Currently there is no official body in South Africa that register, accredit or control acoustic consulting. Years ago we had the South African Acoustics Institute (“SAAI”), yet, at best we had around 80 members, most of them older than 60 (contact me if you would like this list). It should also be noted that this included people doing environmental noise (around 30 people), structural/architectural acoustics (around 15-20 people ), with most of the other members being in local government or companies that import/manufacture/sell products such as acoustic foams/sheets/attenuators/etc as well as equipment. In the last couple of years we sadly lost a significant number of these members, including most of the board of the SAAI. While I tried to re-activate SAAI, there are currently less than 10 people really interested in having the institute revived.
Currently, acoustic consultants are registered with various organizations/institutions. This includes:
- SAIOH – Mainly for occupational hygienists. Registration (non-certified) is open to anyone with an interest in this matter.
- ECSA – Engineering council, though they do not register or certify acoustic consultants. Communication with them highlighted that they do not recognize acoustics as a separate field. I know of a few people registered with them as Pr.Eng (mainly based on previous experience, normally in mechanical or electrical engineering), though it should be noted that ECSA.
- SACNASP – Currently they do not have a field to register acoustic consultants (I have been in communication with them for the past 4 years about this matter).
- Various other societies and institutes (Acoustic Society of America, Institute of Acoustics (UK), Australian Acoustic Society, etc.). Some of the current acoustic consultants are registered with one or more of these, though a number are not registered.
Of the current acoustic consultants doing work in this field, most (with some sort of engineering degree) gained experience while working with others consultants, especially the people that were involved with the then SABS.
However, being registered with any of these organizations, institutes or societies are no guarantee that the acoustic consultants are professional, proficient or have the adequate knowledge/understanding in this field. I know of a few “consultants” that have more than 10 years’ experience in environmental acoustics and still do atrocious work, apparently not being able to learn from their opportunities and/or . On the other hand, I am also aware of at least one company that do excellent work, with less than 2 years of being in this field.
Qualifications, work experience and/or knowledge may not be guarantee that the acoustic consultant selected on your project would provide you with correct advice, a quality report, meet the set deadline (or client expectations) and acceptably assist with advice during a legal appeal process, legal proceedings or hearings (following the Environmental Impact Assessment or Land Use Planning process).
Decades ago, when I applied to be a member with SAAI, my application (as well as my work) was perused for almost a year before being accepted as a member. Similarly, I follow the same approach when I recommend some-one to an existing or prospective client (due to existing workload, or I do not have the required experience or knowledge).
Currently, when I cannot assist a client on a project, I would recommend a number of other acoustic consultants (I personally have either worked with them, or know the quality of their work), such as:
- Linspace (Mr. Ivan Lin)
- Mr. Adrian Jongens
- Mr. Barend van der Merwe
- Mr. Ben van Zyl
For any questions or assistance you are most welcome to contact us.