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SADCA Annual Report 2015
Annual Report of the SADC
Cooperation in Accreditation
(SADCA)
January – December 2015
A Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structure of the Southern
African Development Cooperation (SADC)
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
This Annual Report was compiled by the SADCA Secretariat.
CONTACT DETAILS - SADCA Secretariat:
Telephone: +27 12 740 8420 / +27 12 740 8419
Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Web: www.sadca.org
121 Muckleneuk Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Private Bag X23, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0132, South Africa
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT SADCA ................................................................................................................. 4
CHAIRPERSON’S OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 13
SADCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ................................................................................... 17
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ............................................................................................... 18 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE .................................................................. 19
SADCA’S KEY PROGRAMMES ......................................................................................... 21
PERFORMANCE PROGRESS AGAINST MEASURABLE 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN: 2015/16 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................... 23
UNAUDITED FINANCES: FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2015 ................. 32
FUTURE PLANS.............................................................................................................. 34
2016/17 PERFORMANCE TARGETS .............................................................................. 35
THE SADC ACCREDITATION BODY REPORTS ............................................................... 37 MAURITIUS ACCREDITATION SERVICE (MAURITAS) .............................................................. 33 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ACCREDITATION SYSTEM (SANAS) ............................................ 38 SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY ACCREDITATION SERVICE (SADCAS) ..... 44 ANGOLA ................................................................................................................................... 58 BOTSWANA .............................................................................................................................. 60 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ........................................................................................ 64 LESOTHO .................................................................................................................................. 66 MADAGASCAR .......................................................................................................................... 67 MALAWI ................................................................................................................................... 69 MOZAMBIQUE .......................................................................................................................... 72 NAMIBIA .................................................................................................................................. 75 REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES ...................................................................................................... 77 SWAZILAND ............................................................................................................................. 81 TANZANIA ................................................................................................................................ 86 ZAMBIA .................................................................................................................................... 87 ZIMBABWE ............................................................................................................................... 91
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION ............................................................................... 94
REGIONAL PARTICIPATION .......................................................................................... 95
AFRICAN ACCREDITATION COOPERATION ................................................................. 95
INTER-AMERICAN ACCREDITATION COOPERATION ................................................... 99
ASIA PACIFIC LABORATORY ACCREDITATION COOPERATION ................................. 101
SADCA DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS ............................................................................. 103 THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (Dti) ................................. 103 PHYSIKALISCH TECHNISCHE BUNDESANSTALT, GERMANY .................................................. 103
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
ABOUT SADCA
The Southern African Development Community Cooperation in
Accreditation (SADCA) is a Cooperation of accreditation bodies in the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. SADCA
shall coordinate accreditation activities in the region and facilitate
the national, regional and international recognition and acceptance of
SADC accreditation infrastructure providing Member States with
accreditation as a tool for facilitating trade and the protection of
health and safety of the public and the environment in both the
voluntary and regulatory areas.
SADCA is a Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structure
established under the TBT Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade (see
Article 15 A).
The following SADC Member States have Country Representatives
that participate in SADCA’s activities:
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho,
Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of
South Africa, Republic of Seychelles, Swaziland, Republic of Tanzania,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.
OUR MISSION
- Develop and maintain mutual confidence amongst
Accreditation Bodies in the SADC region and internationally;
- Achieve and maintain uniformity of accreditation activities in
the SADC region and internationally;
- Promote and facilitate the use of accreditation as a tool for
national governments in the removal of technical barriers to
trade and protection of health, safety and the environment in
both the voluntary and regulatory areas;
- Promote consistent application of accreditation standards and
facilitate their implementation;
- Ensure the provision of regional accreditation cooperation
services which are independent, impartial, transparent, non-
discriminatory and achieve and maintain a high level of
integrity and confidentiality whilst ensuring ethical
operations;
- Facilitate access to current databases of recognised
Accreditation Bodies within the region and internationally.
CORE FUNCTIONS
- Facilitate the implementation of effective collaboration
amongst accreditation bodies and any other institutions
dealing with accreditation in the region;
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
- Coordinate SADC projects on accreditation;
- Represent SADC, participate and liaise with the African Accreditation
Cooperation (AFRAC);
- Facilitate capacity development in the region in the area of accreditation;
- Coordinate inputs to and liaise with regional and international organisations
concerned with accreditation, such as the International Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum
(IAF); and
- Establish, manage and maintain a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)
between Accreditation Bodies in the region within the framework of and
consistent with global MRAs.
SADCA MEMBERSHIP
SADCA has four categories of Membership namely: Arrangement Members, Ordinary
Members, Associate Members and Stakeholder Members.
Arrangement Members
Arrangement Membership shall be open to: a Member Accreditation Body who has
successfully met the SADCA requirements to be a signatory to the SADCA MRA.
Ordinary Members
Ordinary Membership of SADCA shall be open to: the government recognised
Accreditation Bodies of SADC Member States, and National Accreditation Focal points
(NAFPs) nominated by a Member State’s government where National Accreditation
Bodies do not exist.
Associate Members
Associate Membership shall be open to Accreditation Bodies of non-SADC states with
objectives similar to those of SADCA, subject to the prior approval of the SADCA
General Assembly.
Stakeholder Members
Stakeholder Membership shall be open to: Industry associations, government
representatives, conformity assessment body associations, other regional and
international cooperations in accreditation, representatives from other SADC TBT
Cooperation Structures such as SADCMEL, SADCMET, SADCSTAN, SADCTRLC and any
other SADC Committee with an interest in accreditation e.g. the SADC Committee on
SPS/Food Safety and the SADC sector specific committees.
SADCA ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
General Assembly
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
The General Assembly (GA) is the policy making organ of the SADCA comprising of all
Members of the Cooperation.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee (EXCO) is the body responsible for implementation of
SADCA policy as defined by the GA
Mutual Recognition Arrangement Council
The SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Council is the body that is
responsible to make decisions on the acceptance of applications to the SADCA MRA,
the granting, maintenance, suspension and withdrawal of Memberships from the
MRA. The MRA Council also reviews peer evaluation report findings.
Mutual Recognition Arrangement Committee
The SADCA MRA Committee is the body that is responsible to plan and manage the
implementation and maintenance of SADCA’s MRAs. The MRA Committee is also
responsible to establish the criteria to qualify peer evaluators and lead evaluators, as
well as plan and monitor the peer evaluation process.
Technical Committee
The Technical Committee (TC) and its’ sub-Committees is the body that implements
SADCA’s technical mandate in the following accreditation areas: laboratories (testing
and calibration), inspection and certification.
Administrative Committees
The Administrative Committees are responsible for the Cooperation’s various
administrative activities, namely Marketing and Communication Committee and
Finances.
Secretariat and Regional Coordinator
The day-to day running of SADCA is undertaken by the Secretariat, which is headed by
a Regional Coordinator. The Secretariat and Regional Coordinator function is
provided by a SADC Member State institution hosts the Secretariat and provides the
Regional Coordinator function.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT AND
REGIONAL COORDINATOR
MRA COMMITTEE
MRA COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES
TECHNICAL SUB COMMITTEES
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA OFFICE BEARERS
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA Chair Mr Viki Kanama
MRA Committee Chair Mr Ron Josias
Technical Committee Chair Mr Pilot Masunga
Marketing and Communication Committee Chair
Mrs Sybil Dlamini
SADCA Vice Chair VACANT Regional Coordinator
Dr Elsabe Steyn
SADCA Secretariat Ms Nonhlanhla Halimana
SADCA Secretariat Ms Fikile Skosana
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA DOCUMENTS
SADCA publicly available documents can be accessed from the SADCA website under
the ‘Publications’ section. If further information is required kindly contact the SADCA
Secretariat. The SADCA document are categorised as follows:
- Administrative Documents;
- Forms;
- Mandatory Publications;
- MRA Publications;
- Technical Publications;
- Procedures; and
- Guidance Documents.
The Secretariat SADCA has the following documents available on the website under the
publications page, http://www.sadca.org/?page_id=31 :
Administration Documents
- A001-05 SADCA Bylaws;
- A002-02 SADCA Quality Manual;
- A003-01 AFRAC-SADCA Technical Cooperation Agreement;
- A004-01 Guidelines for the use of the SADCA Logo;
- A005-01 SADCA Code of Ethics;
- A006-01 SADCA 5 Year Business Plan;
- A007-01 SADCA Executive Committee Terms of Reference;
- A009-03 SADCA Executive Committee 2015/16 Workplan;
- A010-01 SADCA Technical Committee Terms of Reference;
A011-03 SADCA Technical Committee 2015/16 Workplan;
- A0012-01 SADCA MRA Committee Terms of Reference;
- A0013-03 SADCA MRA Committee 2015/16 Workplan; and
- A014-01 SADCA Secretariat Procedure.
Forms
- F001-01 SADCA Checklist for the selection of trainee evaluators;
- F002-01 SADCA Document Comments Form;
- F003-01 SADCA Application for Ordinary Membership;
- F004-01 SADCA Application for Associate Membership;
- F005-01 SADCA Application for Stakeholder Membership;
- F006-01 SADCA Declaration of Confidentiality and Impartiality;
- F007-01 SADCA MRA Application Form
- F008-01 SADCA Template for Findings, AB Responses and Evaluation Teams
Reactions;
- F010-01 SADCA List of Witnessed Assessments Form;
- F011-01 SADCA Internal Audit Report Form;
- F012-01 SADCA Team Performance by Evaluated AB Form;
- F013-01 Review of Application for SADCA Peer Evaluator;
- F014-01 SADCA Witness Report;
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
- F015-01 SADCA Performance Log for Team Member;
- F021-01 SADCA Peer Evaluation Team Appointment and Mandate;
- F023-01 SADCA Internal Audit Findings, Responses and Reactions Form;
- F024-01 SADCA Performance Log for Team Leader;
- F025-01 SADCA Check Report on Application;
- F026-01 SADCA Checklist for Peer Evaluation;
- F027-01 SADCA Evaluation Program Template; and
- F028-01 SADCA Peer Evaluators CV Form.
MRA Publications
- M001-01 SADCA Policies and Procedures for an MRA Among ABs; and
- M002-01 SADCA MRA.
Procedure
- M001-01 SADCA Policies and Procedures for an MRA Among ABs; and
- M002-01 SADCA MRA.
- P001-01 SADCA Membership Admission Procedure;
- P002-01 SADCA Appeals and Complaints Procedure;
- P003-01 SADCA Document Control Procedure;
- P006-01 SADCA Management Review Procedure;
- P007-01 SADCA Internal Audit Procedure;
- P008-01 SADCA Transfer of Responsibilities-Qualifications for Positions;
- P009-01 SADCA Procedure for Adopting ILAC and IAF Documents;
- P010-01 SADCA Procedure for Pre Peer Evaluation Visits;
- P011-01 SADCA Procedure for the Selection, Training, Qualification and
Monitoring the Performance of Peer Evaluators; and
- P012-01 SADCA Records Management Procedure.
Technical Publications
- SADCA Toolkit for Conformity Assessment Bodies;
- TBT Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade 17 July 2014 – English;
- TBT Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade 17 July 2014 – French; and
- TBT Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade 17 July 2014 – Portuguese.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
2015 SADCA MEETINGS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LEVELS
78
8680
60
90
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
General Assembly ExecutiveCommitttee
MRA Committee TechnicalCommittee
Strategic Session
Customer Satisfaction %
Customer Satisfaction %
SADCA WEBSITE
The SADCA website is available on www.sadca.org
Notes:
- Unique visitor: number of first time visitors to the website.
- Number of visitors: number of times that unique visitors visit the website.
- Pages visited: the number of website pages/sections that were viewed.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
CHAIRPERSON’S OVERVIEW
This year marks the 20th year of SADCA’s existence. During the period
under review, significant work was undertaken to implement the fourth
year of the SADCA 5 Year Strategic Plan. SADCA set out to achieve the
following objectives during the period under review:
- Operationalisation of the Technical Committee:
- Continuous marketing and communication of the Cooperation;
- Maintenance of the SADCA Proficiency Testing Schemes (PTS)
database, and participation in other Regional Cooperation PTS;
- Operationalisation of the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangement
(MRA);
- Conduct Peer Evaluations of the SADCA Accreditation Bodies (ABs);
and
- Conclusion of Technical Cooperation Agreements with other
Regional Cooperations.
SADCA’s focus for the next year will be to qualify its Peer Evaluators as
well as the recognition of the SADCA MRA between the SADCA ABs.
Progress on these initiatives will be presented of the SADCA General
Assembly meeting in March 2016.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Technical Cooperation
The SADCA Chair was invited to attend the Joint Asia Pacific Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) General Assembly/ Pacific
Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) Plenary meetings from 13 – 20 June
2015 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Attendance at these regional meetings was
aimed at further strengthening SADCA’s relationship with APLAC. SADCA
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with APLAC on 5 November
2015, the areas of Cooperation include:
- Training and development;
- Proficiency Testing Programs;
- Peer Evaluation;
- Information exchange;
- Support on technical matter;
- Adoption of common positions; and
- Projects and fund procurement.
The SADCA Chair and Secretariat were invited to attend the Inter-
American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) General Assembly Meetings
held Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from 5-11 September 2015.
Attendance at the IAAC Meetings was aimed at improving efficiency of the
SADCA Technical Committee and Marketing and Communication
Committees and to further strengthen SADCA’s relationship with IAAC.
Mr Viki Kanama – SADCA Chair
The SADCA Chair also serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee (EXCO); The Chair represents SADCA on the International Accreditation Forum’s (IAF) Executive Committee.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
It is with pleasure to report that the sixth General Assembly of the African Accreditation
Cooperation (AFRAC) from 4 – 9 October 2015 in Tunis, Tunisia. The General Assembly was
hosted by the Tunisian Accreditation Council (TUNAC). AFRAC now has a total of four MRA
Signatories which include the:
- Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC);
- Southern African Development Community Development Accreditation Service
(SADCAS);
- South African National Accreditation System (SANAS); and
- Tunisian Accreditation Council (TUNAC).
The AFRAC Chair drafted a Technical Cooperation Agreement between AFRAC, Arab
Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) and SADCA with the purpose of establishing a joint Peer
Evaluators pool of experts within Africa. The agreement is yet to be signed by each of the three
cooperations.
SADCA Members were invited to participate in the following Proficiency Testing Programmes
(PTPs):
- Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) – Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation
Council (APLAC) Joint Proficiency Testing Programme (APLAC T102) Pesticides in
Fruit Juice in December 2015 ; and
- APLAC PT T099 for Diesel Fuel in December 2015.
Peer Evaluations
SADCAS was Peer Evaluated by a joint team from the International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (ILAC) and AFRAC from 25 – 29 May 2015. SADCAS achieved Signatory status to
the ILAC MRA for Testing (ISO/IEC 17025) and Calibration (ISO/IEC 17025), the decision was
made by the ILAC Arrangement Council on 4 November 2015 in Milan, Italy. SADCAS also
achieved Signatory status to the AFRAC MRA for Testing (ISO/IEC 17025) and Calibration
(ISO/IEC 17025), the decision was made by the AFRAC MRA Council on 8 October 2015 in
Tunis, Tunisia.
SANAS was Peer Evaluated by ILAC and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) from 24 – 28
August 2015. The Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS) applied for a joint Pre-Peer
Evaluation by SADCA – ILAC – IAF – AFRAC and will be evaluated from 21 – 25 March 2016.
Peer Evaluators
Six SADCA Members participated in the AFRAC Peer Evaluators training workshop that was
held from 1 – 3 October 2015 at the Carthage Thalasso Resort Hotel in Tunis, Tunisia. Of the six
trainees three were nominated by SADCAS, two by SANAS and one by MAURITAS. The trainees
all successfully passed the course and will be added to the AFRAC Peer Evaluators register as
trainee Peer Evaluators. Opportunities will be sought to further expose the trainees to Peer
Evaluations in the region and internationally. The Peer Evaluators training was funded by the
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany. Peer Evaluations are important
milestones towards AFRAC providing evidence to ILAC and IAF that it can run a regional
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
accreditation cooperation, as well as exposing its trainee evaluators in order to qualify and
register them as Peer Evaluators.
Mr Chankar Bheekhun from the Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS) was qualified at
as an AFRAC Peer Evaluator in the Testing scope.
Developments in the Region
I would like to congratulate the recently established independent Accreditation Body the
Angolan Institute of Accreditation (IAAC) which is currently working on its legal establishment.
The establishment of IAAC will address the increasing demand for accreditation services to be
conducted in Portuguese, as most organisations in Angola only operate in Portuguese.
The Association Congolaise des Laboratoires (ASCOLAB) based in the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC), is now a Member of the SADC Regional Laboratories Association (SRLA) and a
Stakeholder Member of ILAC. ASCOLAB participated at the ILAC General Assembly meetings
held in October 2015 in Milan, Italy.
A Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) Project is currently
underway in Malawi under the joint sponsorship of the European Union (EU), United Nations
Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Government of Malawi, and is
facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The objective of the project
is to develop a robust SQAM infrastructure in Malawi. We look forward to hearing positive
feedback on this important initiative.
The Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS) received assistance under the African Caribbean and
Pacific Technical Barriers to Trade (ACP-TBT) Programme for the capacity building to
strengthen the SBS Conformity Assessment services. All SBS laboratory staff received training
on ISO/IEC 17025, Method Validation and Uncertainty Estimation.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and
Industry kick-started the National Quality Awards Programme which would be observed
annually on the Zambian National Quality calendar during the second week of October each
year. The 2015 Zambia Annual Quality Awards Gala Dinner was held on 17 December 2015 in
Lusaka, Zambia. All winners will represent Zambia at the SADC Annual Quality Awards.
SANAS plans to launch the following new accreditation programmes in 2016:
- Information Technology Service Management System (ITSMS) – ISO/IEC 20000-1;
- Information Security Management System – ISO/IEC 27001; and
- Inspection for Energy Performance Certificate.
SADCA Accreditation Bodies
I would like to congratulate SADCAS on their significant growth in accreditation numbers. The
number of accreditations have increased by 19 since December 2014. SADCAS was admitted as
an ILAC MRA Signatory for the Calibration (ISO/IEC 17025) and Testing (ISO/IEC 17025)
scopes. SADCAS was admitted as an AFRAC MRA Arrangement Member and Signatory for the
Calibration (ISO/IEC 17025) and Testing (ISO/IEC 17025) scopes on 8 October 2015. This is a
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
significant milestone in SADC’s regional accreditation body, and I’m sure you will all agree with
me that we are all proud of SADCAS.
MAURITAS applied for a joint Pre-peer Evaluation to AFRAC/SADCA/IAF/ILAC. The joint Pre-
peer Evaluation by ILAC-IAF-AFRAC will be conducted from 21 – 25 March 2016. I would like
to wish MAURITAS a successful Evaluation.
I would like to express my gratitude to the SADCA Executive Committee (EXCO), MRA
Committee, Technical Committee, the newly established Marketing and Communication
Committee, the Regional Coordinator and the Secretariat for their dedication and focus during
the period under review. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the development
partners the South African Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the PTB, Germany
for their invaluable financial support and cooperation that has assisted SADCA in the
realisation of its objectives. A special thanks to Mr Robin Gopee the outgoing SADCA Chair for
his dedication and valued contribution to SADCA.
I trust that you will enjoy reading about SADCA’s activities undertaken from January –
December 2015 including the significant progress in accreditation activities by Members.
Mr Viki Kanama
SADCA Chair
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
From left to right: Mr Ron Josias (SADCA MRA Committee Chair), Dr Elsabe Steyn (SADCA
Regional Coordinator), Ms Anna-Marie Lötter (the dti), Ms Fikile Skosana (SADCA Project
Assistant), Ms Sybil Dlamini (SADCA Marketing and Communication Committee Chair), Mrs
Maureen Mutasa (SADCAS CEO), Ms Nonhlanhla Halimana (SADCA Secretariat) AND Mr Viki
Kanama (SADCA Chair).
Not in the picture: Mr Robin Gopee (SADCA Out-going Chair), Mr Pilot Masunga (SADCA
Technical Committee Chair) , Ms Masego Marobela (Previous SADCA Chair), Ms Kuena Molapo
(SADC Secretariat).
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee (EXCO) met twice during the period under
review from 17-18 February 2015 at the South African National
Accreditation System (SANAS) Office in Pretoria, South Africa and
then for a Strategic Session from 7 – 8 December 2015 at the Elegant
Lodge in Pretoria, South Africa.
The purpose of the EXCO meeting held from 17-18 February 2015
was to:
- Review progress on the implementation of the EXCO Workplan
2014/15 and to plan for the 2015/16 Workplan;
- Receive updates from the MRA Committee and Technical
Committee Chairs;
- Receive updates on the SADCA Peer Evaluations and Peer
Evaluators;
- Receive updates on the SADCA Toolkit for conformity
Assessment Bodies;
- Review of the SADCA logo designs;
- Prepare for the SADCA General Assembly meeting; and
- Review documents being amended.
The purpose of the Strategic Session held from 7 – 8 December 2016
was to:
- Review progress on the implementation of the EXCO Workplan
2015/16 and to plan for the 2016/17 Workplan;
- Receive updates from the MRA Committee, Technical
Committee and the Marketing and Communication Committee
Chairs;
- Review progress on the SADCA 5 year Business Plan objectives;
- Review responses received from the Questionnaire on the
development of the SADCA Strategic Plan 2017-2021;
- Plot the direction for the development of the next 5 year
Strategic Plan 2017-2021
- Review technical cooperation agreements with other regions
and implementation of the agreements; and
- Review the draft SADCA Position Paper.
The EXCO is scheduled to meet again on 13 March 2016 in order to
prepare for the SADCA General Assembly meeting at the Phakalane
Golf Estates Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Executive Committee is responsible to the General Assembly for the effective pursuit of SADCA objectives and for the day-to-day management of SADCA.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDANCE
During the period under review the SADCA EXCO held two meetings, and the record of
attendance to those meetings is shown below.
NAME
MEMBERSHIP
MEETING DATE(S)
17-18
February 2015
7 – 8
December
2015
Mr Viki Kanama Mbuya
(Office Conglais de Contrôle-DRC)
Chair √ √
VACANT Vice-Chair X X
Dr Elsie Meintjies
(SADC Secretariat-Botswana)
Member
√
*SADC
Secretariat
position
currently
vacant
Mrs Maureen Mutasa
(SADCAS-Botswana)
Member √ √
Mrs Masego Marobela
(BOBS-Botswana)
Member X X
Ms Anna-Marie Lötter
(dti-South Africa)
Member √ *18
February 2015
only
√
Mr Pilot Masunga
(BOBS- Botswana)
Technical Committee
Chair X X
Mr Ron Josias
(SANAS-South Africa)
MRA Committee Chair √ √
Dr Elsabe Steyn
(SANAS-South Africa)
Regional Coordinator √ √
Ms Nonhlanhla Halimana
(SANAS-South Africa)
SADCA Secretariat √ √
Ms Fikile Skosana
(SANAS- South Africa)
SADCA Secretariat √ √
Ms Sybil Dlamini
(Swaziland)
Marketing and
Communication
Committee Chair
* Appointed 19
March 2015 √
Mr Robin Gopee
(MAURITAS-Mauritius)
Member √ X
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
P
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F
O
R
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C
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P
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G
R
E
S
S
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA’S KEY PROGRAMMES
Key Programme 1: Operationalisation of SADCA
Purpose: The purpose of the operationalisation of SADCA is to provide SADC with a regional system of cooperation in accreditation similar to regional
systems such as the European Union (EU) through the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
through the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and in the Americas through the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation
(IAAC).
KEY PROGRAMME 1: OPERATIONALISATION OF SADCA
Purpose: to provide SADC with a regional system of
cooperation in accreditation that is on the same level as
other international regional cooperations.
Sub-Programme 1
Establishment of Technical Committees to give guidance to Members on technical issues. Each sub-Committee (lab, inspection & certification) to have ToR & Workplan. Technical Committee(s) to develop various documents
Sub-Programme 2
Marketing & Communication to support operationalisation efforts. Includes: maintenance of SADCA website & developing marketing material.
Administrative Committees to develop other documents & forms.
Sub-Programme 3
Proficiency Schemes & Database. Develop a database of PT Scheme in SADC; Facilitate participation in regional PT Schemes.
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA’S KEY PROGRAMMES
Key Programme 2: Establishment and Roll Out of a SADCA MRA for Accreditation Bodies
KEY PROGRAMME 2: ESTABLISH & ROLL-OUT SADCA MRA
Sub-programme 1
Establish SADCA MRA Council & Committee to oversee the implementation of SADCA’s MRA. Each Committee will develop ToR & Work plans. Procedural documents & forms to be developed by the Committees. Procedures around peer evaluators, management review, handling of appeals & complaints etc, to be developed.
Sub-programme 2
Peer Evaluation. The SADCA MRA will be based in results of evaluations of each AB carried out by peers in accordance with relevant IAC/IAF & SADCA rules. SADCA will focus on providing an MRA in ISO/IEC17025, 15189, 17021, 17020,
Guide 62 & 66.
Sub-programme 3
Purpose: to establish, roll-out & maintain a SADCA
MRA that will support the acceptance of regional test,
calibration, inspection & certification results in the
voluntary & regulatory sectors
Training, qualifying & registration of a pool of peer evaluators. SADCA peer evaluators to be responsible for pre-peer, peer & re-evaluations of ABs wanting to be signatories to SADCA MRA. 8 peer evaluators have been trained and an additional 10 may be required. 5 have already been exposed to a pre-peer evaluation. Trained peer evaluators to be qualified & registered over next 5 year period. Peer evaluators to be trained in various ILAC/IAF procedures.
P a g e | 23
SADCA Annual Report 2015
PERFORMANCE PROGRESS AGAINST MEASURABLE 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN: 2015/16 OBJECTIVES
SADCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2015/16 WORKPLAN
OUTCOMES OUTPUTS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS
2015/16
PROGRESS AS AT 31 JANUARY 2016
Operational SADCA
Cooperation
Operationalisation of the Technical
Committee
Roll out the work plan and identify the need for
sub-Committees.
The following task forces were established:
- Gap analysis Task Force – Stella Mrosso
(Convener);
- International Guidance Documents Task Force –
Letoke Mahlase (Convener); and
- Scopes Extension Task Force – SANAS
(Convener).
Continuous marketing and
communication on SADCA
Cooperation
Establishment of the Marketing and
Communications Committee and development of
the terms of reference and workplan.
The MCC Chair – Mrs Sybil Dlamini (Swaziland) was
appointed on 19 March 2015. The MCC Membership
was constituted on 14 July 2015.
Maintenance of the SADCA website.
Develop and publish marketing material and
raise awareness.
The website was maintained regularly by the
Secretariat.
At this stage no marketing materials have been
developed. The MCC will need to add this activity to
their workplan.
Identification of Proficiency
Testing Schemes (PTS) service
providers and a SADCA database
Maintenance
The PT database is available on the website
Established SADCA MRA Operationalisation of the SADCA
MRA Committee
Roll out of the SADCA MRA Committee work
plans
There is no MRA Council at this stage.
The SADCA MRA Committee Chair will provide
P a g e | 24
SADCA Annual Report 2015
OUTCOMES OUTPUTS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS
2015/16
PROGRESS AS AT 31 JANUARY 2016
feedback on the SADCA MRA Committee 2015/16
Workplan.
Roll out peer evaluation of
accreditation bodies
Continue with pre- and peer evaluations and start
with initial evaluations:
- SADCAS (Full AFRAC-ILAC) May/June 2015;
- MAURITAS (Pre-peer AFRAC-SADCA-ILAC)
June 2015;
- SANAS (Full ILAC/IAF) August 2015.
SADCAS had its Peer Evaluation by AFRAC-ILAC in
May 2015.They have been admitted as an AFRAC and
ILAC Signatory for the following scopes:
- Calibration ISO/IEC 17025; and
- Testing ISO/IEC 17025.
SANAS had its Peer Evaluation by ILAC-IAF in August
2015.
MAURITAS applied for an AFRAC-SADCA-ILAC Pre
Peer Evaluation in July 2015.
Negotiate and conclude
cooperation agreements
with bodies with similar
objectives to SADCA
Conclude a Technical Cooperation
Agreement between SADCA and
other regional cooperations.
Carry out joint SADCA/AFRAC pre- and peer
evaluations
The MAURITAS Pre Peer Evaluation will be a joint
AFRAC-SADCA-ILAC Evaluation.
Participation in regional
and international
accreditation meetings
Appointed representatives to
attend these meetings
EXCO to appoint Members to represent SADCA at
ILAC, IAF and AFRAC Meetings.
- Robin: IAF Executive, MLA, JMC (SADCA)
- Ron: ILAC Executive, A-Series, AMC, JMC
(AFRAC)
- Jeanne: ILAC Inspection Committee (SADCA
rep), AIC, & PTWG.
- Mpho: IAF Technical Meetings
The ILAC-IAF GA meetings were attended as
indicated. Members were requested to provide
meeting reports based on their attendance at the
ILAC/IAF GA meetings.
P a g e | 25
SADCA Annual Report 2015
OUTCOMES OUTPUTS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS
2015/16
PROGRESS AS AT 31 JANUARY 2016
- Linda G: ILAC Inspection Committee
SADCA 5 Year Plan
(2017/18 – 2021/22)
Review of the 2012/13 – 2016/17
SADCA 5 Year Plan
- EXCO to review the 2012/13 – 2016/17
Business Plan;
- Develop a position paper for SADCA’s
position in African and international
accreditation arena;
- EXCO workshop on the way forward; and
- Develop the next 5 year cycle Business Plan.
EXCO will review the 2012/13 – 2016/17 Business
Plan during the scheduled Strategic Session which
will be held from 7 – 8 December 2015.
Position Paper Terms of Reference were developed
and circulated to the EXCO for approval on 20
November 2015.
P a g e | 26
SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA MRA COMMITTEE 2015/16 WORKPLAN
Activity Responsible Person Feedback
Management of Peer Evaluations
1. Schedule at least three (3) pre-peer/peer evaluations for the
year.
MRA Comm Chair
SADCAS: 25 – 29 May 2015. Accepted as AFRAC and ILAC
Signatories for Calibration & Testing.
SANAS: 23 – 28 Aug 2015 (ILAC-IAF re-evaluation).
MAURITAS: Pre-peer Evaluation by Joint
ILAC/IAF/AFRAC/SADCA team scheduled for 21 – 25 March
2016.
2. Designate at least three (3) Peer evaluators for all evaluations
as required. MRA Comm Chair
Chankar (MAURITAS): NCA Evaluation
Peer Evaluators
3.
Plan for a peer evaluator course to be held for new evaluators
in 2015/16.
MRA Committee Chair &
Secretariat
6 trainees from SADCAS (3), MAURITAS (1) and SANAS (2) were
trained from 1 – 3 Oct 2015 by AFRAC.
4.
Qualify, monitor performance and maintain the qualifications
of at least six (6) trainee evaluators, evaluators and lead
evaluators.
EWG 1 SADCA trainee qualified-Chankar (MAURITAS).
To be added to the SADCA database.
Improvement of the Peer Evaluation Process
5.
Ensure that at least 60% of the circulated ILAC/IAF A-series
documents are commented on.
MRA Committee
P a g e | 27
SADCA Annual Report 2015
Activity Responsible Person Feedback
6. Conduct an analysis of the SADCA MRA scopes MRA Committee Chair
Awaiting finalization of the procedure for extending MRA scopes
by AFRAC, thereafter SADCA will adopt and align the Procedure.
7.
Update the MRA Committee Terms of Reference to add under
functions, the need to liaise with the SADCA Technical
Committee.
MRA Committee
In progress, to be circulated to the GA for approval by the
Secretariat.
Adoption of International Documents
Participation in IAF and ILAC
8. Represent SADCA in the ILAC AMC (RJ), IAF/ILAC JMC (RJ),
ILAC/IAF A-Series (RJ), IAF MLA Committee (RG) MRA Comm Chair
Robin & Ron
9. Report to ILAC and IAF on MRA activities MRA Secretary
X4 reports submitted (2 x MLA reports mid-year & GA)
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SADCA Annual Report 2015
SADCA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 2015/16 WORKPLAN
ACTIVITY RESPONSIBILITY FEEDBACK
AWARENESS RAISING AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
1. Identification of needs through a gap analysis questionnaire
which will be developed and submitted to all member states
for completion through the SADCA Secretariat.
Stella Mrosso(Convener - Tanzania);
Team:
Sybil Dlamini (Swaziland)
Patrician Kondowe (Malawi)
Nicodemus Malisa (Zambia)
The questionnaire was distributed to SADCA
members on 8 June 2015 with a deadline of 10
July 2015.
16 Responses were received from Members.
2. Roll out of the SADCA accreditation toolkit for CABs and
report back on the uptake of the Toolkit.
All (ABs, NAFPs and TC Members). The Toolkit was launched during the GA Meeting
held on 19 March 2015, each Member was given
two DVD copies.
30 Copies were distributed to Jaanda Maharero-
Namibia NAFP and 20 Copies were distributed to
Sybil Dlamini– Swaziland NAFP
The Toolkit is also available on the website.
3. ABs to provide transition plans and report on the
implementation of revised accreditation standards to the
Technical Committee.
ABs (MAURITAS, SANAS, and
SADCAS)
The MRA Committee has taken over this activity.
4. Development of a guidance document for reporting and
monitoring on ILAC and IAF documents implementation.
Letoke Mahlase (Convener - SANAS)
Team
Mahesh Koolwont (MAURITAS); and
Stella Mrosso (Tanzania)
The guidance document was drafted and
submitted to the Secretariat on 20 May 2015.
The document was merged with the existing
SADCA P009-01 SADCA Procedure for adopting
ILAC and IAF Documents. The merged document
was forwarded to the Secretariat on 26 June
P a g e | 29
SADCA Annual Report 2015
ACTIVITY RESPONSIBILITY FEEDBACK
2015.
5. To maintain the SADCA database on available proficiency
testing programs in cooperation with the Secretariat.
Secretariat and TC Members The database is available on the SADCA website.
6. To investigate feasibility for the establishment of a SADCA
MRA for Proficiency Testing.
RSA (Convener)
Jaanda Maharero (Namibia);
Jeanne Ranorovelo(SADCAS);
Mahesh Koolwont (MAURITAS) and
Mildred Machiri (Zimbabwe)
Activity to be undertaken once the MRA
Committee has a procedure for extending the
Arrangement.
7. Investigate current PT Schemes report availability to the TC
for analysis and input to the next TC meeting.
Regional Coordinator and Secretariat The following reports were received:
- APLAC PT Schemes;
- APLAC T091 Analysis of lubricants PT;
- APLAC T100 PT Program- Toxic
Elements (Lead and Cadmium in Wheat
Flour); and
- Cement PT Scheme 2014/15.
8. To represent SADCA in the relevant international and regional
meetings.
TC Chair - The TC Chair attended the 6th AFRAC GA
Meetings that were held from 4 – 9
October 2015 in Tunis, Tunisia. TC Chair
participated in AFRAC TC activities
during the meetings.
- The TC Chair participated in the
ISO/CASCO WG 44 Meetings for the
revision of the ISO/IEC 17025 from 2 - 4
P a g e | 30
SADCA Annual Report 2015
ACTIVITY RESPONSIBILITY FEEDBACK
June 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland.
9. To represent SADCA in the ILAC and IAF technical committees TC Chair
P a g e | 31
SADCA MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
Mandate
The SADCA Marketing and Communication Committee (MCC) was established in March
2015 when the General Assembly elected Mrs Sybil Dlamini from Swaziland as the
Chair for a period of two years in accordance with the SADCA Bylaws.
The MCC was constituted in August 2015 with the following delegates constituting the
MCC:
Name Member State
Mrs Sybil Dlamini (Chair) Swaziland
Mr Edward Mmatli Botswana
Mr Cheshta Matadeen Mauritius
Mr Moses Ngosa Zambia
Ms Riyana Chibanda Zimbabwe
Dr Elsabe Steyn (Regional Coordinator) South Africa
The MCC Terms of Reference and workplan have been drafted and are to be approved
by the General Assembly in March 2016.
The MCC plans to undertake the following activities in 2016:
- Marketing and Promotion of SADCA and the SADCA MRA;
- Develop a SADCA Marketing and Communication Strategy; and
- Develop and roll out the SADCA Corporate Identity (CI) Manual which will guide
the development of the SADCA Marketing and Promotions materials, as well as
guide Members on the use of the SADCA logo.
The MCC will meet for the first time on 16 March 2016 in Gaborone, Botswana.
P a g e | 32
FINANCES
P a g e | 33
UNAUDITED FINANCES: FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2015
*Direct PTB Expense
SANAS/THE DTI PTB
USD$ USD$
SADCA EXPENSES
ADMINISTRATION
WEBSITE (MAINTENANCE) 1 062,50
SECRETARIAT SALARIES 70 218,75
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
TRAVEL
CHAIR’S TRAVEL
IAAC GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2 831,00
SECRETARIAT TRAVEL
IAAC GENERAL ASSEMBLY 5 662,00
EXCO TRAVEL
STRATEGIC SESSION 2 257,50
OTHER EXPENSES
SADCA LOGO DEVELOPMENT X *
SADCA TOOLKIT FOR CONFORMITY
ASSESSMEBT BODIES
X *
TOTAL EXPENSES 71 281,25 10 750,50
The SADCA Secretariat
and Regional Coordinator
function is hosted by
SANAS, and the South
African dti continues to
fund the SADCA
Secretariat, EXCO
meetings and the
attendance of the SADCA
Chairperson and Regional
Coordinator at AFRAC,
ILAC and IAF meetings.
P a g e | 34
FUTURE PLANS
For the period 2016/17 SADCA will continue to focus on the
operationalisation of SADCA which would include amongst other
things:
- The provision of a structure to coordinate the activities of
the various accreditation bodies in the region, aimed at
avoiding duplication and promoting transfer of knowledge;
- The provision of a mechanism to formulate a SADC position
on accreditation in the international fora and for appropriate
interaction with other regions;
- The provision of a cost effective mechanism to enable and
manage an internationally recognised accreditation
infrastructure for SADC.
The SADCA MRA aims are to enable international recognition of
SADCA’s capacity to provide sufficient evidence of competence, and
proof that SADCA can run and manage a MRA through its MRA
Council and MRA Committee.
SADCA will continue to assist in the integration of the technical
infrastructure being created within SADC into the regional
strategies to manage TBT and SPS related activities through:
- Focusing on the training of technical experts for use as
technical and lead assessors, trainers and peer evaluators
for the SADC region;
- Continued participation in the regional and international
fora;
- Submission of projects to international donor funding
organisations for further funding of SADCA activities.
- Liaison and cooperation with other regional accreditation
bodies like AFRAC, ARAC, APLAC and IAAC.
The 2016/17 Performance Targets as per the SADCA Strategic Plan
are captured in the following section.
It is important to identify the
strategic intent of the SADCA
mandate as it is captured in its
vision, mission, objectives and
outputs.
In support of an accreditation
infrastructure for SADC,
SADCA’s main clients and
strategic focus are national
and multi-economy
accreditation bodies in the
region.
P a g e | 35
2016/17 PERFORMANCE TARGETS
OUTCOMES OUTPUTS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS
2016/17
Operational SADCA Cooperation
Operationalisation of the Technical
Committee
- Roll out the work plan and identify the need for sub-Committees; and
- Undertake survey of the MRA scope extension.
Continuous marketing and
communication on SADCA Cooperation
Approval and the roll out of the Marketing and Communications Committee
terms of reference and workplan.
- Development of the new SADCA website.
- Develop and publish marketing material and raise awareness.
Identification of Proficiency Testing
Schemes (PTS) service providers and a
SADCA database
Maintenance.
Established SADCA MRA
Operationalisation of the SADCA MRA
Committee
Roll out of the SADCA MRA Committee work plans.
Roll out peer evaluation of
accreditation bodies
Continue with pre- and peer evaluations and start with initial evaluations;
- SADCAS (Scope extension by AFRAC-ILAC for Medical and Inspection Bodies)
2016; and
- MAURITAS (Full Evaluation by AFRAC-SADCA-ILAC) 2016.
Training, qualifying and registering a
pool of Peer Evaluators
Conduct a training course with a minimum of 15 trainees;
- Create opportunities for the trained Peer evaluators to undertake
evaluations.
Negotiate and conclude cooperation
agreements with bodies with similar
objectives to SADCA
Implement the Technical Cooperation
Agreements between SADCA and other
regional cooperations.
- Carry out joint SADCA/AFRAC/ARAC pre- and peer evaluations;
- At least three implementation activities.
Strengthen Participation in regional
and international accreditation
meetings
Formalise the process to optimised
representation of SADCA at these
regional and international meetings
Members to represent SADCA at ILAC mid-term and Annual meetings.
P a g e | 36
OUTCOMES OUTPUTS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS
2016/17
SADCA 5 Year Plan (2017/18 –
2021/22)
Review of the 2012/13 – 2016/17
SADCA 5 Year Plan
- First draft of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan July 2016,second draft September
2016 and approval March 2017;
- EXCO to review the 2016/17 Business Plan.
P a g e | 37
SADC ACCREDITATION BODY REPORTS
The Southern African Development Community Cooperation in
Accreditation (SADCA) is a cooperation of three Accreditation
Bodies (ABs) namely the:
- Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS);
- South African National Accreditation System (SANAS);
and
- Southern African Development Community Accreditation
Service (SADCAS).
SADCA’s aim is to coordinate accreditation services in the
region and facilitate the national, regional and international
recognition and acceptance of the SADC accreditation
infrastructure. Member States will thus use accreditation as a
tool for facilitating trade and for the protection of health, safety
and the environment in both the voluntary and regulatory
areas.
SADCA’s main objective is to conclude and maintain a Mutual
Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the ABs in SADC as
well as the achievement of international recognition of its own
competence to manage an MRA within SADC. In undertaking
these developments it will comply with international
procedures for the evaluation of ABs.
SADCAS and SANAS are both MRA Signatories to the
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and
the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) MRA. SANAS is
also an International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral
Recognition Agreement (MLA) Signatory. SADCAS is a Signatory
to the ILAC and AFRAC MRA for the Calibration and Testing
Scopes. SANAS is a Signatory to the ILAC MRA for the
Calibration, Testing, Medical and Inspection. SANAS is a
Signatory to the AFRAC MRA for the Calibration, Inspection,
Testing, Medical, Management Systems Certification, Quality
Management Systems Certification and Environmental
Management Systems Certification.
MAURITAS applied for a joint Pre-peer Evaluation to
AFRAC/SADCA/IAF/ILAC for the Calibration, Testing and
Quality Management Systems Certification scopes. The joint
Pre-peer Evaluation by ILAC-IAF-AFRAC will be conducted from
21 – 25 March 2016.
The following section provides reports from the three existing
ABs in SADC and the SADC Member states that do not have their
SADCA is a cooperation of three Accreditation Bodies (ABs) namely:
Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS)
www.mauritas.org
South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS)
www.sanas.co.za
Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS)
www.sadcas.org
P a g e | 32
own national accreditation bodies, in order to provide an overview of
accreditation activities in the SADC region, during the period under review.
P a g e | 33
MAURITIUS ACCREDITATION SERVICE (MAURITAS)
The Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS) was
established as a department under the Ministry of Industry
following the adoption of the Mauritius Accreditation Service
Act 1998. The main objective of MAURITAS is to provide a
national, unified service for the accreditation of Conformity
Assessment Bodies (CABs) such as Calibration laboratories,
Testing laboratories, Inspection Bodies and Certification
Bodies.
MAURITAS was admitted as an International Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) affiliate Member and a
member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) in
2000. In 2008, the Membership of MAURITAS with ILAC was
upgraded to Associate Member. In July 2015, MAURITAS
applied to become a signatory member of the ILAC Mutual
Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) and the IAF Multilateral
Recognition Agreements (MLAs). In parallel, MAURITAS has
submitted the same application to become Signatory of the
AFRAC MRA. The applications have been reviewed and
accepted by the MRA Committee of ILAC, IAF, AFRAC and
SADCA.
ACCREDITATION PROGRAMMES OFFERED
MAURITAS currently accredits against the following scopes:
- Testing and Calibration Laboratories - ISO/IEC 17025
for;
- Medical Testing Laboratories - ISO 15189;
- Certification Bodies - ISO/IEC 17021; and
- Inspection Bodies - ISO/IEC 17020.
NUMBER OF ACCREDITED FACILITIES AND NUMBER OF
ACCREDITATIONS BY FIELD
Currently, MAURITAS has accredited laboratories in the
respective fields as indicated below:
ISO/IEC 17025 - 22 laboratories have been accredited by
MAURITAS as elaborated in the table below:
Mr Robin Gopee
Director - MAURITAS
Contact Details:
8th Floor, Air Mauritius Centre
President John Kennedy Street
Port Louis
Mauritius
(t) +230 208 1690
(f) +230 210 6101
MAURITAS is the sole national accreditation body and has been established under the Mauritius Accreditation Service Act 1998 as a department within the Ministry responsible for the subject of Industry and Commerce to provide a national, unified service for the accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies. MAURITAS certificates are a formal recognition that an organization is competent to perform specific tasks.
P a g e | 34
LAB
No. Laboratory Testing Field(s)
T001 Quantilab Ltd Chemical &
Biological
T002 Assay Office Chemical
T003 Intertek (Mauritius) Ltd Textiles and
Garments
T004 Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute
Chemical,
Biological &
Environmental
T005 MSB – Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Mechanical
T006 MSB – Food and Agriculture Laboratory Food Testing
T007 Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Food and
Agricultural Research & Extension Institute Biological
T008 National Environmental Laboratory Environmental
T009 Wastewater Laboratory Chemical
T010 MSB – Food Microbiology Laboratory Food Testing
T011 MSB – Civil Engineering Laboratory Construction
Materials Testing
T012 MSB – Fibre Technology Laboratory Textiles and
Garments
T013 MSB – Chemical Technology Laboratory Chemical
T014 Forensic Science Laboratory Forensic
T015 Laboratoire International de Bio Analyse (LIBA)
Ltee
Environmental &
Food Testing
T016 Princes Tuna (Mauritius) Ltd Chemical &
Biological
T017 Water Quality Laboratory of the Central Water
Authority
Chemical &
Biological
T018 Food Technology Laboratory Chemical & Food
Testing
T019 Chemco Ltd Environmental &
Biological
P a g e | 35
T025 Albion Fisheries Research Centre Chemical
LAB
No. Laboratory
Calibration
Field(s)
C001 Legal Metrology Services Mass
C002 MSB – Metrology Division Mass, Dimensional
& Temperature
For ISO 15189, five laboratories have been accredited by MAURITAS as
elaborated in the table below:
LAB
No. Laboratory Testing Field(s)
T020 Laboratoire Medical de Goodlands Medical
T021 Laboratoire Medical de Flacq Medical
T022 Laboratoire Medical des Villes Soeurs Medical
T023 Laboratoire Medical de St-Pierre Medical
T024 Apollo Bramwell Hospital – Laboratory Services Medical
For ISO/IEC 17021, one (1) certification body has been accredited by MAURITAS
as elaborated in the table below:
CB
No. Laboratory Programme(s)
CB001 MSB – Quality Assurance Division
-Quality Management System
(QMS)
-Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point System (HACCP)
-Information Security
Management System (ISMS)
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
MAURITAS is currently an Associate Member of ILAC, a Full Member of IAF, a Full
Member of AFRAC and an Ordinary Member of SADCA.
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 2015 KEY RESULTS
MAURITAS has performed 42 assessments in 2015 as detailed below:
P a g e | 36
- For ISO/IEC 17025 – 29 assessments were carried out;
- For ISO 15189 – six assessments were carried out;
- For ISO/IEC 17021 – three assessments were carried out;
- For ISO/IEC 17020 – four assessments were carried out.
New accreditations granted:
MAURITAS has granted accreditation to the Albion Fisheries Research Centre in
2015.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
MAURITAS is represented in the following committees at the level of the
Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB):
SN Technical Committee
1. Food products (TC 4)
2. Metrology (TC 7)
3. Energy Management (TC 10)
4. Quality Management & Quality Assurance (TC 12)
5. Information Technology (TC 5)
6. Conformity Assessment (TC 9)
7. Environmental Management (TC 11)
OTHER INFORMATION RELATED ACTIVITIES
In 2015 Mr Chankar Bheekhun from MAURITAS had the opportunity to
participate in the Evaluation of Accreditation Bodies in Africa. He was involved in
the following Evaluations:
- Re-Evaluation of SANAS in August 2015 as Team Member (Trainee
Evaluator – Calibration); and
- Full Evaluation of ENAO in September 2015 as Team Member (Trainee
Evaluator – Testing).
Furthermore, Mr Mahesh Koolwont successfully completed the AFRAC Peer
Evaluator Training Course in October 2015.
MAURITAS has also been implementing two (2) projects funded by the French
Development Agency (AFD) under the Trade Capacity Program – “Programme de
Reinforcement des Capacités Commerciales (PRCC)” namely:
- The development of Certification Body Accreditation programmes for
Food Safety Management System and Information Security Management System;
and
- The development of Inspection Body Accreditation programme.
P a g e | 37
In that respect, MAURITAS staff Members participated on an attachment training
in Norway accreditation body, Norwegian Accreditation (NA) in April and June
2015 for the Certification Body and Inspection Body Projects respectively.
CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
In 2015, MAURITAS faced difficulties in enlisting Technical Assessor services in
certain specific scarce areas like:
- Forensic Testing (human DNA analysis);
- Medical Testing;
- Biological Testing (plant pathology);
- Electrical Testing;
- Temperature Calibration;
- Mass Calibration;
- Dimensional Calibration; and
- Accreditation Programme for Certification of Food Safety Management
System (ISO 22000/ISO TS 22003).
LESSONS LEARNT
MAURITAS has gained a lot of experience with respect to the requirements of
ISO/IEC 17011 through involvement of its Evaluation exercises and Peer
Evaluators training course and thus has been able to fully implement its
management system based on ISO/IEC 17011.
PLANS FOR 2016
The joint Pre-peer Evaluation of MAURITAS by ILAC/IAF/AFRAC/SADCA has
been scheduled to take place from 21-25 March 2016. The team will comprise of:
- Mr. Alok Jain: Team Leader (NABL);
- Mrs. Maureen Mutasa: Team Member – Certification (SADCAS);
- Mrs. Sonia Mahdoui: Team Member – Testing (TUNAC); and
- Prof. Adel Shehata: Trainee – Testing (NIS).
The Full Evaluation of MAURITAS is expected to be performed in the period
November-December 2016.
P a g e | 38
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
SYSTEM (SANAS)
The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is
the sole national body for the Republic of South Africa,
responsible for carrying out accreditations in respect of
conformity assessment. The conformity assessment scope
covered by SANAS includes the accreditation of Calibration,
Testing and Verification laboratories, Certification Bodies,
Inspection Bodies, Verification Agencies and any other type of
body that may be added to its scope of activity.
SANAS is also the national body monitoring Good Laboratory
Practice (GLP) compliance with principles adopted by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) for GLP facilities. SANAS is the largest accreditation
body on the African continent and among the largest in the
world. SANAS provides a service that is recognised as
equitable to best international practice.
The value that SANAS offers to the economy is an expanding
network of accredited conformity assessment facilities and
the maintenance of its international recognition. This is
combined with highly specialised knowledge and a competent
skills base. A pool of accredited laboratories, Certification
bodies, Inspection bodies, Proficiency Testing scheme
providers and GLP test facilities is available to manufacturers
and exporters of products and services.
SANAS has recently reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that
the quality and safety of produced goods and services meet
international standards by actively engaging in the activities
of ILAC and IAF. SANAS underwent a successful joint Peer
Evaluation by the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC),
the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
(ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
SANAS underwent a re-evaluation by the Organisation for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to confirm
that SANAS is operating its GLP compliance monitoring
programme in accordance with the OECD document series.
Mr Ron Josias
Chief Executive Officer - SANAS
Contact Details:
Private Bag X23
Sunnyside
0132
South Africa
(t) +27 12 394 3788
(f) +27 12 394 4788
The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is recognised by the South African Government as the single National Accreditation Body that gives formal recognition that Laboratories, Certification Bodies, Inspection Bodies, Proficiency Testing Scheme Providers and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) test facilities are competent to carry out specific tasks in terms of the Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006). SANAS’ purpose is to instil confidence and peace of mind to companies and individuals through accreditation which is required for economic and social well-being for all.
P a g e | 39
SANAS management with the Joint ILAC/IAF/AFRAC Peer Evaluation team
Members
ACCREDITATION PROGRAMMES OFFERED
Calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025) and Proficiency Testing Schemes,
SANAS accredited laboratories form an integral part of the metrological chain
whenever physical measurements are performed for manufacturing and exports,
safety or scientific purposes, for law enforcement purposes or to ensure that
manufacturers remain globally competitive.
Testing laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189) play an important role in
supporting manufacturing, exports and national priority sectors by providing
objective evidence that a product or service conforms to certain customer
requirements or specifications.
The Pharmaceutical laboratories provide a service to the pharmaceutical
industry, in particular for chemical and microbiological testing. The
pharmaceutical laboratories not only support this industry but also play a vital
role in fighting the numerous diseases that are ravaging the country, such as
tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020) mainly operate in the regulatory domain
where regulators, the industry and citizens need to be confident that Inspection
Bodies, especially those inspecting workplace health and safety requirements in
accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, are competent to do so.
Also included are diagnostic imaging equipment, such as medical and dental
diagnostic X-Ray equipment in accordance with the Hazardous Substances Act,
and those inspecting compulsory standards. Inspection bodies also support the
green industry initiative by measurement and verification of energy efficiency.
The sole purpose of the Legal Metrology Verification laboratories that fall under
the domain of legal (trade) metrology is to protect consumers from unfair trade
P a g e | 40
practices. These laboratories perform verifications on volume, mass and length
measuring instruments.
Accredited Certification Bodies certify other organisations for compliance of
their management systems with recognised standards, such as Quality
Management (ISO 9000), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Occupational
Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 18001), Food Safety Management
System requirements (ISO 22000), Energy Management (ISO 50001) and Road
Transport Management (SANS 1395) and Organic Agricultural Production and
Processing (SANS 1369). Certification bodies also validate and verify the
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission of organisations and projects (ISO/IEC 14065).
The credibility of Medical Pathology laboratories is paramount to the health and
safety of the patients who rely on the testing services provided by these
laboratories. Laboratory tests are an integral part of the workup of any patient
and constitute up to 80 per cent of a physician’s diagnosis and treatment choice.
As medical doctors base their diagnosis on the results issued by medical
laboratories, it is important that these results are accurate and reliable.
The primary goal of a Blood Transfusion Facility is the transfusion of safe units of
blood. Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring that the personnel involved in
all the activities (donor registration, blood collection, testing, processing and
storage) of a blood transfusion service are competent and that national and/or
international standards are being adhered to.
It is important for South Africa to have a strong and competent Veterinary
laboratory industry for the diagnosis of diseases, especially emerging diseases
such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease), and for
testing the safety of meat and other animal products.
SANAS is the official GLP monitoring authority for South Africa. Its main duty is
to inspect test facilities and conduct study audits to ascertain their degree of
compliance to the OECD principles of GLP. These principles were primarily
developed to promote the quality and validity of test data used to determine the
safety of chemicals and chemical products. Quality test data forms the basis for
the mutual acceptance of data among countries. The application of these
principles should help avoid the creation of barriers to trade and further
improve the protection of human health and the environment.
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NUMBER OF ACCREDITED FACILITIES AND NUMBER OF ACCREDITATIONS
BY FIELD
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 2015 KEY RESULTS
New Programme Development
SANAS will launch three new accreditation programmes in March 2016 namely:
- The Accreditation programme for Information Technology Service
Management System (ITSMS) (ISO/IEC 20000-1);
- The Accreditation for Information Security Management System -
ISO/IEC 27001; and
- The Accreditation programme for Inspection for Energy Performance
Certificate.
SANAS’s pool of registered assessors
SANAS rolled out an Assessor 500 programme to increase its pool of assessors by
July 2016 and the current statistics are as follows:
- Total of 396 assessors;
- 367 Technical Assessors (Including 12 SANAS Members);
- 59 Lead Assessors (Including 20 SANAS Members);
- 57 Technical Experts;
- 97 Trainee TA’s; and
- 53% (207) pdi’s (60% of project 500 TA’s are pdi).
SANAS PARTICIPATION ON NATIONAL MIRROR COMMITTEES
- SABS ISO/IEC 17011 ;
P a g e | 42
- SABS/TC 1046 Reference Materials (ISO REMCO Mirror Committee
meeting);
- SABS/TC 078 Traffic Law Enforcement;
- SABS/TC 169 Application of Statistical Methods (One of the standards
they are responsible for is specifically for PT Testing Schemes);
- TC003 – CASCO for ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 issues;
- Member of WG 44 involved in the revision of ISO/IEC 17025;
- TC058 – Pressure Equipment;
- Member of Sub-Committee involved in the revision of 347 – Vessel;
- Member of Sub-Committee involved in the revision of 10019 – Gas Test
Stations;
- TC1082 – Lift Inspection;
- Several Lift standards revised in 2015;
- TC223 – National Disaster Management – Major Hazard Installation;
- Currently member of SC1 involved in the drafting of the MHI standard
SANS 1461;
- TC 242/257 – Energy Efficiency; and
- Currently a member of the Committee involved in the revision of ISO
50010 to include Greenfields as well.
CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
SANAS experienced a challenge in procuring a new office space for SANAS. This
activity is taking longer than envisioned however SANAS management are
working tirelessly to ensure that a new building is procured.
LESSONS LEARNT
In the roll out of the SANAS Assessors 500 programme the following issues were
noted:
- The impotance of progress with regards to mentoring/monitoring of
trainees ; and
- The importance of rigirous interviews to identify potential assesors to be
trained.
PLANS FOR 2016
SANAS will continue to focus on developing accreditation on the continent,
improving SANAS external relationships and processes, raising awareness of
SANAS and accreditation, increasing SANAS productivity, transforming the
SANAS assessor pool and improving the quality of SANAS product and service
delivery. SANAS business will remain rooted in the international requirements
for an accreditation body as documented in ISO/IEC 17011.
The key performance areas for 2016/17 are:
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- Conducting 1431 assessments;
- Increasing of the number of accredited facilities;
- Marketing and Communication events; and
- Working on two new accreditation programmes namely:
The accreditation programmes for the Certification of Medical
Devices; and
The accreditation programme for Fusion Welding of Metallic
Materials (ISO 3834).
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SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
ACCREDITATION SERVICE (SADCAS)
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING
JANUARY 2015 TO DECEMBER 2015
The Southern African Development Community Accreditation
Services (SADCAS) is a multi-economy accreditation body
which was established as part of the SADC infrastructure for
Standardization, Quality assurance Accreditation and
Metrology (SQAM) in order to meet the accreditation needs of
SADC Member States especially those without their own
national accreditation bodies namely: Angola; Botswana;
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Lesotho; Madagascar;
Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Seychelles; Swaziland;
Tanzania; Zambia; and Zimbabwe.
SADCAS offers accreditation services and training on
accreditation related activities. SADCAS currently offers the
following accreditation programs:
- Calibration Laboratories Accreditation
Program (CLAP) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025;
- Testing Laboratories Accreditation Program
(TLAP) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025;
- Medical Laboratories Accreditation Program
(MLAP) in accordance with ISO 15189;
- Inspection Bodies Accreditation Program
(IBAP) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020;
- Management Systems Certification Bodies
Accreditation Program (CBAP - MS) in accordance
with ISO/IEC 17021;
- Product Certification Bodies Accreditation
Program in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065; and
- Personnel Certification Bodies Accreditation
Program in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024.
SADCAS will broaden its scope of accreditation as needs arise.
The last report to SADCA was presented at the 2015 Annual
General Meeting and covered the period March 2014 to
December 2014. This report covers the period January to
December 2015 and summarizes the achievements in each of
the 5 key result areas for the period.
PROGRESS REPORT ON 2015 KEY RESULTS
Mrs Maureen Mutasa
Chief Executive Officer - SADCAS
Contact Details:
Private Bag 00320
Gaborone, Botswana
(t) +267 313 2909/10
(f) +267 313 2922
The Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) a subsidiarity organization of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is a non-profit, multi-economy accreditation body whose mission is to provide internationally recognized, cost-effective regional accreditation services for SADC member states aimed at:
Supporting regional and
international trade; Enhance the protection of
consumers and the environment; and
Improve the competitiveness of SADC products and services in both the voluntary and regulatory areas. SADCAS offers programmes for the accreditation of testing/calibration laboratories, certification bodies (management systems/product/personnel) and inspection bodies.
P a g e | 45
Consolidate, Streamline and Enhance Delivery of Accreditation Service to
the Target Population
Significant progress was made in fulfilling SADCAS mandate. By 31 December
2015 SADCAS had issued 63 accreditation certificates to 48 accredited facilities
in 8 SADC Member States namely; Botswana (10), Mozambique (1), Namibia (5),
Seychelles (2), Swaziland (1), Tanzania (13), Zambia (3) and Zimbabwe (13).
Most of the accredited facilities (46%) fall under the TLAP, followed by 27%
under the MLAP, 19% under the CLAP and 8% under the IBAP. Accreditations
grew by 66% over the December 2014 cumulative figures. Refer to Figures 1, 2
and 3 below. At the same time SADCAS had 31 accreditation applications from 8
countries under process of which 7 are from SADC countries namely; Botswana
(7); Zimbabwe (6); DRC (7); Tanzania (6); Zambia (2; Namibia (1); and Angola
(1); and one from non SADC country Ghana (1), at various stages of processing.
Most of the applications under process fall under the TLAP (18) followed by
MLAP at eight (8), two (20 under the CLAP, two (2) under the IBAP and one (1)
Product Certification body. Refer to Figures 4 and 5 below. A further 21
expressed interests in accreditation are being handled.
By 31 December 2015, SADCAS had cumulatively conducted 100 training courses
in 12 SADC Member States namely: Botswana (21); DRC (12); Lesotho (1);
Malawi (2); Mozambique (5); Namibia (13); Seychelles (3); South Africa (3)
Swaziland (4); Tanzania (12); Zambia (10) and Zimbabwe (14). Training courses
are generic and designed to promote accreditation and an understanding of the
accreditation requirements. Most of the training courses are based on ISO/IEC
17025 (59), ISO 15189 (15), ISO/IEC 17020 (17), ISO/IEC 17021 (6), MV & MU
(2) and other (1). Refer to Figures 6, 7 and 8 below. Over 1500 participants have
benefited from the SADCAS training courses. Training is undertaken by a pool of
17 registered trainers who cover the three (3) official languages in the region,
English, French and Portuguese.
SADCAS business is growing not only in terms of field and scope of accreditation
but also in terms of geographical coverage.
54
2
7
2
8
10
10
5
2
13
3
13
1 1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Figure 1 - Cumulative Number of Accreditations by Country by December 2015 VS December 2014
Dec-14 Dec-15
P a g e | 46
0 0 36
16
24 29
48
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Dec-14 Dec-15
Figure 3 - Cumulative Number of Accreditations up to 31 December 2015
1
7 7
1
6
2
6
1
012345678
Figure 4 - Number of Accreditation Applications by Country
P a g e | 47
15
12
23
12
3 3 3
11
7
14
0
21
12
2
5
13
3 34
12
10
14
1
0
5
10
15
20
25Figure 6 - Training Courses Breakdown by Country
Dec-14
Dec-15
P a g e | 48
During the period under review, SADCAS set up Advisory Committees for the
TLAP and CLAP comprising of 18 and 13 members respectively from SADC
Member States that are serviced by SADCAS. The TLAP and CLAP Advisory
Committees are to meet in due course. The Advisory Committee for Inspection
Bodies in Zimbabwe whose membership was extended during the period under
review to ensure a good balance of interest and expertise, held its 5th meeting
during which the members considered the criteria for the accreditation of
Inspection Bodies performing inspection of storage tanks. The criteria has since
been published as SADCAS TR 13. The scope will also be extended to cover lifting
equipment as soon as the regulations are promulgated. The SADCAS – Regulator
model adopted in Zimbabwe is currently working well. The model is based on a
Memorandum of Understanding between SADCAS and the National Social
security Authority (NSSA) the delegated authority for occupational health and
safety issues in Zimbabwe. Such a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding
buttresses the relation between SADCAS and the regulator and details how
SADCAS services will be utilized in the regulatory domain.
In order to monitor the effectiveness and suitability of the SADCAS Quality
Management System (QMS) and compliance of its systems with ISO/IEC 17011
an internal audit was undertaken in March 2015 and two management reviews
were undertaken in April and October 2015. The management reviews
concluded positively on the suitability and effectiveness of the system
reaffirming the results of the customer satisfaction survey undertaken during the
2014/15 which showed an improvement in customer satisfaction over the
2013/14 results. Two complaints were received during the period under review
bringing the cumulative number of complaints received to 5. Refer to Figure 9
below.
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Enhance Global Acceptance of SADC Products and Services
SADCAS the first multi economy accreditation body in the world was accepted as
a Signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Mutual Recognition
Arrangement (ILAC MRA) for the Testing and Calibration laboratories
accreditation scopes having undergone the rigorous process of Peer Evaluation
in May 2015. The decision was reached on 4 November 2015 in Milan, Italy and
having already been accepted into the African Accreditation Cooperation
(AFRAC) MRA on 8 October 2015.
SADCAS management and staff with the Joint ILAC/AFRAC Peer EvaluationTeam
at the beginning of the exit meeting
With this achievement, the accreditation certificates issued by SADCAS for
Testing and Calibration laboratories are now internationally recognized.
Meanwhile SADCAS is working towards signatory status of its other
accreditation programs whose credibility currently hinges on the Twinning
Partnership Arrangement (TPA) with the South African National Accreditation
System (SANAS).
P a g e | 50
Mrs Mutasa and Mr Steve Bruce Sidney SADCAS Board Chairman proudly
displaying the duly signed ILAC MRA Certificate with AFRAC members
From left to right Mr Boughalmi Moez - AFRAC MRA Council Chair; Mr Ron Josias
– AFRAC Chair; Mrs Maureen Mutasa - SADCAS CEO; and Ms Jeanne Ranorovelo -
SADCAS Technical Manager proudly displaying the signed AFRAC MOU
In an effort to address the accreditation needs of French speaking countries
namely: DRC; and Madagascar, SADCAS entered into a TPA with the Tunisian
Accreditation Council (TUNAC). A total of 5 applications from DRC are now under
process under the SADCAS /TUNAC TPA. With the achievement of Signatory
status in ILAC for Testing and Calibration efforts to service Portuguese speaking
countries namely: Mozambique; and Angola need to be refocused on the training
and registration of assessors and recruitment of technical staff who are
conversant in Portuguese and English. The SADCAS TUNAC TPA will now need to
be reviewed taking into account the achievements.
As result of the achievement of Signatory status SADCAS membership in AFRAC
and ILAC was upgraded to “Arrangement Member” and “Full Member
“respectively.
P a g e | 51
Effectively Promote and Market the Benefits and Importance of
Accreditation and SADCAS’ Services
SADCAS’ thrust during the period under review continued to be on promoting
the benefits and importance of accreditation and marketing of SADCAS’ services
with targeted marketing visits in the SADC Member States serviced by SADCAS.
Targeted marketing visits including presentations being made to stakeholders at
national, regional and international meetings/workshops/seminars by SADCAS
and National Accreditation Focal Points (NAFPs). Three editions of the SADCAS
newsletter the Pioneer and the 7th SADCAS 2014/15 annual report were
published during the period under review. A number of press releases on the
accredited facilities and SADCAS achievement of Signatory status were published
and uploaded on the SADCAS website. Additional SADCAS promotional material
for the Product Certification Bodies’ accreditation programme was published in
the three official languages used in the SADC region i.e. English, French and
Portuguese and uploaded on the SADCAS website. The pamphlet together with
other promotional materials can be downloaded from the website for use by
NAFPs in their promotional activities. The SADCAS website was maintained
throughout the period of review with new articles being posted under latest
news, and the directory of accredited facilities being updated upon accreditation
of facilities. Visitation statistics continue to indicate an increasing interest in the
SADCAS website not only by number of visitations but also by the number of
countries visiting the website. In their respective countries NAFPs, as per their
main responsibility also undertook promotional and marketing activities.
SADCAS continues to use World Accreditation Day (WAD) as a promotional tool
for accreditation and also to market SADCAS services. The SADC region has been
commemorating WAD since 2009 and over the years the region has witnessed
increased commemoration activities and increased awareness on accreditation
issues. In 2015 WAD commemoration activities were undertaken between June
and July 2015 and ranged from conferences to press releases, television
interviews and radio interviews. In some countries targeted marketing visits
were undertaken to companies as part of the commemorations. Within the SADC
region, World Accreditation Day conferences were held in seven countries
namely: Botswana; Lesotho; Mozambique; Namibia; Swaziland; Tanzania and
Zambia based on the template program provided by SADCAS.
Building Capacity and Capability of SADCAS
As part of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program during the
period under review, SADCAS staff Members attended various training programs
including the internal auditing, marketing and communications course,
attachments at internationally recognized accreditation bodies etc. Two
additional staff were recruited and took up position in SADCAS in September and
October 2015 bringing the total staff compliment to seven.
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By 31 December 2015 SADCAS had registered 70 Technical Assessors and 34
Lead Assessors. Refer to Figures 10 and 11 below for a breakdown of SADCAS
qualified and registered assessors by field of accreditation. The registered
growth in the pool of assessors of 6% for technical and 40% for lead assessors is
as a result of the drive which SADCAS embarked on in the previous financial year
to recruit more assessors from other accreditation bodies in order to meet the
growing demand for accreditation. However, the SADCAS pool of assessors is not
yet adequate to cover the scopes of application and anticipated applications
prioritizing the key developmental sectors as identified in the SADC Industrial
Policy let alone the geographical diversity of the region. Therefore efforts are
continuously underway to develop the pool of assessors. A further group of 22
experts trained under the auspices of the SADC European Union (EU) European
Development Fund (EDF) 10 Regional Economic Integration Support Programme
(REIS) Programme are yet to undergo mentoring. Whilst another group of 40
experts are to be trained as assessors for the Medical and the Inspection Bodies’
accreditation programme in 2016.
During the period under review SADCAS held its first assessor conclave in
Zimbabwe. Assessor conclaves are a means of communication between SADCAS
and the pool of assessors who undertake assessments on behalf of SADCAS and
upon whom the credibility of SADCAS accreditation services hinges. Continuous
communication between SADCAS and the pool of assessors is key in ensuring
consistency, integrity and continuous improvement of SADCAS services. More
assessor conclaves are scheduled to be held in the future.
P a g e | 53
Assessor Conclave in Session in Zimbabwe
National Accreditation Focal Points (NAFPs) who serve as SADCAS’ tentacles to
reach out to clients/potential clients in the countries serviced by SADCAS
continue to function effectively. Regrettably the NAFP annual meeting which was
supposed to be held in November 2015 was cancelled as only 6 out of the 22
NAFPs had confirmed their attendance. The 2015 NAFP certificate of recognition
which is intended to motivate the NAFPs was awarded to Swaziland NAFP with
the Botswana NAFP as the 1st runner up and DRC NAFP as the 2nd runner up.
2015 Award winners pose for a photo with SADCAS Management and Board
Members
Strive for Sustainability
The set up and operationalization of SADCAS was funded by the Norwegian
Government to the tune of NOK 13 million for a 5 year project that ended in
March 2012. In order to ensure continuity of SADCAS in the 2013/14 financial
year, the Norwegian Government provided additional funds amounting to NOK
1.55 million. Thereafter and up to March 2017, Governments of SADC Member
States that are serviced by SADCAS are funding SADCAS operational budget
deficit of US$ 1.171 million. Only US$ 476,049 i.e. 41% has already been
P a g e | 54
contributed by Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho and Seychelles who
have fully paid their contribution, and Swaziland (63%) and Botswana (36%)
having partially paid their contribution with the rest US$ 695,163 i.e. 59%
expected to be contributed by 30 September 2016.
SADCAS’ business is growing steadily both in terms of scope and field of
accreditation as well as geographical coverage. Expressed interests for
accreditation are also increasing however, not only in numbers but also in terms
of scopes and fields of accreditation. Over the past 7 financial years since SADCAS
started to offer services, operational income has been steadily growing while its
dependency on donor/government support has been decreasing.
Donor/Government dependency reduced to 31% by 31 March 2015, from 39%
on the previous financial year. Refer to Figures 12, 13 and 14 below. The
previous financial year 2014/15 saw a 48% increase in income from operations
with accreditation income constituting 66 % and training 34% of the operational
income.
* Anticipated outturn to 31 March 2016
* Anticipated outturn to 31 March 2016
-
415,335 1,108,075
1,926,055
2,813,088 3522 531
5218 407
7277 065
-
1000 000
2000 000
3000 000
4000 000
5000 000
6000 000
7000 000
8000 000
2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16*
Figure 14 - Trends in Income from Operations since 2008/9BWP
P a g e | 55
*Anticipated outturn to 31 March 2016
CHALLENGES AND INTERVENTIONS
The staggered inflow of Governments contributions towards SADCAS
sustainability is now the greatest threat towards ensuring continuity and target
achievement which has a bearing on achieving breakeven on operational costs.
The SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade at its meeting held on 20 November
2015 urged Member States with outstanding contributions towards SADCAS
sustainability to fulfil their financial obligations in good time.
SADCAS is still anxiously awaiting decision by the host country the Republic of
Botswana on its application for diplomatic immunities and privileges which
could greatly facilitate SADCAS operations in the region.
During the period under review SADCAS underwent a Peer Evaluation in May
2015. SADCAS faced logistical challenges in arranging witnessing opportunities
in the various countries serviced by SADCAS mainly due to poor airline
connectivity between SADCAS Office in Botswana and the base of the
laboratories witnessed exacerbated by visa requirements.
The challenge of limited pool of assessors is being addressed through the SADC
EU EDF 10 REIS program under which trainee assessors will be mentored and
more assessors trained, taking into account the language and geographical
diversity in the region, and anticipated service demand. SADCAS registered
assessors are based in the various SADC Member States and it is very costly to
bring assessors together at assessor conclaves. In order to mitigate this
challenge, SADCAS is now holding assessor conclaves in the various countries
where they are based.
LESSONS LEARNT
Internationally recognized accreditation services are key in facilitating trade and
enhancing the competitiveness of goods and services and in the protection of the
P a g e | 56
consumers, health and environment. It is advised to invest in it and start on the
journey right from the beginning and to religiously implement the system and
continuous improvement on it. It is ideal to have patience and accumulate the
required competency and generate adequate records to be eligible for Peer
Evaluation. The Peer Evaluation process is a very rigorous process undertaken
by peers in the accreditation business. It is achievable but requires visionary
leadership and commitment. It is about goal congruency and teamwork and
dedication and hard work by all involved. Board support and encouragement is
key. Timeous execution of the Peer Evaluation process by the Peer Evaluation
team is important.
Coaching of conformity assessment bodies especially from the key development
sectors as identified in the SADC Industrial Policy, in order to prepare them for
accreditation remains critical towards goal realization.
PLANS FOR 2016/17
With the achievement of Signatory status for the Testing and Calibration
laboratories accreditation programmes SADCAS certificates are now
internationally recognized. This will impact positively on SADCAS’ business
growth. Looking ahead our thrust will be to continue consolidating, streamlining
and enhancing SADCAS service delivery to the target population bringing up to
speed those countries where accreditation uptake has been slow and prioritizing
activities based on anticipated demand in the immediate to long term. SADCAS
will also need to continue enhancing the global acceptance of SADC goods and
services and grow the company’s own generated revenue so as to develop
SADCAS into a credible, sustainable and dynamic organization at the cutting edge
of accreditation service delivery. To do this we will need to continue promoting
the benefits of accreditation and marketing SADCAS services, build and retain
our most important asset the intellectual capital, skills, experience, knowledge
and expertise of our staff, assessors and trainers and strengthen NAFP
effectiveness. SADCAS will work towards Signatory status for all the
accreditation programmes on offer for which the said status has not yet been
achieved. SADCAS objectives and key strategies for 2016/17 are summarized in
Tables 1 and 2 below.
Table 1 – Objectives for 2016/17
Business Objectives Process Improvement
Objectives
Accredit 35 facilities of which 5 are scope
extensions and 30 new accreditations by
31 March 2017 SADCAS will have
cumulatively accredited 83 facilities
80% of corrective action shall be
cleared within 3 months after the
assessment
Undergo peer evaluation of the
inspection bodies and medical
80% of assessment packs shall be
ready at least 5 days before the
P a g e | 57
laboratories accreditation programmes
by 31 March 2017.
AAC meeting
Work towards signatory status of the
management systems certification
bodies’ accreditation programme
80% of accreditation decisions
shall be made no later than 3
weeks after the assessment pack is
ready
Undertake 28 training courses on
accreditation related activities.
80% of surveillance assessment
shall be performed according to
the scheduled timelines Continue to promote benefits and
importance of accreditation and market
SADCAS Services so as to grow SADCAS
accreditations by 66% and training by
25% over the 2015/16 statistics.
Table 2 - Summary of SADCAS Key Strategies for 2016/17
Number Key Strategy
1 Consolidate, streamline and enhance delivery of accreditation
service to the target population bringing up to speed those
countries where accreditation uptake has been slow and
prioritizing activities based on anticipated demand in the
immediate to long term
2 Enhance global acceptance of SADC products and services
3 Effectively promote the benefits of accreditation and market
SADCAS services
4 Build and retain our most important asset the intellectual capital,
skills, experience, knowledge and expertise of our staff, assessors
and trainers
5 Strengthen NAFP effectiveness
6 Grow the Company’s own generated revenue and develop SADCAS
into a sustainable and dynamic organization at the cutting edge of
accreditation service delivery
7 Aggressively pursue outstanding Government contributions
towards SADCAS sustainability;
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ANGOLA
Since 2004 Accreditation services in Angola have been coordinated
by the Angola National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) which
was supervised by the Angolan Institute for Normalization and
Quality (IANORQ). In April 2014, IANORQ underwent a
restructuring process aimed at optimizing its services, under
taking this process generated temporary constraints for
accreditation services in Angola. Consequently, accreditation
services activities were affected between January – September
2015.
As a result of the restructuring of IANORQ, the accreditation
services needs in Angola led to the establishment of an
independent accreditation body in September 2015 the Angolan
Institute of Accreditation (IAAC) which is currently in its legal
establishment phase. Accreditation services including NAFP
responsibilities currently reside with IAAC.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE PERIOD
UNDER REVIEW
In September 2015, Mrs Indira Coelho V.E Costa was appointed as
the Angola NAFP and resumed accreditation activities in Angola.
Mrs Costa resumed work by firstly updating the NAFP contact
information, submitting an article for the SADCAS newsletter and
the 2015/2016 Action Plan.
Mrs Costa promoted SADCAS and its services at the Angola
Ministry of Industry 2015 Exhibition which took place from 10 - 13
December 2015 in Luanda, Angola. As part of the exhibition
programme, a seminar about accreditation was delivered by the
former Angola NAFP, Mr. Carmo dos Santos, exhibition attendees
included laboratory and Conformity Assessments Body (CAB)
representatives. Mr Santos also took the opportunity to further
promote SADCAS’ services, and hand out pamphlets on the
accreditation services that SADCAS offers.
In November 2015, a training course based on the interpretation
and implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 was organised by IANORQ
and the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Industrial (INTI) from
Argentina. The course was attended by the IAAC Staff Members.
In September 2015 the incoming NAFP distributed information
received from the SADC Secretariat to targeted stakeholders
regarding the call for training of Lead and Technical Assessors on
ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17020.
SADCA Committee Member:
Mrs Indira Coelhi Verissimo E Costa
Contact Details:
Ministerio de Industria
Rua Cerquera Lukoki
No 25, 2 Andar
Luanda, Angola
(t) +244 222 392 705
(f) +244 222 396 745
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SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Overall, it has been a positive experience resuming accreditation activities in 2015
however the following challenges were experienced:
- Accreditation services are only available through SADCAS, local clients
experience problems due to the SADCAS process being conducted in English,
most organisations only operate in Portuguese.
- Angolan trainees that participate on SADC training programmes for
accreditation are subject to take the course with all the supporting documents
in English, which is a limitation for the participants.
For the reasons explained above, in addition to the challenging financial situation that
Angola is currently experiencing there have been many constraints in obtaining and
paying contributions to SADCAS during the 2013-2017 financial years from the
operating budgets of the authorities.
ACCREDITATION PLANS FOR 2016
For 2016, there are plans to work closer with the CABs in order to create awareness of
accreditation services available in Angola. It is envisioned that the demand for
accreditation services will increase due to the government setting policies to promote
local production, exportation, and also legislation for the mandatory testing of products
for human consumption.
Plans for 2016 include the planning of a Workshop or Seminar on 9 June 2016 on
Accreditation World Day and participating at SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Cooperation Structure meetings.
Plans are set to continuously empower human resources to support the accreditation
services in Angola. It’s an immediate need that expertise on ISO/IEC 17011 be acquired
to assist IAAC to implement a Quality Management System as soon as it is legally
established.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
SADCAS needs to consider providing their services and training in Portuguese as
currently the language used creates a barrier for Angolan CABs to ensure that they are
successfully assessed.
It is recommended to have accreditation training programmes in Angola, it would assist
participants that could not travel to attend training in other countries.
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BOTSWANA
The Botswana National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) is housed
under the Department of Industrial Affairs in the Ministry of Trade
and Industry. It is responsible for the administration and
coordination of accreditation activities in Botswana, including
capacity building (training on key accreditation standards) and
marketing and promotion of accreditation particularly SADCAS
activities. With regards to SADCA membership, the Botswana NAFP
is an Ordinary Member and the National Standards Body, Botswana
of Bureau of Standards (BOBS) is a Stakeholder Member. BOBS
offers consultancy services to laboratories including gap analysis,
Proficiency Testing Schemes and training services on key
accreditation standards. It also facilitates Stakeholder engagement
in accreditation through the BOBS-ISO/IEC 17025 Forum. This
report covers activities implemented by the two collaborating
institutions during the period under review.
During the year 2015 progress was made with regard to
accreditation compared to previous years. For the first time in
Botswana five Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) were
accredited by SADCAS in one calendar year. It was also the first time
a former SANAS accredited CAB was transferred to SADCAS
accreditation and the first accreditation of a Medical laboratory by
SADCAS in Botswana. Botswana continues to experience a high
interest in accreditation with the third highest SADCAS accredited
facilities at 10, and a total of 16 accredited facilities under the
SADCAS and SANAS Twinning Participation Arrangement (TPA). It
must be noted that these impressive achievements in accreditation
experienced in Botswana also coincided with the momentous
achievement of the International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (ILAC) Signatory status by SADCAS in October 2015.
This marked achievement by SADCAS will cement the fact that
accreditation continues to grow both nationally and regionally.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE PERIOD
UNDER REVIEW
Several initiatives were implemented in order to enhance
accreditation activities in the country including National Quality
Policy development, 2015 World Accreditation Day
Commemorations, marketing and promotion of accreditation and
SADCAS as well as capacity building.
The process of developing the National Quality Policy for Botswana
was initiated in the current reporting period. The consultant
engaged various stakeholders in the country for their inputs on the
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Edward Mmatli
Contact Details:
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Department of Industrial Affairs
Central Business District
P/Bag 0014
Gaborone, Botswana
(t) +267 395 7406
(f) +267 397 2910
P a g e | 61
draft policy and in that regard two consultative workshops were held on the 29 May
2015 and 10 -11 September 2015.
As a way of raising awareness on accreditation in Botswana, the 2015 World
Accreditation Day (WAD) Commemorations were celebrated on 9 June 2015 in Palapye
with 74 participants from 28 CABs, Calibration laboratories and Stakeholders. The day
was celebrated as a mini-conference with an exhibition by various institutions. This
was the second time WAD was commemorated outside Gaborone. The following
presentations were made during the conference:
- The Role of Accreditation in supporting the delivery of Health and Social Care of
Regulators, presented by a representative of the Ministry of Health;
- The Role of medical laboratories in supporting the delivery of health and social
care, presented by a representative of the Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital;
- The Role of Metrology/Calibration Laboratories and accreditation in ensuring a
credible measurement system, prsented by a representative of LAMWORLD
Technologies;
- The Medical Laboratories Accreditation Program, presented by a SADCAS
representative; and
- Progress made by the country in creating awareness on the benefits and
importance of accreditation, presented by the National Accreditation Focal
Point Supervisor from the Department of Industrial Affairs, Ministry of Trade
and Industry.
Marketing and promotion of accreditation was implemented through targeted visits to
CABs. The following 13 CABs, were visited during the period under review with the
objective of raising awareness on accreditation activities: Botswana Meat Commission,
Central Material Laboratory, Department Of Roads, Botswana Adventist Medical
Services, Material Testing Services, Botswana International University of Science and
Technology (BIUST) - College of Science, College of Engineering (BIUST), Palapye
District Commissioner`s Office, Botswana Power Corporation - Morupule A, Palapye
Primary Hospital Laboratory, Mahalapye District Hospital Laboratory, Foods Botswana
Testing Laboratory and National Quality Assurance Laboratory. The NAFP and a
SADCA Member also attended the accreditation certificate hand-over ceremony of
Sekgoma Memorial Hospital Laboratory and Princess Marina Hospital Laboratory.
SADCAS promotional material and the SADCA accreditation toolkit for CABS were
distributed during these visits.
The following training courses on key accreditation standards were conducted by
SADCAS, BOBS and other institutions during the period under review, to build capacity
in the CABS.
Training by SADCAS:
- One (1) ISO 15189: 2012 Requirements and Internal auditing training, which
was conducted from 13 – 17 July 2015. 12 participants were trained.
- Three (3) ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Training Courses :
ISO IEC 17025 Requirements and Internal Auditing Training Course at
Water Utilities Training Centre for 10 participants;
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Training ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Awareness on the 14 December 2015 for
25 participants; and
Training on ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Requirements & Internal Auditing
from 15 - 19 December 2015 for 25 participants.
Training by BOBS:
- BOS IS/IEC 17025: 2005 Understanding Course for 27 participants from 1 - 4
September 2015;
- BOS IS/IEC 17025: 2005 Understanding Course for 17 participants from 14 - 17
September 2015;
- BOS IS/IEC 17025: 2005 Documentation Course for 14 participants from 25 - 28
August 2015; and
- BOS IS/IEC 17025: 2005 Documentation Course for 14 participants from 10 - 13
November 2015.
Training offered under the African Caribbean and Pacific – European Union Technical
Barriers to trade (ACP- EU TBT) Programme as part of the development of the National
Quality Policy:
- Training on ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 standard for 19 participants from 11 - 13 May
2015;
- Training on ISO/IEC 17065: 2012 standard for 18 participants from 15 - 19 May
2015;
- Training on ISO/IEC 17020: 2012 standard for 18 participants from 20 - 21 May
2015; and
- Training on ISO/IEC 17021: 2011 standard for 18 participants from 20 - 27 May
2015.
The Botswana NAFP participated in the 2015 Annual SADCA General Assembly
meetings held in the Democratic Republic Congo from 16 - 20 March 2015. Mr Pilot
Masunga from BOBS participated at the 6th AFRAC General Assembly Meetings in Tunis,
Tunisia on 4 – 9 October 2015. Mr Masunga also participated in two (2) International
Standards Organisation/ Council Committee on Conformity Assessment (ISO/CASCO)
Working Group (WG), WG 44 Meetings for the revision of ISO/IEC 17025: 2005. The
two meetings were held from 10 - 12 February 2015 and 2 - 4 June 2015. Both meetings
were convened in Geneva, Switzerland.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
The continued growth in the accreditation of facilities and increase in applications for
accreditation with SADCAS in Botswana is a huge milestone in the roll-out of
accreditation in the country. And the continued collaboration between BOBS and the
ISO/IEC 17025 Forum and the NAFP in the roll-out of accreditation initiatives in the
country.
The main challenge faced by most CABs in the country include lack of resources which
results in the negative impact on the uptake of training on key accreditation standards
and accreditation services within the country. Failure to mobilise enough participants
P a g e | 63
for training on key accreditation standards still remains a challenge. In addition the
laboratories are unable to access consultancy services, participate in appropriate
desired Proficiency Testing Schemes/ Interlaboratory Comparisons and training of
personnel on laboratory courses due to lack of funding.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
The harmonious relationship between the various Stakeholders with an interest in
accreditation needs to be nurtured and maintained such that the uptake of
accreditation services and training on key accreditation standards would be enhanced
in the country. The continued partnership of the Stakeholders would enhance robust
participation of the Stakeholders in the various activities, including workshops, which
can also be a platform of sharing experiences and best practices within the
accreditation field.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
The NAFP participated in the ISO/IEC 17025 Working Group of the BOBS Mirror
Committee commenting on the ISO/IEC 17025 Committee Draft (CD) held on 10
November 2015.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
The following activities would be undertaken in 2016:
- Marketing and promotion of accreditation (visits to 12 CABs);
- 2016 World Accreditation Day Commemoration; and
- Training on key accreditation standards.
Course Date
1 ISO/IEC 17025 Requirements and Internal Auditing 20-24 June 2016
2 ISO 15189 Requirements and Internal Auditing 25-29 July 2016
3 ISO/IEC 17020 Requirements and Internal Auditing 22-26 August 2016
4 ISO/IEC 17025 Requirements and Internal Auditing 14-18 October 2016
5 ISO 15189 Requirements And Internal Auditing 21-25 November 2016
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
SADCA should continue to support accreditation initiatives and activities within the
region to enhance the competence of regional CABs. This would require engaging all
accreditation Stakeholders such as Accreditation Bodies, CABs, trainers on
accreditation standards, sponsors etc.
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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the promotion and
marketing of accreditation is managed by Mr Kanama Viki Mbuya
the National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) and Association
Conglaises des Laboratoires (ASCOLAB Chair) and supported by
Mrs Apauline Matata Feza the second DRC NAFP and Office
Conglais de Contrôle (OCC) Personnel.
The OCC is a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) supporting DRC
NAFPs in the achievement of their objective of coordinating,
administrating, promoting and marketing accreditation. ASCOLAB
is a National Laboratory Association (NLA) and non-government
association aimed at promoting accreditation, organizing trainings
information exchange, coordinating scientific and technical
cooperation between the Congolese laboratories, carrying out
Testing, Calibration and analysis.
ASCOLAB is a Member of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Regional Laboratories Association (SRLA) and
a Stakeholder Member of the International Laboratory
Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) since September 2015.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTERESET OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIODS UNDER REVIEW
Six Chemical laboratories and one Inspection Body are waiting
their initial assessment by SADCAS. Their assessments will be
conducted by a joint team from the Southern African Development
Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) and the Tunisian
Accreditation Council (TUNAC). ASCOLAB participated for the first
time at the ILAC General Assembly meetings held in October 2015
in Milan.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
OCC hosted the 30th SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Annual Meetings in March 2015 where SADCA also held its General
Assembly meeting held on 19 March 2015, and launched its CAB
Toolkit. ASCOLAB is currently translating the toolkit into French.
The 2015 World Accreditation Day was commemorated through a
workshop with Regulators of the Department of Health, Health and
Clinical Staff. The workshop was supported by ASCOLAB.
In September ASCOLAB held a workshop from 23 – 24 September
2015 in Lubumbashi with the theme: ‘’Accreditation or
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Viki Mbuya Kanama
Contact Details:
Office Congolais De Contrôle
98, Avenue du Port
Kinshasa – Gombe 243
BP 8614-8806
Democratic Republic of Congo
(t) +243 997 899 855
(f) +243 815 08 2006
P a g e | 65
Certification of Laboratories – The role of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001’’ a total of 45
Participants attended the workshop from different laboratories. A seminar was also
held by ASCOLAB on 25 September 2015 for the RMP and PTP personnel. It was
decided that the Gecamines Laboratories (Likasi) will be the RMP for the Mineral
Laboratories and ASCOLAB would be the organizer of Proficiency Testing in the field of
water. ASCOLAB translated the ILAC brochure ‘’Why become an Accredited Reference
Material Producer’’ into French.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
A growing need for accreditation in critical fields such as food, mining analysis, medical
analysis, Certification and Inspection were realized. Other laboratories are involved in
accreditation through ASCOLAB. Medical laboratories from the public sector do not
have funds available for personnel training as well as fees to become accredited.
PARTIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
Mirror Committees are not operational in the DRC.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITES PLANNED FOR 2016
According to the NAFP Action plan 2015/2016 and ASCOLAB plan 2016/2017 the
following activities will be undertaken:
- Participation at the 31st SADC TBT Annual Meetings and 20th SADCA GA Meeting
in Gaborone, Botswana from 13 – 18 March 2016;
- Celebration of the 2016 World Accreditation Day;
- Attendance of ILAC Mid-year and General Assembly Meetings;
- Regional trainings and workshops; and
- Accreditation of two Chemical laboratories and one Certification Body
(Products and System Certification).
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
- To update the database of Proficiency Testing Schemes; and
- To negotiate for reasonable fees for the accreditation of Medical laboratories.
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LESOTHO
Report not available at time of print
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Motjoka Azael Makara
Contact Details:
Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing
1st Floor LNDC – Trade House
Kingsway Roard, code 100
P.O Box 747
Maseru
100
Lesotho
(t) +266 223 17454
(f) +266 223 10326
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MADAGASCAR
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING
THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
ACCREDITATION RELATED ACTIVITIES
The following activities were undertaken:
- Wrote an article on the WAD celebration ;
- Wrote WAD article and contribution in CLAM day reports;
and
- Send information on laboratories which make honey and
essential oils analysis to the Chamber of trade and
industry at Antananarivo.
Activities as per agreed national
action plan
Actions undertaken during period
under review
Consolidate, streamline and
enhance delivery of accreditation
service to the target population
Established a CABs database and
identified their needs.
Sent applications for training of
Lead and Technical Assessors on
ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO 15189.
Effectively promote the benefits of
accreditation and market SADCAS
services
Celebrated World Accreditation
Day (WAD) on 14 October 2015 at
Fort-Dauphin, and distributed
SADCAS promotional materials.
Participated in the Foodstuff
laboratories Consortium (CLAM)
Workshop on 25 November 2015
and distributed SADCAS
promotional materials.
Strengthen NAFP effectiveness
Sent a quarterly report (July –
September) On 30 October 2015.
Sent “The Pioneer” and other
actualized information about
SADCAS to CABs by email on 11
December 2015
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Seraphin Razafimahafaly
Contact Details:
Bureau de Normes de Madagascar (BNM)
6, bis Rue Rainandriamampandry
Antananarico 101
Madagascar
(t) +261 22 279 70
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LESSONS LEARNT
- The importance of Marketing and Communication, and all resources or tools
which can assist promote accreditation;
- IT equipment’s are essential for NAFPs;
- CABs need assistance and support in their journey to accreditation;
The following needs to be done:
- Madagascar needs to obtain regulatory support;
- There is a need to promote collaboration and partnership with Ministries and
other organisations;
- There is a need to promote contact amongst the CABs and make collaboration
with CLAM or Consortium for Agri-foodstuffs of Madagascar;
- NAFPs are recommended to use the SADCA Accreditation Toolkit for the
marketing purposes;
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MALAWI
Malawi as a Member state of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and currently has two National Accreditation
Focal Point (NAFP) Officers. The first NAFP is based at the
Ministry of Industry and Trade and the second NAFP is based at
the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) is a statutory
organisation under the Ministry of Industry and Trade
established by an Act of Parliament Cap 51:02 of 1972. It has the
overall mandate of promoting Standardisation and Quality
Assurance in Malawi. It has four technical departments namely
Standards Development Department, Quality Assurance Services
Department, Testing Services Department and Metrology
Services Department, and one non-technical department, the
Finance and Administration Department.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Currently a Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation
and Metrology (SQAM) Project is underway in Malawi under the
joint sponsorship of the European Union (EU), United Nations
Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the
Government of Malawi and is facilitated by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP). The objective of the project is
to develop a robust standardisation, quality assurance,
accreditation and metrology infrastructure in Malawi. The
project is targeting small and medium enterprises in developing
management systems according to ISO 9001 and ISO 22000, and
the National Standards Body, the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
The project is specifically developing capacity of the MBS
towards accreditation in Management Systems Certification
Scheme under ISO/IEC 17021, Product and Services Certification
under ISO/IEC 17065, and Testing and Calibration services
under ISO/IEC 17025.
In 2015 the project conducted trainings on Lead Auditor/
Auditor for Quality Management System based on ISO 19011,
Conformance assessment of ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065
systems, and some specific trainings on ISO/IEC 17025
Management Systems. The MBS through the project also
procured some testing equipment for Testing laboratories and
Metrology laboratories.
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Patrician Kondowe
Contact Details:
Malawi Bureau of Standards
Moirs Road, Kristwick
P.O Box 946
Blantyre, Malawi
(t) +265 1 870 488
(f) +265 1 870 756
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World Accreditation Day is commemorated on 9 June every year worldwide however in
Malawi the Laboratory Association of Malawi (LAM) in conjunction with the National
Accreditation Focal Point office in Malawi organized the commemoration from 3 - 4
August 2015 based on the theme “Accreditation, supporting the delivery of quality
health and social care” under the sponsorship of Physikalisch-Technische
Bundesanstalt (PTB) Germany on which Conformity Assessment Bodies were trained
on Proficiency Testing Schemes and Good Laboratory Practice. The commemoration
was opened by the Minister of Health Honourable Dr. Jean Kalilani (MP).
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Some remarkable successes were registered in the development and implementation of
Management Systems especially at the Malawi Bureau of Standards where trainings
were conducted for staff competence development under the Standards, Quality,
Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) Project on various schemes including Lead
Auditor/Auditor for ISO 9001, trainings on ISO/IEC 17021: Conformance Assessment –
Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems,
ISO/IEC 17065: Conformance Assessment – Requirements for Bodies Certifying
Products, Processes and Services, and ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the
Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories . Test equipment was procured for
Testing and Metrology services under the same project during the year. Pre-assessment
was done on ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065 systems.
Some challenges were however experienced on the side of developing Management
Systems under the SQAM Project where there was a low acceptance rate for the
development of management systems by Small-Medium Enterprises (SME’s).
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
There was much success registered in some organisations on the development of their
Management Systems either meant for accreditation or certification due to these
organisations embracing the culture for Management Systems implementation as a
good tool for growth and marketing. However there were some organizations that
showed some reluctance to embark on Management Systems development. This was
experienced especially with the SME’s.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
There was no participation in any Mirror Committee meetings during the period under
review.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
An activities road map has been developed for each of the Management Systems
including ISO/IEC 17021 for Management Systems Certification Scheme, ISO/IEC
17065 for Product Certification Scheme and ISO/IEC 17025 for Testing and Calibration
laboratories at the MBS. Some of the main activities include the development and
review of system documents, development of a pool of auditors, procurement of test
equipment, and training.
P a g e | 71
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
The general recommendation on SADCA intervention is that it should proceed
providing assistance towards development of Management Systems and accreditation
services.
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MOZAMBIQUE
The Instituto Nacional de Normalização e Qualidade (INNOQ) is
the entity that coordinates quality activities in Mozambique
through Standardisation, Certification and Metrology.
Mozambique is a Southern African Development Community
(SADC) Member State and participates in the SADC Standards,
Quality, Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) activities in the
region.
Under the SADC Cooperation for Accreditation (SADCA), INNOQ
plays a fundamental role of encouraging the use of accreditation
as a tool for the acceptance of the results of conformity
assessment provided by our Conformity Assessment Bodies
(CABs), which contribute to trade facilitation. INNOQ is also the
headquarters of the National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP).
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
The following activities were undertaken:
- Promotion of the importance of accreditation and SADCAS
was conducted through contacts and visits to CABs;
- Distribution of promotional material e.g the Annual Report
and brochures from SADCAS to the Stakeholders.
Throughout the year, advantage was taken of the various
workshops arranged by INNOQ, especially INNOQ
awareness celebration, the celebration of World Metrology
Day and Quality Day celebration on 20 May 2015, to
distribute SADCAS brochures, the Annual Report and The
Pioneer Newsletters;
- The data base for CABs increased and more CABs were
further identified;
- A laboratory at the Universidade Católica de Moçambique
(UCM) was discovered, the laboratory had the intention of
implementing ISO/IEC 17025. INNOQ visited UCM to
investigate the feasibility of adopting and rehabilitating a
building, the building is currently used as lecture halls for
the Food Testing laboratories and Water Testing. These
actions was undertaken as a joint agreement between
INNOQ and the Deutsche Gesellschadt fur Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ);
- Strengthening the technical capacity of the CABs personnel
by offering training on:
The Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT);
SADCA Committee Member:
Mrs Guilhermina Nhampulo
Contact Details:
National Institute of Standardisation and Quality
1179 – 25 de Setembro 2nd Floor
PO Box 2983
Maputo, Mozambique
(t) +258 2130 3822
(f) +258 2130 4206
P a g e | 73
Lead Auditor in view of strengthening the database of Auditors for the
Certification Scope in the normative references: ISO 9001 and OHSAS
18001;
- On the practical approach of Metrology, which included acceptance of criteria of
a measuring tool and interpretation of certificates.
- Under the tri-lateral project (Co-operation Mozambique, Brazil and Germany)
where training on ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17065 was
conducted for the INNOQ personnel;
- In celebration of World Accreditation Day, a conference was held by INNOQ in
partnership with the Association of Mozambique Laboratories where
representatives CABs were invited;
- Promotion of SADCAS training and provision of information;
- Advertisement for Lead and Technical Assessors Training - Medical
Laboratories (ISO 15189);
- Distributed information to CABs on the advertisement for Lead and Technical
Assessors Training - Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020) and laboratories in the
mining industry (ISO/IEC 17025) ;
- A general meeting of the Association of Laboratories was held and was Chaired
by the INNOQ Director Mr Alfredo Sitoe;
- The NAFP distributed a SADCAS questionnaire to CABs and collected the data
on behalf of SADCAS;
- The NAFP continued promoting SADCAS training and providing information on
SADCAS accreditation;
- INNOQ is working towards the accreditation of ISO/IEC 17021 and to the scope
of ISO 9001;
- The NAFP participated in the Annual SADC SQAM Meetings in March 2015 held
in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;
- INNOQ and the NAFP participated in activities and meetings of the Mozambican
Association Laboratories (ALM).
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
INNOQ developed its Quality Management System based on ISO/IEC 17021 and is
currently in the process of accreditation. The challenges experienced were enormous
and were related to resources and training of CABs.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
There is a need to make further efforts in raising awareness of the importance of
accreditation, as it is the main tool to remove Technical Barriers to Trade. A need to
harmonize the conformity assessment system in accordance with the international
standards in order to meet international requirements was identified.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
Mozambique did not take part in any Mirror Committees.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
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- Accreditation of INNOQ Certification activities based on ISO/IEC 17021 in the
scope of ISO 9001; and
- Extension of scope of accreditation for Testing and Calibration laboratories
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
There is a need to raise awareness amongst regulators, through meetings at the level of
decision makers regarding the importance of accreditation with a view its involvement
and support to conformity assessment bodies.
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NAMIBIA
The National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) office is housed in
the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development
(MITSD).
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Database of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
An updated database of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
was forwarded to Southern African Development Community
Accreditation Service (SADCAS).
Training
The NAFP attended a Marketing and Communication training
organised by SADCAS in Gaborone.
PTB Germany Funded Project
Three Testing laboratories operating in the Mining and Mineral
Processing Sectors submitted their applications under the
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) Germany Funded
Project were distributed to the relevant laboratories, only three
(3)positive responses were received.
Information brochure
Information leaflets were distributed at the MITSD Company
registration counter as part of the marketing and promotion of
accreditation.
World Accreditation Day (WAD)
In commemoration of the 2016 World Accreditation Day (WAD),
the NAFP hosted a half-day workshop to sensitize the industry
and CABs on accreditation and the importance of providing
quality products and services. During this workshop t-shirts and
information leaflets were distributed to participants.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
The major challenges faced by the NAFP are:
SADCA Committee Member:
Ms Jaanda Edla Maharero
Contact Details:
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Block B, Brendan Simbwaye Square
Goethe Street
Private Bag 13340
Windhoek, Namibia
(t) +264 6128 3 7111
(f) +264 6122 0227
P a g e | 76
- The failure to mobilize enough participants for training on key accreditation
standards;
- CABs lack of capacity (financial resources) to carry out accreditation activities;
- Proficiency Testing has been raised as a constraint by laboratories, in that the
costs of assessment testing materials are very expensive and this turns the
Proficiency Testing to be expensive.
The establishment of the National Laboratory Association has been a challenge due to
financial constraints.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Accreditation will be fully functional if the government embraces accreditation, by
imposing policies that will support incentives to CABs.
The appointment of a full-time NAFP will intensify awareness campaigns on
accreditation and SADCAS activities in Namibia through visits to conformity assessment
bodies and related activities.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
The Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) was established and is operating a National
Mirror Committee for ISO/CASCO Working Groups. The Mirror Committee is
responsible for following up international standardization work in their field of activity,
participating actively in that work by consulting national stakeholders (such as
manufacturers, users, professionals and government officials), and formulating the
national viewpoint and voting on Draft International Standards (DIS).
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
- Advocate for the appointment of the first NAFP by the Ministry;
- NAFP participation in local trade fairs; and
- NAFP to undertake field visits to the all the 14 regions in Namibia.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
- Capacity building initiatives on the requirements of conformity assessment
standards, e.g. ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065.
- Facilitate the organisation of Proficiency Testing Schemes at SADC level.
- Facilitate the training of Assessors at country level.
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REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES
The island nation Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean,
northeast of Madagascar and about 1,600 km east of Kenya. The
archipelago consists of 115 islands. Seychelles is a member of
the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
There are Government and private laboratories in Seychelles.
The Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS) and the Ministry of
Health are the main Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) in
Seychelles. Other laboratories are laboratory at the Seychelles
Agricultural Agency, laboratory at the Public Utility Corporation
(PUC) and in-house Quality Control laboratory at the Indian
Ocean Tuna Ltd (IOT) and Seychelles Breweries.
The SBS is responsible for Testing, Calibration, Inspection (fish
and gas cylinder) and Certification. The Ministry of Health is
responsible for public health and the laboratories for tests of
food, water, clinical and pharmaceutical samples. The agriculture
laboratory is responsible for testing soil, water, compost,
fertilisers etc. for agriculture purposes. The PUC laboratory is
responsible for testing drinking water, IOT tests water used for
processing and fish and the Seychelles Breweries tests water
used for processing and products such as beer and soft drinks.
The SBS has five Testing laboratories. Only two laboratories in
Seychelles are accredited and they are the National Metrology
Laboratory (NML) and Environment laboratory at the Seychelles
Bureau of Standards. NML is responsible for Calibration in the
country. NML is accredited for Calibration of mass for the range
1g – 20kg and the Environment Laboratory at the SBS is
accredited for seven water tests for potable water. No other
laboratories in the country are accredited yet. The Fish
Inspection and Quality Control Unit (FIQCU) is part of the
Seychelles Bureau of Standards and is responsible for Fish
Inspection. The Unit at the Seychelles Bureau of Standards is
responsible for System Certification and Product Certification.
These two units are still in the process of accreditation of the
Inspection and Certification services.
The Seychelles economy depends on fish exports and tourism.
The main export destination for fish is Europe. Seychelles has to
ensure that the fish exported meet the requirements of the
European Union (EU) Regulations. It is a requirement of the EU
that samples of raw fish and processed fish, water and ice used
for fish processing are tested in an accredited laboratory. The
laboratories at the SBS are designated by the Competent
Authority as Official Testing laboratories. THE Drug Quality
SADCA Committee Member:
Mrs Amy Quatre
Contact Details:
Seychelles Bureau of Standards
Standards House
Providence Industrial Estate
PO Box 953
Victorie, Mahe
Republic of Seychelles
(t) +248 4380 402
(f) +248 4373 826
P a g e | 78
Control Laboratory at the Ministry of Health is in the process of accrediting its tests.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Testing Laboratories
SADCAS carried out Surveillance Assessment at the Environment Laboratory in July
2015 and continued accreditation was granted for tests for pH, Nitrate, Nitrite,
Sulphate, Chloride, Fluoride and Conductivity in potable water.
The new Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) is being used for fish testing and the
test methods for heavy metals were validated using this AAS. The laboratory has
submitted an application to SADCAS for accreditation of heavy metal tests.
The Food Chemistry Laboratory validated test for histamine (HPLC method) in fish has
submitted an application for accreditation to SADCAS.
The Chemical Analysis Laboratory has acquired resources for coconut oil tests and is
validating two test methods.
Vacant post of Principal Microbiologist was filled by recruiting an expatriate. The
Microbiology Laboratory will complete the validation of tests for water during the year.
The Pharmaceutical Laboratory at the Ministry of Health has prepared necessary
documents for accreditation and the test method is being validated.
Other laboratories have not taken any decision to obtain accreditation for the tests they
carry out.
Calibration Laboratories
The assessors from the SADCAS have carried out a surveillance assessment at the
National Metrology laboratory in June 2015. The scope of mass accreditation extended
from 1g - 100g to 1g – 20kg. the laboratory is in the process of accrediting Calibration of
Temperature and Volume.
Certification Laboratories
The System and Product Certification is the responsibility of the Certification Unit at the
SBS. This unit is not accredited yet.
Inspection Bodies
The Fish Inspection and Quality Control Unit (FIQCU) is a unit under the Seychelles
Bureau of Standards. FIQCU has prepared a Quality Manual and procedures with the
assistance of a consultant. Due to shortage the of staff the unit has not managed to
apply for accreditation yet.
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Training
Staff in all laboratories at the SBS received training on method validation, uncertainty
estimation and ISO/IEC 17025, the training was conducted in Seychelles by EU
consultants.
Proficiency Testing/ Inter-Comparison Exercise
The Microbiology Laboratory at the SBS and the Public Health Laboratory participated
in the Proficiency Testing (PT) programme for food and water at the Botswana Bureau
of Standards. The Food Chemistry Laboratory participated in the PT for histamine in
fish with the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), United Kingdom (UK) .
The environment Laboratory at the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Water Laboratory
and the PUC and the Public Health Laboratory participated in the PT for water with
SADC in Measurement Traceability (SADCMET). The Environment Laboratory also
participated in the PT for water with FERA and Aquacheck and also participated in the
PT for heavy metals in fish with FERA.
Equipment
New equipment such as water baths, double distillers, wash ability testers, biosafety
cabinets, vacuum pumps and stomachers were purchased by the Testing Laboratories.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Completed method validation was achieved for heavy metal tests (Mercury, Lead and
Cadmium) and histamine in fish, and an application was submitted to SADCAS for the
accreditation of these tests. A Principal Microbiologist was recruited and he will take
the lead of prepare the laboratory for accreditation of tests in water. The SBS received
assistance under the African Caribbean and Pacific Technical Barriers to Trade (ACP-
TBT) Programme for “Capacity Building to Strengthening SBS Conformity Assessment
services.” All laboratory staff received training on ISO/IEC 17025, Method Validation
and Uncertainty Estimation.
Space limitation in laboratories and human resource constraints affected the testing
services offered by most of the laboratories.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESS AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
It is possible to achieve accreditation if resources are available and all staff members
are committed.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
- Achieve accreditation for heavy metal and histamine test in fish for which
application is submitted to SADCAS.
- Apply for accreditation for microbiological tests in water and coconut oil.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
P a g e | 80
Opportunities for Assessors in Seychelles to carry out assessment for SADCAS.
P a g e | 81
SWAZILAND
The National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) is housed by the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade under the Regulatory
and Quality Infrastructure Development section. The Section is
tasked with the development of the legal and institutional
framework and infrastructure for standardization, Technical
Regulations, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology to
achieve its mission. A lot has been achieved in accreditation
activities in the country which has seen more laboratories
working towards getting accredited.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Accreditation Awareness
In February 2015, Lancet laboratory, which is the first medical
laboratory to be accredited in Swaziland, received their
accreditation a certificate. They were accredited by SADCAS in
scopes of Chemistry, Hematology and Microbiology. A handover
ceremony of their Accreditation Certificate was held and the
event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Commerce,
Industry and Trade, Principal Secretary and the Director of
Health.
The SADCAS Chief Executive Officer, Maureen Mutasa who was
the guest speaker made at the Lancet certificate handover
ceremony. The SADCAS CEO gave a speech in which she
mentioned that in many economies accreditation was being
embraced by Governments as a mandatory activity in regulated
areas because of the benefits it brings to help Governments meet
their responsibilities. She further mentioned that Lancet has
been granted a unique accreditation number; MED 006
indicating that it is now a SADCAS accredited medical laboratory.
The SADCAS CEO seized the opportunity of being in Swaziland
and visited two laboratories which were accredited by SANAS.
She was accompanied by the NAFP. The purpose of the visits was
to encourage the accredited laboratories to make a change over
to SADCAS. The laboratories are Swaziland Water Service
Corporation (Testing laboratories) and B and P Scales
(Calibration laboratories). The meetings with these two
laboratories were fruitful.
From 26 -27 March 2015, the SADCAS CEO accompanied by the
NAFP conducted targeted market visits to five laboratories in
SADCA Committee Member:
Ms Sthembiso Dlamini
Contact Details:
Ministry of Enterprise and Employment
Standardization and Quality Assurance Section
Gwamile Street, Deputy Prime Ministers
PO Box 451
Mbabane, Swaziland
(t) +268 2404 7509
(f) +268 2404 3833
P a g e | 82
Swaziland. The visits were part of the SADCAS marketing strategy where the CEO
reaches out to clients and potential clients operating in the region to introduce SADCAS
and promote accreditation. All visits were successful.
Commemoration of World Accreditation Day (WAD)
WAD was commemorated at Sibane Hotel on 2 July 2015 in collaboration with the
Ministry of Health, 120 delegates attended the commemoration whereby a workshop
was held. Delegates were mostly Directorates, Senior officials and Laboratory
personnel from the Ministry of Health and also Senior official from the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry and Trade, such as the Heads of departments and laboratory
personnel from the metrology department and officials from Swaziland Standards
Authority.
Most notably was the presence of the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mr
Gideon Dlamini and the Principal Secretary, Mr Jinno Nkhambule. The event started off
at 6:30am with a break-fast show on Swazi TV where the two NAFPs, Sybil Sthembiso
Dlamini and Priscilla Phindile Dlamini made presentations. The aim of the show was to
sensitize the public about the theme for this year, explain the importance of
commemorating this day and the benefits accreditation could bring to the medical
sector. The workshop started at 8:30am, banners and promotional material from
different stakeholders in the form of pamphlets were distributed to participants.
Presentations were made from different speakers such as the NAFP, Quality Assurance
Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, laboratory Managers, Chief Inspector of Weights
and Measures, National Laboratory Association Chairperson and video clips showing
the past and the present situation of Government laboratories after the introduction of
a programme called SLAMTA initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Commerce then gave his Speech followed by
the presentation of certificates to personnel from Inspection Bodies who were trained
on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020 from 9-13 March 2015 at Royal Swazi Spa. Dr
Velephi Okello from the Ministry of Health made closing remarks where she mentioned
that the Ministry of Health is working very hard to accredit its medical laboratories.
From 27 August - 7 September 2015, Swaziland hosted the International Trade Fair.
The theme for this year was: Development Unusual: Advancing business towards vision
2022. The NAFP also participated. The aim was to explain the importance of
accreditation and the role accreditation plays towards enhancing the competitiveness
of products and services in the global market. There were approximately 189 people
who visited the stand. These were Senior Government officials, conformity assessment
bodies’ personnel and the public.
Since the theme for this year, “Accreditation: Supporting the Delivery of Health and
Social Care” the focus was on the health sector. The NAFP conducted visits to three
private Medical laboratories and one government Medical laboratory. The aim of the
visit was to encourage them to get accredited.
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Findings were management from all the three Medical laboratories have made a
decision to go for accreditation. One of the private laboratories is being helped by
Government through the Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation
(SLAMTA) project to achieve accreditation. They have developed their quality manual
and they are in the process of implementing the standard as they are planning to get
accredited in 2018.
Promotion of SADCAS
The SADCAS “Pioneer” newsletters were distributed to all Stakeholders. Promotional
materials on all the Medical laboratory standards were distributed to all Stakeholders
mainly laboratory personnel who had attended the Lancet laboratory handover
ceremony. Promotional materials were also distributed to other Testing laboratories
during the visits laboratory visits.
NAFP Award
The Swaziland NAFP received the 2015 NAFP Award Certificate. The Certificate was
presented on the 17 March 2015 during the SADC Standards, Quality, Accreditation and
Metrology (SQAM) meetings held in The Republic of Congo.
Training
Swaziland has seen the training of 25 Inspection Bodies’ personnel from different
Inspection Bodies in Swaziland. This was the first training conducted by SADCAS on
ISO/IEC 17020.
NAFP Training
The Swaziland NAFP participated in the NAFP training workshop on Communication
and Marketing held in Botswana from 25-27 February 2015. The training was
organized by SADCAS.
Participation in Regional Meetings
Swaziland NAFP participated in the SQAM meetings held in the Republic of Congo on
the 16 -20 March 2015.
Handling of Enquiries
The NAFP has received a number of enquiries on accreditation and on SADCAS
accreditation services
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Successes experienced were the following:
- The accreditation of the first Medical laboratory in Swaziland;
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- 25 Inspection Body personnel undertook training on the requirements of
ISO/IEC 17020 by SADCAS;
- The World Accreditation Day commemoration which was successfully
organised on 3 July 2015;
- Swaziland has been able to pay subscriptions to SADCAS;
- The Swaziland NAFP has participated in Seminars, International trade fair
exhibition, Workshops, Meetings both internally and outside the country; and
- Swaziland NAFP participated in the SQAM meetings held in the Republic of
Congo from 16 -20 March 2015.
Challenges experienced were the following:
- Financial constraints;
- CABs are seeing the need of getting accredited but few are committing funds
towards accreditation; and
- Few CABs participation in Proficiency Testing Schemes yet it is one of the core
requirements in getting accreditation
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
Though there were challenges, Swaziland is gearing up to have more conformity
assessment bodies accredited by 2022.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
The Swaziland NAFP is actively involved in the National Laboratory Association
Committee of Swaziland.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
Key strategy Activity Responsibilit
y
Create awareness
on accreditation
Commemorate the World Accreditation
Day
Participate in international trade fair
Exhibitions/ Seminars/ Workshops and
give presentations
NAFP
Promote and
market
accreditation and
SADCAS services to
Stakeholders
Distribute promotional materials to
Stakeholders during Workshops,
Exhibitions etc
Conduct visits to CABs
NAFP and
SADCAS
Train on
accreditation
related
programmes to
build capacity for
Facilitate training of CABs by SADCAS NAFP
P a g e | 85
CABs in Swaziland
Maintain a
database of CABs in
Swaziland
Updating a database of CABs NAFP
Payment of SADCAS Facilitate training of CABs by SADCAS NAFP
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
- Facilitate the availability of PT Scheme service providers.
- Build capacity to Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) in the region.
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TANZANIA
Report not available at time of print
SADCA Committee Member
Mrs Stella Emmanuel Mrosso
Contact Details:
Tanzania Bureau of Standards
P.O Box 9524
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania
(t) +255 2224 5 0206
(f) +255 2224 5 0959
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ZAMBIA
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry hosts the
National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) as a link between
Zambia and SADCAS. Mr. Moses Ngosa and Mrs. Gladys Banda
represented Zambia as First NAFP and Second NAFP respectively
from January 2015 to December 2015. They implemented the
SADCAS work as provided in the 2015 - 2016 Work plan. All
clients/potential clients are therefore urged to contact the
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry for the information on
accreditation services provided by SADCAS. Ministry is the
custodian of the National Quality Policy which gives policy
direction for the National Quality Infrastructure.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Preparation of the NAFP Annual Work Plan
The NAFP prepared the annual work plan as a guide for the
implementation of SADCAS activities for the period under review.
The work plan was submitted to SADCAS who suggested the
addition of the following activities under key strategies:
- Effectively promote and market the benefits and
importance of accreditation and SADCAS services;
- Build capacity and capability of SADCAS; and
- Grow Company’s own generated revenue and develop
SADCAS into a sustainable and dynamic organization at the
cutting edge of accreditation service delivery.
SADC Standard, Quality, Accreditation and Metrology
(SQAM) meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
NAFPs attended the 31st SADC SQAM meetings which were held
from 16 - 20 March 2015 at the Grand Hotel, Kinshasa Gombe,
Democratic Republic of Congo. And also attended the SADCA
Annual General Meeting where an Accreditation Toolkit was
launched which is being used in the marketing and awareness of
Accreditation.
Sensitization Programme of Accreditation Services Offered
by SADCAS
During the period under review the NAFP conducted several
sensitization programmes on services offered by SADCAS. The
sensitization programmes conducted were as follow:
SADCA Committee Member:
Mr Moses Ngosa
Contact Details:
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and
Industry
10th Floor, New Government
Complex
Nasser Road
PO Box 31968
Lusaka, Zambia
(t) +260 211 22 6964
(f) +260 211 22 6964
P a g e | 88
- Workshop on WTO/ TBT Agreement held from 25 - 26 March, 2015 in Lusaka.
The purpose of the workshop was to strengthen the Quality Infrastructure
institutions in Zambia and foster compliance with WTO /TBT requirements;
- A WTO/TBT National Enquiry Point Stakeholders awareness seminar held in
Lusaka, Kitwe and Livingstone. The seminar was aimed at enhancing
Stakeholder awareness of the existence and functions of the WTO/TBT National
Enquiry Point located at Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS);
- Commemoration of the World Standards Day which was organized by the
Zambia Bureau of Standards; and
- A Zambia National Laboratory Association Training Workshop based on
ISO/IEC 15189. The workshop was held from 28 September - 2 October 2015 in
Lusaka, Zambia. The NAFP made a presentation on the importance of
accreditation and the services offered by SADCAS.
Commemoration of World Accreditation Day
During the period under review, the NAFP facilitated the commemoration of World
Accreditation Day under the theme “Accreditation: Supporting the Delivering of Health
and Social Care Delivering” by undertaking the following activities:
- Launching a Statement by Honourable Margaret D. Mwanakatwe - Minister of
Commerce Trade and Industry on the 8 June 2015;
- Distributing a press release to the following print media: Times of Zambia, Daily
Mail and Post Newspaper; and
- Organising a half day Stakeholder workshop on the commemoration of the
2015 World Accreditation Day.
Building Capacity and Capability of SADCAS
During the period under review the NAFP facilitated the following trainings:
- Mining and Mineral processing laboratories based on ISO/IEC 17025.
- Lead and Technical Assessors training in Medical laboratories (ISO 15189)
organised by the SADC Secretariat.
The NAFPs attended the Global Quality Infrastructure Development training in support
of World Trade in Sweden from the 4 - 30 October 2015.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade
and Industry kick-started the National Quality Awards Programme which would be
observed annually on the Zambian National Quality calendar which falls in the second
week of October, each year. The 2015 Zambia Annual Quality Awards Gala Dinner was
held on 17 December 2015 in Lusaka, Zambia. All winners will represent Zambia at the
SADC Annual Quality Awards.
P a g e | 89
The following are some of the challenges that are being faced by the NAFP in executing
SADCAS activities:
- Lack of financial support from SADCAS to effectively implement its activities;
and
- Lack of promotion materials from SADCAS for public distribution and display.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
- The need to strengthen the office of the NAFP by providing adequate funding in
order to ensure activities and reports are done in time; and
- The need for adequate materials in order to reinforce sensitization and
awareness programmes
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
The NAFP did not participate in any Mirror Committees.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
Activity Responsible
institution
Time
Conduct sensitization
programmes on accreditation
NAFPs 1 February 2016 – 28
February 2017
Establish and maintain a data
base for quality auditors under
training and those qualified
NAFPs/ ZNLA 1 July 2016 – 31 December
2016
Conformity Assessment Bodies
Data Base creation
NAFP/ ZNLA 1 July 2016 – 31 December
2016
Training/ Courses SADCAS/
PARTNERS
1 March 2016 – 28
December 2016
Participate in Mirror
Committees, e.g (ISO/IEC
17011)
NAFPs 1 March 2016 – 28
December 2016
Facilitate access to services
offered by SADCAS for
accreditation of laboratories
NAFPs 30 June 2016 – 30
November 2016
Monitoring of CABs NAFPs 30 June 2016 – 30
November 2016
Facilitate accreditation of
testing and calibration
laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025
NAFPs 30 June 2016 – 30
November 2016
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
The following are recommends for SADCA’s intervention:
- Training of the NAFPs on ISO/IEC 17011;
P a g e | 90
- Empowering the office of the NAFPs in the process of accreditation not only to
be used as marketing promoters of accreditation;
- Conduct a gap analysis in SADC Member States with no accreditation bodies to
check on the readiness for setting up an accreditation body;
- Visibility of the accreditation office and communication materials; and
- Capacity Building for lead assessors training in all the ISO/IEC 17000 series
accreditation standards
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ZIMBABWE
A number of activities were undertaken during the period under
review, however the NAFPS are still to finalize on outstanding
work that was earmarked for last year.
Activities were undertaken, however some target marketing
visits are to be completed this year. Marketing of SADCAS is an
ongoing activity, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is
planning to hold more awareness campaigns under the
Consignment Based Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
Programme which we will take advantage of. The database is
continuously being updated. Timeous reports were be submitted
to SADCAS in 2015.
PROGRESS ON ACTIVITIES IN THE INTEREST OF
ACCREDITATION AND SADCA UNDERTAKEN DURING THE
PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
- Distributed flyers and diaries at Agricultural shows held in
Gweru, Harare and Mutare. Also, distributed flyers and
diaries at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and held a
stakeholders awareness meeting in conjunction with
Bureau Veritas at Crown Plaza Hotel in Harare, Bulawayo
and Mutare.
- Held preliminary discussions with the following interested
companies: - Lafarge, Hwange Colliery, Zimbabwe
Electricity Supply Authority, Cold Storage Commission,
Ethanol Company, Medicine Control Authority of
Zimbabwe and Hippo Valley Sugar Estates.
- The National Accreditation Focal Points (NAFP)
accompanied the Southern African Development
Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Technical Manager to an
Assessors Conclave held on 18 September 2015 at the
Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) boardroom.
This conclave was held for the nine Zimbabwean Technical
Assessors for SADCAS in order to update them on
developments in SADCAS and for them to share their
experiences.
- The 5th meeting of the Advisory Committee for Inspection
Bodies in
Zimbabwe was held on 17 September 2015 at the SAZ
Headquarters in Harare to update members on
developments at SADCAS.
- The NAFP and the SADCAS team also conducted target
market visits to three laboratories namely; Tobacco
Research Board, Central Veterinary Laboratory and
SADCA Committee Member:
Ms Riyana Chibanda
Contact Details:
Ministry of Industry and International Trade
Mukwati Building
Corner Livingstone Ave/ Fourth Street
P Bag 7708, Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
(t) +263 4 702 733
(f) +263 4 793 461
P a g e | 92
Antech Laboratory. The objective of the market visits was to encourage these
laboratories to change over from the South African National
Accreditation System (SANAS) to SADCAS accreditation, market SADCAS
services and give an update on SADCAS Operations.
- The two Zimbabwe NAFPs visited SAZ laboratories and ZIMQAP Medical
laboratories to gather databases on laboratories. We are continuously updating
the CABs database with information from SAZ, ZINQAP and other relevant
organisations.
- The two Zimbabwe NAFPs attended presentation and marketing skills training
in Botswana in February 2015 and the annual SADCAS Technical Barriers to
Trade (TBT) Expert Group meeting held in Congo mid-March 2015.
- We have submitted quarterly reports for 2015 to strengthen our effectiveness.
SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
The Zimbabwe NAFP managed to take advantage of a plethora of meetings, workshops,
and fairs hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and some that took place
elsewhere in order to market SADCAS through targeted meetings and distribution of
flyers
Resources (Vehicles, Office equipment) were not always available to effectively conduct
SADCAS’ work.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED
- Resources are not always available hence the need to be innovative and take
advantage of equipment procured for other purposes and by other
organisations.
- The distributions of flyers at big meetings have the challenge of wastage of
pamphlets, flyers etc. as they end up in hands of people who may not make use
of the information.
- On discussions with companies, sometimes we are referred to people who are
not the ultimate decision makers, this sometimes waste time and resources.
PARTICIPATION ON MIRROR COMMITTEES (e.g. ISO/IEC 17011)
NAFPS did not participate in Mirror Committees.
ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2016
- To continuously inform the business community about the role of SADCAS
through distribution of flyers at meetings, conferences, etc.
- To conduct targeted visits to companies that were identified last year such as
Lafarge, Hwange Colliery, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, Cold Storage
Commission, Ethanol Company, Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe and
Hippo Valley Sugar Estates.
- To continuously update CABs database through collaborating with SAZ,
ZIMQUAP and other umbrella bodies for laboratories.
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- To participate in any training that enhance our effectiveness in conducting
SADCA business.
- To timeously and continuously provide reports to SADCA on activities taking
place in Zimbabwe.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SADCA INTERVENTION
- We request SADCAS to avail new office equipment especially computers and
printers.
- SADCA may avail funds for crucial activities as most governments are facing
financial resources challenges.
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INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
It is important to ensure that SADCA continuously participates in
the existing global and regional networks of recognised
accreditation cooperations particularly the cooperations that
SADCA has concluded Memorandum of Understandings with. The
benefits of participating include exchanging information on the
development and operations of similar regional accreditation
cooperations.
Date Meeting Location Attended by
17-18
February 2015
SADCA EXCO Meeting Pretoria,
South Africa
SADCA EXCO
15 – 20 March
2015
SADCA General
Assembly Meetings
Gaborone,
Botswana
SADCA
Members
9 – 16 April
2015
ILAC/IAF Mid-Year
Meetings
Frankfurt,
Germany
SADCA
Members
13 – 20 June
2015
Joint APLAC General
Assembly / PAC
Plenary Meetings
Colombo, Sri
Lanka
SADCA Chair
30 – 31 July
2015
6th PAQI Meetings Johannesburg,
South Africa
RC
13 August
2015
21st ARSO General
Assembly
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
SANAS
5 – 11
September 2-
015
IAAC General
Assembly Meetings
Santo
Domingo,
Dominican
Republic
SADCA Chair
and
Secretariat
4 – 9 October
2015
6th AFRAC General
Assembly Meetings
Tunis, Tunisia SADCA
Members
28 October – 6
November
2015
Joint ILAC/IAF
General Assembly
Meetings
Milan, Italy SADCA
Members
7 – 8
December
2015
SADCA Strategic
Session
Pretoria,
South Africa
SADCA EXCO
SADCA is a Stakeholder of the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) SADCA is a Regional Accreditation Body Member of ILAC and IAF; The SADCA Chair represents SADCA on the IAF Executive Committee; SADCA signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with IAAC in 2004; SADCA signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with APLAC in November 2015; SADCA participates in AFRAC Meetings, SADC meetings, tripartite meetings and other relevant regional accreditation meetings.
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REGIONAL PARTICIPATION
AFRICAN ACCREDITATION COOPERATION (AFRAC)
AFRAC held its sixth General Assembly Meetings from 4 – 9
October 2015 at the Carthage Thalasso Resort Hotel in Tunis,
Tunisia. The meetings were hosted by the Tunisian Accreditation
Council (TUNAC). The meetings included meetings of the Executive
Committee (EXCO), Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)
Council and Committee, Technical Committee and the various
Working Groups.
The following workshops were also held during the course of the
week:
- AFRAC MRA Decision Making Workshop on 4 October 2015:
aimed at clarifying the MRA Decision Making and Peer
Evaluation processes to the MRA Committee Members;
- Workshop on Accreditation: Building Global Trust 5 October
2015: aimed at explaining the role of Accreditation in
Building Global Trust of products and services;
- Workshop for New Accreditation Bodies on 8 October 2015:
aimed at providing information about AFRAC to new
Members; and
- Workshop on the Standard in Transition (SO/IEC 17021-1)
on 8 October 2015: aimed at providing information on the
key changes to the ISO/IEC 17021 Standard.
Elections were held during the General Assembly meeting for the
following Office Bearers:
- Mrs Maureen Mutasa - SADCAS was elected as the AFRAC
Vice Chair for a term of two years (October 2015 – October
2017);
- Mr Moez Boughalmi - TUNAC was re-elected as the MRA
Committee and Council Chair for a term of two years
(October 2015 – October 2017); and
- Mr Sammy Milgo - Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) re-
elected as the TC Chair for a term of two years (October
2015 – October 2017).
The seventh AFRAC General Assembly will be hosted by the
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Nigeria in September
2016.
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Tunisia Minister of Industry His Excellency Zakaria Hamad giving his speech during the
Opening ceremony. Seated from left to right Mr Anouar Zouari (TUNAC Director
General), Mr Ron Josias (SANAS CEO and AFRAC Chair) and Mr Mahmoud Eltayeb (Arab
Accreditation Council Chair)
AFRAC MEMBERSHIP
AFRAC admitted SADCAS as an AFRAC MRA Arrangement Member and Signatory for
the Calibration and Testing Scopes on 8 October 2015. The General Assembly meeting
held on 9 October 2015 approved the following two applications for Stakeholder
Membership:
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); and
- Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
AFRAC now has a total of four Arrangement Members which are MRA Signatories, three
Full Members, one Associate Member and six Stakeholder Members.
AFRAC MRA SIGNATORY STATUS
The AFRAC MRA Council held its inaugural meeting on 8 October 2015. The outcome of
the meeting Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service
(SADCAS) was admitted as an AFRAC MRA Arrangement Member and Signatory for the
Calibration and Testing scopes. The following is information on AFRAC Signatories in
the following scopes:
- Calibration laboratories: 4 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS, TUNAC and SADCAS);
- Inspection bodies: 3 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS and TUNAC);
- Testing laboratories: 4 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS, TUNAC and SADCAS);
- Medical testing: 3 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS and TUNAC);
- Quality Management Systems (QMS): 3 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS and TUNAC);
and
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- Environmental Management Systems (EMS): 3 Signatories (EGAC, SANAS and
TUNAC).
AFRAC applied to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the
International Accreditation Forum (IAF) in August 2015 for the Peer Evaluation of
AFRAC.
TRAINING – PEER EVALUATORS
AFRAC trained an additional 15 trainees in Tunis, Tunisia from 1 – 3 October 2015. The
training was undertaken by Mrs Roxanne Robinson (APLAC-A2LA) and Eng. Mahmoud
Eltayeb (AFRAC Team Leader). The trainees all successfully passed the course, and will
be added to AFRAC’s Peer Evaluators register as trainees. The training course was
funded by PTB- Germany.
AFRAC further qualified Mr Chankar Bheekhun (MAURITAS) as a Peer Evaluator and
Mr Moslem Barrak (TUNAC) as a Team Leader. To date AFRAC has qualified 6 Peer
Evaluators and 2 Team Leaders.
Peer Evaluators trainees and training facilities
PEER EVALUATIONS
The following AB’s have been Peer evaluated by AFRAC in 2015:
Accreditation Body: SADC Accreditation Services (SADCAS)
Scope: Calibration and Testing
Type of Evaluation: Joint Peer Evaluation (ILAC-AFRAC-SADCA)
Dates: 25 – 29 May 2015
Accreditation Body: Ethiopian National Accreditation Office (ENAO)
Scope: Medical and Testing
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Type of Evaluation: Joint Peer Evaluation (ILAC-AFRAC)
Dates: 7 – 11 September 2015
The following Peer and Pre-peer Evaluations are planned for 2016:
Accreditation Body: Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS)
Scope: Calibration, Testing and QMS
Type of Evaluation: Joint Pre-peer Evaluation (ILAC-IAF-AFRAC-SADCA)
Dates: 21 – 25 March 2016
Accreditation Body: Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS)
Scope: Awaiting application
Type of Evaluation: Joint Peer evaluation (ILAC-IAF-AFRAC)
Dates: TBC
AFRAC COOPERATION WITH OTHER REGIONAL COOPERATIONS
AFRAC has drafted a Technical Cooperation Agreement between AFRAC, Arab
Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) and SADCA. With the purpose of establishing a joint
Peer Evaluators pool of experts within Africa. The agreement is yet to be signed by each
of the three Cooperation Chairs.
FUNDING
AFRAC intends to be a self-funding organisation, however, funding for various activities
has been provided by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany, PTB
has been involved with AFRAC from its inception. PTB has provided financial support
towards the achievement of several AFRAC activities.
AFRAC has started charging a flat free rate for meeting registrations. The fee of 250
USD per delegates was approved by the General Assembly during the 2014 meetings
and was implemented at the 2015 General Assembly meetings.
FUTURE AFRAC MEETINGS
Meeting Date Venue
AFRAC Mid-year Meetings 30 May – 2 June 2016 TBC
7th AFRAC General Assembly
Meetings
24 – 29 September 2016 Nigeria
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REGIONAL PARTICIPATION
INTER-AMERICAN ACCREDITATION COOPERATION
The Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) 20th General
Assembly Meetings were held from 5 – 11 September 2015 in
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The meetings were hosted by
the Organismo Dominicano de Acreditación (ODAC).
The meetings included meetings of the Executive Committee,
Multi-Lateral Arrangement Committee, MLA Group, Management
Committee, Technical Committee and various Sub-committees. A
Seminar on Accreditation was held during the week of the General
Assembly meetings.
IAAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asia Pacific
Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) in order to share
experiences, promote the development of Peer Evaluators and
explore working together to achieve MRA for Reference Material
Producers between the two regions.
SADCA Chair and Secretariat with the IAAC Secretariat.
IAAC MEMBERSHIP
IAAC currently 51 Members of which 24 are Full Members, six
Associate Members and 21 Stakeholder Members.
IAAC MLA SIGNATORIES
IAAC has a total of 21 MLA Signatory Members. The following is
information on IAAC MLA Signatories in the following scopes:
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- Testing laboratories – 21 Signatories;
- Medical laboratories – 8 Signatories;
- Calibration laboratories – 15 Signatories;
- Quality Management Systems Certification Bodies– 11 Signatories;
- Environmental Management Systems Certification Bodies – 9 Signatories;
- Product Certification Bodies – 11 Signatories; and
- Inspection Bodies – 10 Signatories.
IAAC PEER EVALUATORS TRAINING
60 Peer Evaluators were trained in July 2015 the first training was held in Bogota,
Colombia for Spanish speaking trainee Evaluators and the second one held in Ottawa,
Canada for English speaking trainee Evaluators. IAAC also held an online workshop for
Peer Evaluators in November 2015.
Four trainee Peer Evaluators participated in IAAC Peer Evaluations during the year
under review.
COOPERATION WITH OTHER REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS
IAAC has cooperation with the following regions:
- AFRAC;
- APLAC;
- Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC);
- European Accreditation (EA);
- International Accreditation Forum (IAF);
- International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC); and
- Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC).
UPCOMING IAAC MEETINGS
The 21st IAAC General Assembly meetings will be held in Lima, Peru from 10 – 16
September 2016.
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REGIONAL PARTICIPATION
ASIA PACIFIC LABORATORY ACCREDITATION COOPERATION
The joint Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) General
Assembly and Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) Plenary
were held from 13 -20 June 2015 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The
meetings included meetings of the APLAC Public Information
Committee (PIC), joint APLAC PIC and PAC Communication and
Marketing Committee, APLAC Proficiency Testing Committee,
APLAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Council, APLAC
General Assembly meeting and PAC Plenary.
SADCA Chair – Mr Viki Kanama with the APLAC Chair Mr Nigel Jou.
APLAC MEMBERSHIP
APLAC currently has 54 Members of which 44 are Full Members
and 10 are Associate Members. Full details of the APLAC Members
are available on the APLAC website www.aplac.og
APLAC MRA SIGNATORIES
APLAC has 37 Signatories to its MRA covering 23 economies.
APLAC’s MRA includes the following scopes:
- Testing – 34 Signatories;
- Calibration – 27 Signatories;
- Inspection – 17 Signatories;
- Medical – 17 Signatories;
- Reference Material Producers (RMP) – 13 Signatories; and
- Proficiency Testing Providers (PTP) – 11 Signatories.
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COOPERATION WITH OTHER REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS
APLAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SADCA on 5 November
2015, the areas of Cooperation include:
- Training and development;
- Proficiency Testing Programs;
- Peer Evaluation;
- Information exchange;
- Support on technical matter;
- Adoption of common positions; and
- Projects and fund procurement.
UPCOMING APLAC MEETINGS
The APLAC General Assembly and Associated meetings will be held in Taipei, Chinese
Taipei from 11 – 18 June 2016.
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SADCA DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
The following organisations have contributed financially and in
kind to SADCA’s activities, which will ultimately assist in realising
the goal of obtaining international recognition as a Regional
Accreditation Cooperation.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND
INDUSTRY (Dti)
In support of the South African government’s objective of regional
integration, the SADCA Secretariat and Regional Coordinator
function is hosted by SANAS, and the South African Department of
Trade and Industry (the dti) continues to fund the SADCA
Secretariat, and the attendance of the SADCA Regional Coordinator
at regional and international meetings.
PHYSIKALISCH TECHNISCHE BUNDESANSTALT, GERMANY
In March 2013, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB),
Germany committed €1, 5 million to provide support at the
regional level for the next three years in the area of
Standardisation, Quality Assurance and Metrology (SQAM) with the
overall objective of strengthening the quality infrastructure for
trade enhancement and consumer protection in SADC. This funding
is accessed through the SADC Trade, Industry, Finance and
Investment (TIFI) department at the SADC Secretariat. During the
period under review, PTB has supported various SADC
accreditation regional projects.
PTB funded the following meetings and activities:
- SADCA Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held
in Pretoria, South Africa from 17 – 18 February
2016;
- Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC)
General Assembly Meetings held in Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic from 5 – 11 September 2015;
- SADCA Strategic Session held in Pretoria, South
Africa from 7 – 8 December 2015;
- SADCA Toolkit for Conformity Assessment Bodies;
and
- SADCA logo development.
Contact details:
The dti www.dti.gov.za
PTB www.ptb.de
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TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS
ABs Accreditation Bodies
AFRAC African Accreditation Cooperation
AFRIMETS Intra-Africa Metrology System
AFSEC African Electro-technical Standardization Commission
AIA Approved Inspection Authority
APLAC Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
ARAC Arab Accreditation Cooperation
ARIPO African Regional Intellectual Property Organization
ARSO African Organisation for Standardization
ASCOLAB Association Congolaises des Laboratoires
AU African Union
BOBS Botswana Bureau of Standards
BoD Board of Directors
CABs Conformity Assessment Bodies
CEO Chief Executive Officer
COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
DRC Democratic Republic of Congo
EA European Cooperation for Accreditation
EAC East African Community
EGAC Egyptian Accreditation Council
ENAO Ethiopian National Accreditation Office
EU European Union
EXCO Executive Committee
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
IAAC Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation
IAAC Angolan Institute of Accreditation
IAF International Accreditation Forum
IEC International Electro-technical Commission
ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
IANORQ Angolan Institute for Normalization and Quality
INNOQ Instituto Nacional de Normalizacão e Qualidade
ISO International Organisation for Standardization
IUMP Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme
KENAS Kenyan Accreditation Service
MAURITAS Mauritius Accreditation Service
MBS Malawi Bureau of Standards
MLA Multi-Lateral Agreement /or Arrangement
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
NAFP National Accreditation Focal Point
NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development
NLA National Laboratory Association
NML National Metrology Laboratory
NSB National Standards Body
NSI Namibia Standards Institution
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OCC Office Conglais de Contrôle
PAC Pacific Accreditation Cooperation
PAQI Pan-African Quality Infrastructure
PTB Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
RECs Regional Economic Communities
SADC Southern African Development Community
SADCA Southern African Development Community Cooperation in
Accreditation
SADCAS Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service
SANAS South African National Accreditation System
SAZ Standards Association of Zimbabwe
SBS Seychelles Bureau of Standards
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary
SQAM Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology
SQAMEG Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology
Expert Group
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade
TPA Twinning Partnership Arrangement
TUNAC Tunisian Accreditation Council
the dti The South African Department of Trade and Industry
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
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