LONG OVERDUE RECOGNITION OF PROCESS CONTROLLERS

By Dr Lester Goldman,

Regulation 3630 came into effect on 30 June 2023, announcing that all water and wastewater works must be overseen by someone who has the relevant qualifications and experience to ensure compliance and best practice principles. This is a major step in recognising class 5 and class 6 process controllers as professionals, similar to engineers and scientists.

Process controllers will need to register with WISA, the custodian of the professional process controller designation. WISA will assist process controllers in maintaining their professional status by honing their skills. In addition, we will provide guidance and support to new entrants into the field.

Professionalisation

WISA has, for many years, advocated for the professionalisation of key positions within the water sector and are excited and encouraged by Regulation 3630. It adds a layer of accountability to the day-to-day operations of South Africa’s water and wastewater treatment works. Professionalisation standardises the education and training required for an occupation. This means that the public can at least anticipate the standard of the service provided. Professionalising key positions within the water sector will ensure that the right person is in the right job and, once they are in that job, they are professional. It will narrow down nepotism and political appointments. This can be done by simply identifying key legislation that needs to be changed.

A key way the public can hold a person within our industry accountable is if they belong to a professional body. A professional body such as WISA looks after the professional needs and reputation of its members. If one of our member’s actions lack integrity and tarnish the reputation of our industry and profession, we are obliged to act and remove the process controller’s professional registration.

Every time a lack of capacity and competence is mentioned, training is required. WISA, LGSETA and EWSETA will work together with experts to ensure that all process controllers receive the required training to gain and maintain a professional status.

Regulation 3630 empowers both process controllers and members of the public. It presents process controllers with an opportunity to forge a career as well as constantly upskill themselves and will play an important role in improving water and wastewater services for the public. This is about improvement. All water and wastewater institutions must be compliant with Regulations 3630 by 30 June 2025.