERNANCE AND PARTICIPATION [d2]... 9 4.9 CONTINUITY IN THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF IEC EXPERTS AND LEADERS [e1]... 9 4.10 FINANCIAL STABILITY [f1]... 9 4.11 DEVELOPMENT OF THE IEC AND AFSEC FAMILY [f3]... 9 5. OPERATIONAL MODEL... 10 6. RESOURCES... 11 7. PERFORMANCE PLAN (2015)... 11 2
SECRETARIAT OVERVIEW The existence of a National [Electrotechnical] Committee is mandated by the IEC as a condition of membership, to be representative of the National stakeholders in the electrotechnical sector. This mandate aligns with the SABS s mandate to fully engage with relevant stakeholders in developing National Standards and results in the SABS-SANC agreement to fulfil the requirement of IEC membership without deviating for the mandate of the SABS through the Standards Act. AFSEC has modelled its structure on that of the IEC, with its Statutory [voting] members being the same National Committees that are either members of IEC or otherwise NECs through the IEC affiliate programme. The day to day activities of SANC of voting and commenting on IEC and AFSEC Council documents are administered by the NC Secretariat., which provides the same support in respective of voting and commenting on the working documents for the mirror committee of the IEC and AFSEC committees where South Africa holds membership. The responses to these documents represent the bare minimum of SANC s responsibilities as a member of both commissions. The extent to which SANC will evolve in line with the strategies set out herein, will depend on the value-added perceived by the stakeholder organizations represented in SANC. The resources available directly from SABS via the NC secretariat are limited. Prior to this strategic plan being developed, there was no consideration of developing an annual budget for activities and programmes of SANC itself. Such a budget is unlikely to be financed with additional funds from the SABS, and will need to be sourced from SANC members organizations and other stakeholders with an interest in promoting electrotechnical standardization. Where SANC collaborates with other NECs in Africa, e.g. through AFSEC capacity building programmes, IEC may also support such activities through, for example funding of travel of international experts and training material. 3
1. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1.1. WHAT DOES A SUCCESSFUL SANC LOOK LIKE IN 2018? Key criteria SANC is a leading stakeholder group for National electrotechnical standardization SANC is SABS management s primary source of advice for National electrotechnical standardization SABS Board is aware of SANC s role and values its regular input SANC membership is effective and relevant SANC partners effectively with other institutions (e.g. NC of Cigre, NSTF, DST, CSIR, SANEDI.) SANC examines all new outputs of IEC MSB (white papers) and formalizes timely advice to SABS on potential National impact and interests SANC consideration of support for and involvement in new IEC and AFSEC TCs and SCs is well considered An appropriate budget for SANC participation in IEC and AFSEC activities is available 2. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 2.1 MANDATE IEC perspective The SANC represents South Africa s electrotechnical interests in the IEC's management, standardization and Conformity Assessment work. The SANC is therefore the focal point for developing a consensus position for South Africa. The relationship between the SABS and SANC is formerly defined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the committee and the SABS. As a member of the IEC, SANC should represent all of South Africa s stakeholders in its interactions with the IEC. SANC is the point of contact for South Africa and it is therefore responsible for coordinating the national opinion on IEC issues. As a Member of the IEC, SANC, and by extension the SABS, has committed to: abide by the IEC Statutes and Rules of Procedure. promote the objectives of the IEC. support the IEC's work. implement the IEC's International Standards as national or regional standards. open access to and have balanced representation from all private and public electrotechnical interests in their country. 4
prevent unauthorized reproduction or distribution of IEC International Standards or publications in South Africa. AFSEC perspective Being a statutory member of AFSEC, the National Committee s commitments are similar to those required by members of the IEC. The primary commitment is to adopt as National Standards, the standards approved by AFSEC for common adoption, where relevant and appropriate for South Africa. As the most active IEC member in Africa, there is an expectation from other AFSEC members to provide leadership and support to develop AFSEC though assigning South Africa experts with IEC experience to AFSEC committees. 3. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 3.1 WHERE ARE WE NOW? 3.2 WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE? Although South Africa has limited technical resources to be able to influence IEC standards, and in general South African industry is a standards taker, there are niche areas where South African expertise can and should support and influence the development of IEC standards for the benefit of South African industry. By extension, collaboration at a regional level with other National committees in Africa through AFSEC may stimulate the increased application of IEC standards in the region, to the benefit of South Africa, in particular in the areas of conformity assessment. Because, SANC is almost totally dependent on the finances of the SABS, through the budget of the Department of Trade and Industry, for its representation in the work of in IEC and 5
AFSEC, SANC needs to demonstrate value to the SABS, and be clearly recognized as a legitimate entity representing South African standardization needs in the electrotechnical sector. 3.3 HOW CAN WE GET THERE? Guided by the actions proposed in clause 4, an annual action plan for SANC should be prepared, including budgetary requirements and submitted to the SABS, to guide the overall SABS action plan and budget. The SABS Executive Standards to guide SANC on the timing of such a report. The SANC Secretariat and individual member to be held accountable for specific actions and deliverables. Such actions and deliverables to be recorded in writing and where necessary communicated to the organizations /employers of the affected SANC members. 4. STRATEGIES NOTE These strategies are interpreted from the relevant strategies as set out in the IEC 2011 Master Plan. The equivalent clause number from the IEC master plan is in brackets. 4.1 MAKING SANC IEC THE HOME OF INDUSTRY [a1] SANC will enhance its position as SA s natural home, the platform of choice for all standardization and conformity assessment needs in the electrotechnical community in South Africa. enhancing the influence of stakeholders in the technical and management work; supporting local stakeholders in securing proper representation of national electrotechnical interests; further developing the IEC brand and promoting the Commission nationally as the leading world-wide platform for international electrotechnical standardization and related conformity assessment matters; enhancing the value of the outputs of the Market Strategy Board increasing visibility of the SANC among all key stakeholders; extending co-operation with other South African institutions to better serve complex markets. 6
4.2 LEADERSHIP IN EMERGING MARKETS AND TECHNOLOGIES [a2] If and when appropriate, SANC will seek early leadership in any emerging market sectors of significance to the South African economy improve early warning of market trends by strengthening the involvement and influence of SANC in emerging-technology R&D in academia as well as industry; initiate forums and workshops for key emerging market sectors to identify issues and needs, to roadmap future actions co-operate directly with local consortia for them to be informed how to use the IEC for transforming their industry specifications into consensus 4.3 EXPANDING THE AUDIENCE [a3] SANC will substantially increase the involvement from governmental and other regulatory bodies and end-user groups establish a continuous and systematic dialogue with regulators promote awareness of IEC standards that may be used as the basis for technical regulations ; and develop roadmaps to facilitate early SANC involvement in such standards under development whenever appropriate; promote recognition of the SANC s strategic value in support of public policy objectives, and of the benefits to end-users and society in general; enhancing the representation of end-user and consumer interests; support AFSEC in identifying standards that can support continental objectives, and use SANC s membership of AFSEC to enhance direct influence on such standards that may affect South Africa/ the region. 4.4 RAISING THE MARKET PROFILE [a4] SANC will raise its profile at the highest levels of both private and public market sectors, persuading key participants of its strategic value in the South African industry. 7
enhance direct communications with leaders in industry, business and government, particularly through personal contacts of SANC members create targeted marketing packages promoting the SANC s strategic value for specific market segments, including small and medium-size enterprises; establish /enhance and expand the relationship with academia, in business and management schools as well as engineering establishments, to educate tomorrow s leaders target relevant audiences at conferences, symposia and workshops to promote SANC Seek /lobby for leadership in new and topical market sectors 4.5 ANTICIPATING MARKET NEEDS [b1] SANC will strongly reinforce its technology- and market-watch functions, both through the Individual members and their membership of specialized groups. emphasize the members key roles in gathering technical and market trend information at national and regional levels, and in feeding that information to SANC/SABS establish a continuous technology- and market-watch mechanism within the SANC to act as a sounding board for the SABS and allow optimal prioritization of technical work; use workshops/symposia, roadmapping and technical/academic papers to identify new technologies, as well as soliciting input from relevant personnel in industry, including young professionals; ensure closer contacts with consortia and other industry forums for early identification of and action on standardization needs in fast-moving technologies; 4.6 SYSTEMS AND SECTORAL APPROACHES [b2] SANC will promote the use of systems and sectoral approaches in appropriate areas of its standardization and conformity assessment activities. Promote the use of the systems approach throughout the technical community to ensure that highly complex market sectors can be properly addressed and supported; identify new technical areas and anticipate emerging markets/technologies that require a systems approach; advice the SABS on enhancements to the National TC/SC structure and mirror committee liaison for improved functionality, notably to improve coordination on issues that cross traditional boundaries; organize workshops/symposia to develop understanding of and more clearly define processes for a systems approach to standardization. 8
4.7 MIRROR COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION AND OPERATIONS [d1] SANC will propose mechanisms to support, evaluate and improve the structure, representation and sustainable operations of all IEC and AFSEC mirror Committees. 4.8 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT GOVERNANCE AND PARTICIPATION [d2] SANC will assess the value of each IEC conformity assessment systems/schemes and advise industry and the SABS on appropriate participation by South Africa in the CA systems. 4.9 CONTINUITY IN THE QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY OF IEC EXPERTS AND LEADERS [e1] IEC will continuously strive to secure the long-term interest, motivation and availability of its market experts and current as well as future leaders. emphasize the importance of engaging experienced leaders, particularly from among standards users in industry, to secure the availability of highly qualified, market-oriented expertise throughout the IEC s management and operational structures; Assist SABS to further develop relationships and relevant coursework with universities, business and engineering schools as the primary source of future National experts, mirror committee members give experts the means and tools to promote the value of their IEC and AFSEC work to top management in their own companies or organizations, including recognition of their achievements; ensure maximize use the IEC young professionals programme in collaboration with the SAIEE, and sustained follow-up and mentoring of IEC young professionals candidates ensure the provision to experts of information about the tools and services available for the IEC. 4.10 FINANCIAL STABILITY [f1] SANC will support the SABS in seeking ways to widen sources of revenue and ensure the long-term financial support for SANC s membership of IEC and AFSEC. 4.11 DEVELOPMENT OF THE IEC AND AFSEC FAMILY [f3] SANC will seek to enhance participation in IEC and AFSEC work by developing countries in Africa, and to encourage adoption of IEC standards at a regional and continental level. 9
Offer support to National Committees in smaller and developing countries in Africa, including through twinning or mentoring arrangements with SANC Support the IEC s support for developing countries in Africa through providing experts for training, seminars or other means; Encourage African countries not yet active in AFSEC to become members 5. OPERATIONAL MODEL Structure of the South African National Committee (SANC) In South Africa, the National Committee is structured as a committee under the legal protection of the SABS, and the SABS acts as an agent of SANC to meet several of the commitments to IEC, as set out in the SANC-SABS agreement (2009) [Annex A]. Specifically, with regard to the following commitments implement the IEC's International Standards as national or regional standards.. through the consideration of IEC publications in the programme of work of relevant National standards committees, open access to and have balanced representation from all private and public electrotechnical interests in their country.. through establishment of mirror committees in liaison with relevant national standard committees, and prevent unauthorized reproduction or distribution of IEC International Standards or publications in their country., through policies and procedures of the SABS Standards Information and Sales Department. The National Committee Secretary is given controlled access to watermarked copies which may be used for study purposes. Locally, the NC secretary imposes strict limitations on the use of watermarked copies of IEC publications by national mirror committees for study purposes. In 2012, SANC approved the SANC/IEC stakeholder engagement strategy [Annex B], which contained several short term goals; largely these have been achieved during 2013-2014. In 2014, the SANC rules were revised to formally recognise SANC as the South African member of AFSEC [Annex C] This strategy and associated action plan, for implementation through 2016-2018 is aimed at Continued implementation of the IEC Master plan [Annex D] Maximizing value from IEC and AFSEC membership for SANC stakeholders, including in particular the SABS/DTI, as its sole sponsor Creating awareness among other potential sponsors of experts in IEC work of potential value to South Africa (NRF, DS&T, CSIR...) 10
Establishing stronger links between relevant IEC mirror committees and local research programmes and projects. Recognition of SANC as an advisory forum for SABS in the field of electrotechnology, in particular to enable proactive National standardization. Specific areas that may need consideration in a future strategy Increased collaboration among stakeholders to effectively respond to increased systems approach of IEC - SEGs, System committees Effective, value-added participation in the IEC conformity assessment systems, including the new IECRE Maximizing the use of technology for South African participation in IEC and AFSEC meetings 6. RESOURCES The Staff of the SANC secretariat are two full time SABS employees, operating within the International Relations and Strategic Partnerships Department of the Standards Division:. A P7 Grade staff member employed as Electrotechnical Specialist functions as the National Committee Secretary, supported by a P11 staff member functioning as National Committee Administrator. NOTE The contract for the NC Secretary functionary ends in March 2016, hence, SANC requires the SABS to appoint a successor to fulfil that role and to drive the implementation of this strategy. The SANC members each rely on their own/their company s resources to attend SANC meetings and act in a voluntary capacity for any additional tasks required of them as SANC members. SABS makes its meeting room facilities available to SANC. The financial resources required for SANC s membership of IEC are provided by SABS; in reciprocation, being a committee of SABS, the SABS retains any income resulting from sale of IEC standards and adoption of IEC standards in South Africa. 7. PERFORMANCE PLAN (2015) Lobby SABS for timely appointment of a successor for the NC secretary in 2016. Hold a SANC strategic workshop, to finalize this 2015-2018 strategic plan, to o Seek agreement on the priority actions for remainder of financial year 2015/16 o Agree a performance plan and budget for 2016/17. NOTE It is to be expected that the budgetary requirements will need to be financed by a number of stakeholders, inside and outside the SANC membership. 11