VISION
To be a centre of excellence for non-standardised construction products and systems.
MISSION
To enhance ASA’s position as the internationally acknowledged South African centre of excellence for technical assessment, certification, quality assurance and R&D activities to ensure fitness-for-purpose of non-standardised construction related products and systems.
GUIDING VALUES
ASA’s values are aligned with the values espoused in the Constitution. The core values that underpin the culture of ASA are:
- People – Respecting people for who they are, their knowledge, skills and experience as individuals and team members.
- Reputation – Upholding ASA’s brand through excellence, integrity and quality.
- Ingenuity – Inspiring innovative solutions.
- Diversity – Embracing a dynamic and multi-cultural environment that respects the individual.
- Enthusiasm – Embracing a positive atmosphere through passion, drive and agility
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
Primary legislative mandate
The ASA derives its primary legislative mandate from ASA Act No. 11 of 2015 (hereafter the “Act”).
In terms of the Act the objects of ASAare to:
- Provide assurance to specifiers and users of the fitness-for-purpose of non-standardised construction related products or systems;
- Support and promote the process of integrated socio-economic development in the republic as it relates to the construction industry;
- Support and promote the introduction and use of certified non-standardised construction related products or systems in the local or international market;
- Support policy makers to minimize the risk associated with the use of a non-standardised construction related product or system; and
- Be an impartial and internationally acknowledged South African centre for the assessment and confirmation of fitness-for-purpose of non-standardised construction related products or systems.
Agrément South Africa was established in terms of a delegation of Authority from the then Minister of Public Works in July 1969. The organisation is an entity of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI ) and its mandate is within the domain of the built environment and as such, the legislation and mandates that impact on the built environment and public works guide the functioning and operations of Agrément South Africa. The organisation is a schedule 3A public entity under the Public Finance Management Act and is established under the Agrément South Africa Act No 11 of 2015.
MANDATE OF AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA
The core mandate of ASA is the technical assessment and issuing of approval of certificates for non-standardised construction related products and systems for which there are no south African National Standards.
The Constitutional mandate of ASA is derived from its EA, the NDPWI. The Constitutional mandate for the NDPWI is provided in Schedule 4, Part 4, of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996). The NDPWI is mandated to be the custodian and portfolio manager of national government’s immovable assets. The NDPWI is further mandated to coordinate and provide strategic leadership in job creation initiatives through the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme, as well as the transformation and regulation of the built environment sector.
In executing its mandate, ASA must observe the principles of good cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations, as provided for in section 41 of the Constitution.
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA
Assess and, if satisfied, certify the fitness-for-purpose of a non-standardised construction related product or system;
Issue, amend, suspend, reinstate, withdraw or renew an ASA Certificate;
Enter into an agreement with a person, entity or organ of State whose services are required to achieve an object or perform a function of ASA or the Board;
Provide services in relation to the objects of ASA to a person, entity or organ of State; and
Exercise any other power as may be prescribed or necessary to achieve the objects of ASA.
The recognised South African National Government Body that issues eco-labels for building material and products
The recognised South African National Government Body that issues Green Building Ratings for Government Buildings
STRATEGIC OUTCOMES OF AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA
This shift in strategic focus has been captured in this Plan and focusses on four outcomes for the 2020-2024 period:
Ensuring that ASA is appropriately structured, staffed and financed to meet its legislative and political mandate and render an effective professional service in a cost-efficient manner;
Ensuring that ASA has an appropriate cost model and develops new products and services to enhance its own revenue generating capacity;
Ensuring that ASA is more visible in the built environment sector and that the organisation develops strategic partnerships to pursue its mandate and expand its impact; and
Identifying and supporting appropriate projects and interventions in pursuit of the broader built environment transformation objectives
AGRÉMENT SOUTH AFRICA PROGRAMMES
Sub-Programme 1: Technical Services.
Purpose: The certificates granted promote improved methods of construction thereby contributing towards the impact of innovative non-standard construction related products and systems for which there are no South African national standards. Sub-Programme comprises the core service delivery functions of ASA. It includes Products / Systems Certification, Quality Audits and Research and Development.
- Products / Systems Certification: The purpose is to promote the introduction and use of innovative and non-standardised construction related products and systems through technical assessment of fitness-for-purpose and subsequent certification.
- Quality Audits: The purpose is to ensure that good-quality materials and satisfactory standards of design, manufacture and where appropriate, erection, installation or application of all ASA’s certificate holders and licensees’ systems or products are consistently maintained within defined ASA parameters.
- Research and Development: The purpose is to encourage and support business activities of ASA, in partnership with other sector stakeholders, as well as encourage development of non-standardised construction related products and systems.
Sub-Programme 2: Financial Services.
Purpose: To provide overall financial and supply chain management, strategic leadership, operational efficiency and service excellence and providing organisational support services to operate and function as an organisation with a track record of quality, effective delivery and professional service.
Sub-Programme 3: Corporate Services.
Purpose: To provide overall strategic leadership, operational efficiency and service excellence and providing organisational support services to operate and function as an organisation with a track record of quality, effective delivery and professional service.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tel: +27 12 841 3708
Fax: +27 12 841 2539
Email: agrement@agrement.co.za
Website: www.agrement.co.za
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
CSIR, Building 17B, 2nd Floor, Scientia Campus
Meiring Naude Road,
Brummeria, Pretoria.
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 72381, Lynwood Ridge
GPS COORDINATES
25.7459° S, 28.2812° E
