The South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (Saclap) recently annouced its new council, as appointed by Public Works Minister Nathi Nhleko. Council members will serve a four-year term of office from September 1, 2017, to August 31, 2021.
Saclap is constitued in terms of the Landscape Architectural Profession Act of 2000 and is one of the six professional councils under the Council for the Built Environment.
Landscape professionals and candidates contribute to a wide range of projects in and allied to the built environment. Projects undertaken by such individuals range from landscape master planning to detail design and implementation of the landscape. Such projects vary from institutional projects to corporate, recreational and sports facilities, urban and rural facilities, transport facilities, urban planning, landscape restoration and rehabilitation, nature and game parks to house gardens.
The new council comprises representatives in the form of registered professionals and State and public representatives. Those representing the complement of registered professionals include Herman de Lange, Ralene Fischer, Thabo Munyai, Elizabeth van Staden, Frans van Wyk and Professor Richard Hendrick. The State representatives are Willie Mothowamodimo and Ngwako Hutamo, while representatives from the public sector include Dr Francis Nzama and Melusi Mofokeng.
Saclap is the smallest of the built enviroment councils, but the council notes that, despite its size, it plays an important role in the built environment industry. The new council has a mandate to play a significant role in the change of the built environment discourse and to ensure that issues of transformation continue to be addressed.