Agrément South Africa is officially a fully-fledged legal entity of the Department of Public Works, following an announcement by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi.

The entity began its operations, independent of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as an implementing agency of the Department of Public Works from 1 April 2018.

Nxesi says Agrément SA plans to increase its visibility nationally to ensure that communities and industry professionals are aware of its services in the coming weeks and months.

“Agrément South Africa is an integral part of the department’s scarce technical expertise, as it ensures compliance with the construction industry’s highest quality standards and performance,” he explains.

“Agrément SA has as its vision to be a world class technical assessment agency,”Nxesi adds.

The 48-year-old entity is tasked with conducting testing, performance and certification of construction industry products and methodologies to ensure quality and durability of such products on behalf of the Department of Public Works.

Eco-Labelling System incorporated into Public Works

It is also tasked with managing the South African Eco-Labelling System as government’s recognised system for building materials and products. The system will address indoor air quality, comfort, environmental issues, and material and energy resource conservation.

The Eco-Labelling System will now be incorporated in the National Department of Public Works Standard Specifications for Construction Works.

“Agrément SA also aims to promote government’s objectives of economic development, good governance and raising living standards and prosperity in South Africa,”Nxesi notes.

It is a founder-member of the World Federation of Technical Assessment Organisations and is recognised internationally.