Theme 7

Question 1

What does VA stand for?

Answer 1

Voluntary Associations

Question 2

Which section is the list of VA recognized by the council from?

Answer 2

Section 25(3), Engineering Professions Act, 2000

Question 3

What are VAs are generally?

Answer 3

•Formed by members who come together voluntarily for the benefit of a
discipline
• Constituted by members who work as a matter of choice, not by force
• Constituted by members who can continue for duration of choice as long as
responsibilities are met
• Constituted by members who can leave by choice
• Managed and governed by a constitution drawn up by the members
• Office bearers hold office for a period/term and may be under contract

Question 4

Define VA:

Answer 4

VAs are generally associations formed by a group of individuals who voluntarily enter into an agreement to form a body (or organisation) to work together for the benefit of a discipline or sub-discipline.

Question 5

Who are VAs in SA regulated by?

Answer 5

regulated by ECSA and have to satisfy criteria as per the Engineering Professions Act to be a recognised VA.

Question 6

Define association:

Answer 6

Definition of ‘association’ as per the Engineering Professions Act, 2000, means an institute, institution, association, society or federation established by engineering practitioners to promote their collective professional and/or business interests

Question 7

Define Voluntary Association as stated in the Engineering Professions Act, 2000:

Answer 7

Definition of ‘Voluntary Association’ within the engineering discipline as per the
Engineering Professions Act, 2000, means an association recognised by the
Engineering Council as a voluntary association in terms of section 25(3)

Question 8

How many categories are there of VAs?

Answer 8

2 namely, category A and Category B

Question 9

What is category A of VAs?

Answer 9

Associations whose membership consists of natural persons, and are,
Practicing in any particular discipline or sub-discipline of engineering
Practising in any particular category of registration contemplated in the Engineering
Professions Act, 2000.

Question 10

What is category B of VAs?

Answer 10

Association whose membership consists of juristic persons, including sole proprietors,
who are engaged in carrying out work of an engineering nature.

Question 11

What are the possible membership grades ithin a VA?

Answer 11

• Student member
• Associate member
• Member
• Senior member
• Honorary member, life or fellow (mostly based on exceptional contribution to
the profession or discipline)

Question 12

What is your membership category mostly dependent on?

Answer 12

• Educational Background (Basic & higher)

* Professional Experience

Question 13

Are the membership fees the same?

Answer 13

No, they vary depending on membership grade

Question 14

What are the benefits for student grade memberships (depending on VA)?

Answer 14

• Industry contacts
• Bursary information
• Lectures on latest development within disciplines

Question 15

What are the benefits for other grade memberships (depending on VA)?

Answer 15

• Mentors
• Business networks
• CPD activities such as lectures on latest development within disciplines
• Reduced professional registration fees