Complete Guide to Industry Associations & Resources: South Africa

South Africa’s cold chain industry operates within a complex ecosystem of professional associations, regulatory bodies, and training organizations. Whether you’re a cold storage operator seeking compliance guidance, a refrigeration technician pursuing professional registration, or an equipment supplier looking to network with industry peers, connecting with the right organizations accelerates your business success and professional development.

This guide introduces the key industry associations and resources supporting South Africa’s temperature-controlled logistics sector. From global cold chain alliances with dedicated African operations to specialist refrigeration bodies overseeing technical standards and practitioner registration, these organizations provide networking opportunities, training programs, compliance guidance, and the collective voice that shapes industry policy.

This page serves as the authoritative ColdChainSA resource for industry association information. Other pages across the site link here for details on SAIRAC, SARACCA, SAQCC Gas, GCCA, and related organizations.

Cold Chain Industry Associations

Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) — South Africa

The Global Cold Chain Alliance represents the gold standard for temperature-controlled logistics worldwide, and their South African presence has grown substantially since establishing their Cape Town office in May 2019. GCCA membership in Africa now encompasses 48 facilities representing over 50 million cubic feet of refrigerated capacity.

GCCA South Africa operates through regional committees that address industry-specific challenges. The Food Safety & Compliance Committee brings together compliance managers from major operators to discuss regulations impacting cold chain logistics, while the Risk Management Committee focuses on insurance challenges, operational safety, and best practices for minimizing risk across temperature-controlled facilities.

Key benefits for South African members include:

Access to the Cold Store Operations Short Course, an online training program that brings international expertise to local teams. This program has trained participants from South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond, covering everything from warehouse management to food safety protocols.

Cold Chain Connections — regular networking events in Johannesburg and Cape Town where perishable logistics executives discuss challenges, share solutions, and build relationships with peers across the industry.

The Productivity and Benchmarking Survey provides the only performance benchmarking data for temperature-controlled warehousing in South Africa. Participants compare their operations against industry standards across KPIs including labour expenses, electricity costs, inventory turns, and product throughput.

Access to the Scientific Advisory Council, an international panel of food scientists and logistics experts covering specializations from refrigeration engineering to postharvest technology, microbiology, and supply chain management.

GCCA South Africa’s Advisory Council includes industry leaders from major operators who help shape regional strategy and strengthen relationships across all cold chain sectors. This council represents diverse company sizes and industry segments, ensuring broad perspective on market needs.

Contact: Lizelle van der Berg (Regional Director) — Lvanderberg@gcca.org | +27 72 225 9820

International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW)

As a core partner within GCCA, IARW specifically serves cold storage facility operators. South African cold storage operators benefit from IARW resources covering warehouse design standards, operational efficiency guidelines, and energy management best practices — particularly relevant given electricity cost pressures and load shedding challenges facing local operations.

Refrigeration and HVAC Associations

South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC)

Founded in Cape Town in 1951 as the South African Institute of Refrigeration, SAIRAC has served South Africa’s environmental control industry for over 70 years. The organization expanded its scope in 1962 to include air conditioning and established regional centres in Port Elizabeth (1961), Johannesburg (1963), and Durban (1967).

SAIRAC serves professionals across refrigeration, air conditioning, and ventilation sectors. The organization holds Category A Voluntary Association registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa and maintains international affiliations with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers).

Membership benefits include:

Technical training and enrichment courses covering refrigeration systems, natural refrigerants, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies. SAIRAC regional centres host regular technical talks featuring industry experts and product innovations.

Professional networking through centre meetings, national conferences, and the flagship FRIGAIR Exhibition — Africa’s largest dedicated HERVAC (Heating, Energy, Refrigeration, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) trade show.

Access to technical standards development and industry representation on committees affecting refrigeration regulations and building codes.

Professional development recognition aligned with engineering council requirements.

FRIGAIR Exhibition:

SAIRAC’s triennial FRIGAIR Exhibition showcases the latest in HERVAC technology, drawing over 150 exhibitors and thousands of industry professionals. The 2025 event (June 4-6 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand) featured the Skills Development Hub competition, where contestants demonstrated competencies in electrical testing, refrigeration tubing, and system commissioning. The next FRIGAIR takes place May 30 – June 1, 2028.

Contact: admin@sairac.co.za | 011 704 9323

South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA)

Established in 1963, SARACCA represents refrigeration and air conditioning contractors across South Africa. The association received the SEIFSA Award for Excellence in May 2016, recognizing its continued industry relevance and 34% membership growth that year.

SARACCA’s most critical function involves administering SAQCC Gas registrations for Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioners. This registration is legally required under the Pressure Equipment Regulations — anyone installing, maintaining, or repairing refrigeration systems must be registered with SAQCC Gas through SARACCA or another member association.

Key services include:

• Practitioner Registration: SARACCA processes applications for refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners under the Pressure Equipment Regulations. Registration categories range from room air conditioning installers to ammonia refrigeration specialists, with each category defining specific scope of work and CoC (Certificate of Conformity) signing authority.
• Training Subsidies: Members receive subsidies for site personnel training in duct erection, refrigeration, air conditioning, and project management through SAQA-approved courses.
• Industrial Relations Support: Through SEIFSA membership, SARACCA members access labour relations services including employment practice advice, dispute resolution, and industrial relations expertise.
• Technical Guidance: With over 30 years of industry experience, SARACCA’s Executive Director provides members with expert advice on tendering, contracting, and documentation.

Contact: info@saracca.co.za

SAQCC Gas (South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas)

SAQCC Gas is mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour to register and maintain the database of Authorised Persons for handling and working with gases under pressure. This includes refrigeration practitioners working with synthetic refrigerants, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other refrigerant gases.

Four member associations comprise SAQCC Gas:

• LPGSA (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa)
• SACGA (Southern Africa Compressed Gases Association)
• SARACCA (refrigeration and air conditioning industry)
• SAGA (Southern African Gas Association)

Why registration matters:

The Pressure Equipment Regulations require that anyone working on refrigeration systems be registered as an Authorised Person. After completing installation, maintenance, repair, or commissioning work, only registered practitioners can sign the legally required Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Working without registration — or issuing CoCs outside your registered scope — can result in disciplinary action under the SAQCC Gas Code of Conduct or prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Registration categories for refrigeration include:

• Domestic Refrigerator Repairer (Level 2)
• Room Air Conditioning Installer (up to 18kW cooling capacity)
• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Apprentice/Learner
• Refrigeration Mechanic (synthetic gases, ammonia, or CO2)
• Ammonia Refrigeration Practitioner
• Car Air Conditioning Practitioner
• Refrigeration Design Engineer
• Refrigeration Inspector

The electronic Certificate of Conformity system, launched via the SAQCC Gas mobile app, enables real-time verification of practitioner credentials and digital CoC issuance, reducing fraud and improving compliance oversight.

Contact: www.saqccgas.co.za

For detailed information on refrigeration practitioner qualifications, see our Tertiary Certifications & Professional Qualifications guide.

Skills Development and Training

Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)

TETA oversees skills development for South Africa’s transport sector, including road freight operations that encompass refrigerated transport. The authority’s mandate covers rail, aerospace, maritime, road freight, road passenger, taxi, freight handling, and forwarding and clearing subsectors.

Relevance for cold chain operators:

Accredited training providers offer qualifications relevant to refrigerated transport operations, fleet management, and logistics coordination. TETA learnerships provide structured learning pathways combining theoretical education with practical workplace experience.

Contact: www.teta.org.za | 012 940 2144

FoodBev SETA

The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority covers skills development for cold storage operations, food processing facilities, and related manufacturing environments.

Relevant qualifications include:

National Certificate programs in food and beverage manufacturing at various NQF levels, with specializations applicable to cold chain operations including temperature monitoring, food safety management, and warehouse operations.

FoodBev SETA partnerships with industry can fund training programs for cold chain technicians, addressing the skills shortage affecting temperature-controlled logistics across South Africa.

Contact: info@foodbev.co.za | 011 253 7300

GCCA Training Programs

Beyond member networking, GCCA provides structured training specifically designed for cold storage operations:

• Cold Store Operations Short Course: This virtual program brings together instructors from South Africa, Canada, and the United States to cover core competencies in temperature-controlled warehouse management. Participants gain certificates recognized across the GCCA global network.
• Africa Future Leader Award: GCCA recognizes outstanding young professionals in African cold storage who demonstrate leadership potential. Eligibility requires employment at a GCCA warehouse member company, age 35 or younger, minimum three years industry experience, and demonstrated understanding of company values and strategic direction.

SAIRAC Technical Training

SAIRAC centres deliver technical enrichment through workshops, courses, and technical talks. The educational portfolio, chaired by SAIRAC’s national treasurer, coordinates strategy across platforms and oversees involvement in government training initiatives.

Training covers evolving technologies including natural refrigerants, energy efficiency optimization, and emerging compliance requirements. The 2020 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Pilot Project, inaugurated through partnership between the Western Cape Government and Bavarian Government, exemplifies SAIRAC’s involvement in skills development infrastructure.

Industry Events and Conferences

GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference

This annual event draws senior leaders from African third-party cold chain logistics to address industry challenges and opportunities. The 2025 conference took place August 20-21 in Durban, featuring presentations from government ministers, industry executives, and international experts on topics including trade relations, infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks.

The conference provides networking opportunities, policy discussions, and strategic planning sessions that shape GCCA’s regional priorities for the coming year.

FRIGAIR Exhibition

SAIRAC’s flagship event showcases HERVAC innovation every three years. FRIGAIR 2025 featured over 150 exhibiting brands demonstrating everything from eco-friendly refrigerants to smart climate systems. The Skills Development Hub highlighted emerging talent through hands-on challenges, while workshops addressed topics including energy efficiency, regulatory changes, and new trade testing requirements.

Next event: FRIGAIR 2028, May 30 – June 1, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

SAPICS Annual Conference

SAPICS (South African Production and Inventory Control Society) hosts Africa’s leading supply chain management conference. While not cold chain-specific, the event delivers essential content for logistics professionals including transport management, inventory optimization, and supply chain resilience.

The conference brings together 700+ professionals from across Africa and internationally, featuring presentations on AI integration, circular economy principles, and workforce development. Cold chain operators benefit from cross-industry perspectives on logistics challenges and technology adoption.

Cold Chain Connections

GCCA’s networking events bring together 20-30 cold chain executives for focused discussions on industry challenges. Recent topics have included digital transformation, automation trends, import/export market conditions, environmental sustainability, and electricity supply challenges.

These smaller-format gatherings complement larger conferences with deeper peer-to-peer dialogue and relationship building.

Trade Publications and Information Sources

Cold Link Africa

Cold Link Africa (incorporating Cold Chain Africa) serves as the primary trade publication for Southern Africa’s refrigeration and cold chain sectors. The magazine covers refrigeration technology, cold storage operations, transport logistics, and industry news.

Content includes technical features, product announcements, regulatory updates, and association news. The publication’s digital archive provides historical reference, while email bulletins deliver current industry updates.

Website: coldlinkafrica.co.za

RACA Journal

The Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Allied Journal has served South African HVAC&R sectors for over four decades. The publication covers technical developments, product innovations, and industry analysis across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors.

Website: refrigerationandaircon.co.za

Regulatory Bodies and Government Resources

Department of Health — Environmental Health

The Department of Health enforces R638 Regulations governing general hygiene requirements for food premises and food transport. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conduct inspections and verify compliance with temperature control, vehicle hygiene, and documentation requirements.

Cold chain operators must demonstrate R638 compliance through documented temperature monitoring, cleaning protocols, and staff training. There is no “R638 certificate” — compliance is ongoing and subject to inspection verification.

For detailed compliance requirements, see our Compliance & Consulting Services directory.

DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development)

DALRRD oversees agricultural cold chain requirements, export certification, and food safety for primary agricultural products. The department administers Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act regulations alongside the Department of Health.

For cold chain operators serving agricultural export markets, DALRRD requirements cover temperature documentation, traceability systems, and compliance with importing country standards.

SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority)

Pharmaceutical cold chain operations fall under SAHPRA oversight. Compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requires validated temperature monitoring, documented excursion protocols, and qualified person oversight.

Pharmaceutical distributors and cold storage facilities handling medicines must maintain stricter temperature control (typically +2°C to +8°C) than general food cold chain, with comprehensive documentation and audit readiness.

For pharmaceutical cold chain certification requirements, see our Cold Chain Certifications Guide.

SANAS (South African National Accreditation System)

SANAS provides accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025. Temperature monitoring equipment calibration — essential for regulatory compliance — must be performed by SANAS-accredited laboratories to ensure traceability and accuracy.

Cold chain operators requiring validated temperature monitoring should verify their calibration service providers hold current SANAS accreditation.

For information on SANAS and other certification bodies, see our Certification Bodies Operating in South Africa guide.

SABS (South African Bureau of Standards)

SABS develops and certifies standards applicable to refrigeration equipment, insulated containers, and cold room construction. SABS certification provides assurance that equipment meets performance, safety, and energy efficiency standards.

Major retailers and pharmaceutical companies often require SABS-certified equipment in their cold chain operations.

Logistics and Supply Chain Associations

Road Freight Association (RFA)

The RFA represents road freight operators including refrigerated transport companies. The association provides regulatory updates, fuel price monitoring, industry advocacy, and legal compliance support.

Cold chain transport operators benefit from RFA membership through industry representation, regulatory guidance, and networking with broader transport sector stakeholders.

Browse refrigerated transport providers in our Transport & Distribution Services directory.

Contact: info@rfa.co.za | 011 974 1111

SAPICS

Beyond their annual conference, SAPICS provides year-round professional development through certifications, networking events, and educational resources. Membership connects supply chain professionals across industries, with content increasingly relevant to cold chain logistics as the sector professionalizes.

Contact: membership@sapics.org.za | 010 036 3976

CILTSA (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa)

CILTSA offers professional qualifications and certifications in logistics and transport. The institute provides structured career pathways for logistics professionals, including those specializing in temperature-controlled supply chains.

Why Industry Association Membership Matters

Joining industry associations delivers value beyond networking. Here’s what membership provides:

• Regulatory Intelligence: Associations track regulatory changes, provide compliance guidance, and represent member interests in policy discussions. GCCA’s Food Safety & Compliance Committee, for example, maintains dialogue with DALRRD and other government agencies affecting cold chain operations.
• Benchmarking: Without industry data, operators cannot assess their performance. GCCA’s Productivity and Benchmarking Survey provides the only comparative data for South African cold storage operations — information unavailable through any other source.
• Training Access: Specialized cold chain training is scarce in South Africa. Associations bridge this gap through courses, workshops, and short programs designed specifically for temperature-controlled logistics.
• Professional Recognition: SAQCC Gas registration is legally required for refrigeration practitioners. Association membership facilitates registration, continuing education, and professional development recognition.
• Collective Voice: Individual operators struggle to influence policy. Associations aggregate industry perspectives and engage with government, creating leverage that benefits all members.
• Insurance and Risk Management: GCCA’s Risk Management Committee addresses challenges like fire insurance — a significant concern for cold storage facilities. Collective negotiation and best practice sharing help members manage costs and coverage gaps.
• Technology Access: Associations introduce members to emerging technologies, from IoT monitoring systems to natural refrigerants. Early exposure helps operators plan investments and maintain competitive positioning.

Getting Started: Recommended Memberships by Operation Type

For Cold Storage Operators

Priority memberships:

1. GCCA (comprehensive cold chain resources, benchmarking, training)
2. SAIRAC (refrigeration technical standards, networking)

Consider also:

• Industry-specific associations (AMIESA for meat, DSA for dairy)
• Regional chambers of commerce for local business networking

For Refrigerated Transport Operators

Priority memberships:

1. RFA (road freight representation, regulatory updates)
2. GCCA (cold chain standards, compliance guidance)

Consider also:

• SAPICS (supply chain management perspective)
• CILTSA (professional qualifications)

Browse transport service providers: Transport & Distribution Services

For Refrigeration Contractors and Technicians

Priority registrations and memberships:

1. SAQCC Gas registration (legally required for practitioners)
2. SARACCA membership (registration processing, training access)
3. SAIRAC membership (technical development, networking)

For qualification requirements, see our Tertiary Certifications & Professional Qualifications guide.

For Equipment Suppliers

Priority memberships:

1. SAIRAC (technical standards, FRIGAIR exhibition participation)
2. GCCA (exposure to cold storage operators)

Consider also:

• SABS engagement for equipment certification
• Trade publication advertising (Cold Link Africa, RACA Journal)

Browse equipment suppliers: Refrigeration Equipment & Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a registered refrigeration practitioner in South Africa?

Complete safe handling of refrigerants training at a SARACCA-recognized provider, then apply for SAQCC Gas registration through SARACCA. Your registration category depends on your qualifications and experience — from room air conditioning installation to ammonia system specialist. Registration must be completed within 12 months of training; exceeding this requires repeating the full course.

For detailed requirements, see our Tertiary Certifications & Professional Qualifications guide.

What does GCCA membership cost?

GCCA membership fees vary by company size and type (warehouse, transportation, associate member). Contact the South Africa regional office for current pricing. Member benefits often deliver value exceeding annual dues through training access, benchmarking participation, and networking opportunities alone.

When is the next FRIGAIR exhibition?

FRIGAIR 2028 takes place May 30 – June 1 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. The triennial event showcases HERVAC innovation and includes SAIRAC workshops and technical presentations.

Which SETA covers cold chain training?

Both FoodBev SETA (food and beverage manufacturing, including cold storage) and TETA (transport sector, including refrigerated transport) offer relevant qualifications. The appropriate SETA depends on your specific operation type and training focus.

How do I verify a refrigeration contractor's registration?

Search the SAQCC Gas online database at www.saqccgas.co.za to verify registration status, scope of work, and qualification category. Registered practitioners should carry their SAQCC Gas card and be able to demonstrate current registration before beginning work.

What's the difference between SAIRAC and SARACCA?

SAIRAC is a professional institute serving engineers, technicians, and professionals across refrigeration and air conditioning sectors — focused on technical standards, professional development, and industry representation. SARACCA is a contractors’ association representing businesses in refrigeration and air conditioning installation and maintenance — focused on business standards, practitioner registration, and contractor interests.

Does R638 compliance require certification?

No. R638 is regulatory compliance, not a certification program. There is no “R638 certificate.” Operators must comply with regulations and demonstrate compliance through documentation, systems, and practices that environmental health practitioners verify during inspections.

For compliance guidance, see our Compliance & Consulting Services directory.

How do I attend the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference?

Registration opens several months before the annual event. Contact GCCA South Africa or monitor the GCCA website for announcements. The conference is open to members and non-members, with member pricing advantages.

Related Resources

• Understanding Cold Chain Certifications — Complete overview of certifications, qualifications, and compliance requirements
• Cold Chain Certifications Guide by Operator Type — Find the certifications you need
• Tertiary Certifications & Professional Qualifications — Refrigeration practitioner registration requirements
• Certification Bodies Operating in South Africa — SANAS, SABS, and other certification authorities
• Cold Chain Glossary — Technical terms and industry definitions
• General Resources — Additional industry resources and guides
• Compliance & Consulting Services — Find consultants and compliance specialists
• Transport & Distribution Services — Refrigerated transport providers across South Africa

Sources & References

Industry Associations

• Global Cold Chain Alliance — Africa Region
• SAIRAC — About SAIRAC
• SARACCA — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Registration
• SAQCC Gas — Official Gas Practitioners Registry

Training and Skills Development

• TETA — Transport Education Training Authority
• FoodBev SETA — Food and Beverage Sector Training
• SAPICS — Supply Chain Professional Development

Industry Events

• FRIGAIR Expo — HERVAC Exhibition
• SAPICS Conference — Supply Chain Management

Market Context

• GCCA — Africa’s Cold Chain Boom: Investment, Growth & Challenges
• Cold Link Africa — Industry News and Analysis

Regulatory

• Department of Health — R638 Regulations
• SANAS — South African National Accreditation System
• SABS — South African Bureau of Standards

Last updated: January 2026

This guide is provided for informational purposes. Regulatory requirements change; verify current requirements with relevant authorities for compliance decisions. ColdChainSA does not verify individual provider certifications—confirm credentials directly with providers before contracting.