The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), a proud and founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) based in Geneva, Switzerland, when it came into existence seventy two years ago in February 1947, wishes to extend its heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of ISO on this, the 72nd Anniversary of its establishment!

SABS, established in 1945 with the onset of the gold mining industry in South Africa, was part of the delegation from 25 countries gathered in London to join forces in creating the new International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In this post-war era, the founding members saw International Standards as a key to the world's reconstruction efforts.

Standards properly developed, adopted and applied, enable the interoperability of goods and services, thereby facilitating trade and enabling access to markets of locally manufactured products.The purpose of ISO was to facilitate the coordination and unification of standards developed by its member bodies, all of which were national standardisation entities in their respective countries. The founders decided that the organisation would be open to every country wanting to collaborate – with equal rights and equal duties.

SABS continues to make a significant contribution in the arena of International Standardisation, having previously held positions in ISO Council and the Technical Management Board. SABS currently holds the Chairmanship on the ISO Conformity Assessment Sub-Committee (CASCO).

In order to bring the global ISO community together and to share knowledge and innovating new ideas on International Standards, a General Assembly meets once a year, in September. This meeting also provides an opportunity through DEVCO, for developing Countries, who currently make up about 67% of ISO membership, to collaborate on standardisation needs specific to them. The event is also used by a number of regional and economic groupings (BRICS, Commonwealth, Pacific Asia, United Nations Agencies, African Union Agencies etc.) to host discussion events, as well as trade and investment initiatives related to, and underpinned by standardisation.

In continuing its support of, and participation in the activities of ISO, SABS will be hosting the 2019 General Assembly in Cape Town CTICC from 16-20 September 2019, an event which is expected to attract an estimated 600 international delegates. At this historic moment, ISO will also see the inauguration of its first ever President from Africa, and it is an honour that this will take place on African soil hosted by the SABS!