I am delighted to have been invited to attend Coatings for Africa in my capacity as President of OCCA. Chris Pacey-Day, our General Secretary always refers to OCCA in South Africa as ‘Our jewel in the OCCA Crown’ and the OCCA Council shares this view. Over 20% of our Members are now based in Southern Africa and this only emphasises the significance of Coatings for Africa to OCCA and the Southern African Coatings Community.

Although our SURFEX exhibition held every two years in the UK is a major event for OCCA it is Coatings for Africa which is the major technical/social event in the calendar combining technical presentations, an exhibition and social activities, not forgetting the South African AGM. Coatings for Africa has developed strongly since it was first located in the ‘Berg’ and now are regarded as a thoroughly professional event and what is more an event in which the entire coatings community in South Africa can take pride

I am particularly pleased to note that the South African Paint Manufacturers Association is active partner in Coatings for Africa. Although our organisations have different objectives we both want to be part of a successful coatings industry and working together whilst maintaining our independence must be the way forward. In addition to SAPMA the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa is another sister organisation with whom OCCA should further strengthen its ties. As the Immediate Past-President of the UK Institute of Corrosion I appreciate the commonality of much of the technical activities of both organisations.

May I conclude by wishing every success to the Coatings for Africa team, to the delegates, exhibitors and sponsors. Have Great Coatings for Africa.

Brenda Peters
President OCCA-2009-2011