TPSA Merges with SACIA to Operate as Special Interest Group
One of TPSA’s main achievements was its contribution to the development of SANS 10366 - a national standard for health and safety at live events. SANS 10366 was first published in 2006, with updates in 2009 and 2012. In all three editions TPSA is recognised as the primary contributor to the development of the standard.
Another focus of TPSA was the recognition of excellence in the technical production community. Over the past few years the annual TPSA Awards has become an industry highlight, providing a platform for members to recognise and honour the great work being done in South Africa’s live events industry.
TPSA membership peaked shortly before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This was because many FIFA tenders specified that vendors must be members of a recognised professional body. Initially TPSA was run by volunteers, appointed by the membership. Increasing demands on their time necessitated a full-time executive. In November 2014 the sitting TPSA Board voted unanimously to merge with the South African Communications Industry Association (SACIA), and to operate within SACIA as a special interest group.
During the first six months after the merger the sitting TPSA Board appointed an Interim Council, responsible for integrating the TPSA into SACIA. In June 2015 a new five-person TPSA Council was elected for a two year term. The council is responsible for defining a strategic vision, and for promoting professional standards and ethical practice, for the technical production and live events sector. At the first meeting of the Council (held on 2 July 2015) Bruce Schwartz, Electrosonic SA’s Lighting Manager, was elected chairman of the TPSA Council.
Bruce had this to say: “The adoption of the TPSA as a special interest group under SACIA’s umbrella adds a whole lot of value to TPSA. Kevan Jones (Executive Director of SACIA) has created an organisation that is credible, ethical and that enjoys huge buy-in from the industry. This buy-in is critical to the future growth of TPSA. TPSA is not an industry policeman, but rather a pillar of support. We take input from the industry and set sound working practice. This is a new chapter for TPSA and we have identified six key focus areas: Training, Certification, Standards, Marketing, Transformation, and Awards. Soon the industry will see the early fruits of our efforts, and we are all very excited to take these necessary first steps. I'm humbled by this vote of confidence from the industry: I and my fantastic committee are up for the challenge.”