By Anthony Schewitz Regional Director: Highveld
Over the last few months, we have experienced tough times in the industry. Work has been scarcer, and skyrocketing diesel prices have reached unaffordable levels, putting severe strain on consumer spending. In times like these, I always reflect on the ECA(SA) motto—”The HOME of the Electrical Contractor”—and how I continually witness cohesion among our members and communities.
We see examples of this constantly: a member who cannot reach a job passes it on to the member group, knowing a peer will assist their client; or a member requiring specialized skills, such as medium voltage or lighting protection, brings in the expertise of another member. We see members engaging on WhatsApp groups with complex technical questions, seeking answers among peers. Members advertise their products in our marketplaces and share available work in the relevant groups. They even share vital community information, such as council notifications.
Now, the question is: are you an active part of the member community?
Community Like a Tree
I am a sucker for an analogy, as it makes concepts relatable through common, understandable correlations. Over the years, I have helped form many electrical communities in the industry to support contractors and give everyone access to information.
You may wonder what a tree has to do with the ECA(SA). As it turns out, this analogy is remarkably relevant.
Funnily enough, if you read up on trees, you will find that around 90% do not grow deep roots; instead, most utilize shallow roots. Some of the shallowest roots belong to a family known as Redwood Trees. When you see a forest of these trees, it is astounding. They are among the tallest trees in the world, with some variations growing over 100 meters high.
What makes these trees so amazing is that their roots interlock with other redwoods, forming a robust, rooted mesh that extends for many meters. When heavy gales arrive, they do not falter and can easily withstand severe winds. Interestingly, redwood trees compete to grow taller than their neighbours to get maximum sunlight; yet, despite this competition, their root system remains steadfast and united.
Comparing redwoods to your business in the association: it is vital to have a strong base, like a redwood, when running your contracting business. When hard times come, we face them together, and competition for the sunlight becomes healthy and constructive when anchored by a solid root system.
Join the ECA(SA) Family and Community and connect together
The ECA(SA) offers various forms of interaction for members and the industry as a collective. We maintain an active communication platform through our bi-weekly Wired publication and the SA Electrical Contractor magazine.
Regionally, we have member WhatsApp groups for branches and committees, and we host regional meetings—as well as training sessions—to keep members up to date and involved in their industry. Make sure you contact your regional office to get involved in your communities.
The ECA(SA) also runs a general WhatsApp Community that anyone involved in the industry can join. This community features dedicated groups where technical questions can be addressed, a marketplace where participants can share deals, and—best of all—a Job Seekers group where candidates and employers can connect by expressing their needs.
If you want to join this community, you can join here https://chat.whatsapp.com/KiDCQRzlGwe8gHKb7DyYqN or scan the QR code.
Become part of the community and make the ECA(SA) your home.
