Welcome

South African Engineers and Founders Association

The SA Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA) represents the interests of hundreds of member companies in the metal and engineering industry. These companies range in size from very small employers to large multinational organisations. SAEFA not only offers a wide range of direct services to member companies but also represents the interests of our members at both industry and national levels. 

SAEFA’s direct services to member companies, available at a reduced fee to these companies compared to what a non-member company would pay in the market, include assistance on all matters affecting the relationship between themselves and their employees/trade unions – for example:

  • Dispute resolution, conciliation, mediation and arbitration services 
  • Advice, assistance, consultancy and training on labour legislation, employment conditions and all other Industrial Relations matters
  • Assistance is also provided with health and safety matters, broad-based black economic empowerment, contract price adjustments and skills development through our affiliate organisations

For full information on these services contact SAEFA’s Executive Director, Gordon Angus, at gordon@saefa.co.za. 

SAEFA also represents the interests of our member companies in all industry negotiations with the industry’s trade unions, not only on wages and other conditions of employment but also on the industry’s benefit funds which provide benefits to employees such as pensions, permanent disability and sick pay benefits. SAEFA has its own seats at the MEIBC, participating directly in all activities there.

Being a member of SAEFA allows you to have a direct say in what happens in your industry.

 

News

Preparing for Arbitration at the CCMA or Bargaining Council: 17 May 2023

2 May 2023

Are you looking to improve your skills in arbitration preparation?  Join us for our upcoming workshop on Preparing for Arbitration at the CCMA or Bargaining Council.  Our expert instructors will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively prepare for any arbitration proceeding. 

You will learn how to develop case strategies, organize evidence, and construct persuasive arguments.  This workshop is essential for all small business owners, HR personnel and anyone involved in the arbitration process. 

For more information and to book your seat, please see the flyer below:

SAEFA Preparing for an Arbitration flyer

Notice of increase in Council levies and Updated Information Note

22 March 2023

Please see attached circulars from the MEIBC notifying the industry of an increase in the Admin and Dispute Levies, with effect from 1 April 2023.

Please contact me should you have any queries.

Industry Circular No 2023 - 01 Dispute Resolution Agreement - Revised

Industry Circular No 2023 - 02 Registration and Administration Expenses Collective Agreement

MEIBC-MIBFA LEVIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT 1 APRIL 2023

NOTICE OF SAFTU'S PLANNED PARTICIPATION IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROTEST ACTION ON 20 MARCH 2023

 13 March 2023

It has been widely reported in the media that the Economic Freedom Fighters (the EFF) intends on embarking on protest action on Monday, 20 March 2023, demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load shedding. 

Members are advised that the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has indicated that they will be joining the protest and that their application to Nedlac has been approved (see attached documentation).  Participation in the socio-economic protest action will therefore be protected and any employees that choose to participate may not be disciplined for doing so.

Effective Workplace Discipline: Getting It Right, From Counselling to Dismissals

7 March 2023

Section 185 of the Labour Relations Act gives all employees the right not to be unfairly dismissed.  Yet many employers still make fundamental mistakes when taking corrective action against their employees. As an employer, there is nothing more frustrating than having to compensate or reinstate an employee who has broken your rules. The key to successful workplace discipline starts with understanding the principles of progressive discipline and ensuring you know the procedural requirements to ensure fairness. 

All too often, employers are ill prepared when taking disciplinary action against troublesome employees, particularly when it comes to conducting disciplinary enquiries. Even if you have experienced expert consultants available to chair such enquiries, things will not go your way unless you prepare thoroughly and present a well prepared, structured case to maximize your chances of success.

SAEFA is running a one-day workshop to guide employers through the discipline provisions of the Labour Relations Act on Thursday, 23 March 2023.  For more information and to book your seat, please see the  flyer below:

Workplace Discipline Flyer and Booking Form 23 March 2023

Please also note that the workshop can be run in-house – contact Gordon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.