SADCA’s functions are to:
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Facilitate the implementation of effective collaboration amongst accreditation bodies and any other institutions dealing with accreditation in the region;
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Coordinate SADC projects on accreditation;
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Represent SADC, participate and liaise with the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC);
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Facilitate capacity development in the region in the area of accreditation.
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Coordinate inputs to and liaise with regional and international organisations concerned with accreditation, such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF);
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Establish, manage and maintain a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between Accreditation Bodies in the region within the framework of and consistent with global MRAs.
SADCA Organisational Structure
General AssemblyThe General Assembly (GA) is the policy making organ of the SADCA comprising of all Members of the Cooperation.
Executive Committee The Executive Committee (EXCO) is the body responsible for implementation of SADCA policy as defined by the GA.
Technical CommitteeThe Technical Committee (TC) and its’ sub-Committees is the body that implements SADCA’s technical mandate in the following accreditation areas: laboratories (testing and calibration), inspection and certification.
Administrative CommitteesThe Administrative Committees are responsible for the Cooperation’s various administrative activities, namely marketing, communication and finances.
Secretariat and Regional Coordinator The day-to day running of SADCA is undertaken by the Secretariat, which is headed by a Regional Coordinator. The Secretariat and Regional Coordinator function is provided by a SADC Member State institution hosts the Secretariat and provides the Regional Coordinator function.
SADCA MRA Council The SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Council is the body that is responsible to make decisions on the acceptance of applications to the SADCA MRA, the granting, maintenance, suspension and withdrawal of Memberships from the MRA. The MRA Council also reviews peer evaluation report findings.
SADCA MRA Committee The SADCA MRA Committee is the body that is responsible to plan and manage the implementation and maintenance of SADCA’s MRAs. The MRA Committee is also responsible to establish the criteria to qualify peer evaluators and lead evaluators, as well as plan and monitor the peer evaluation process.
SADCA MRA SecretariatThe day-to day running of the SADCA MRA will be undertaken by the Secretariat. The Secretariat will be provided by a Member State institution that is a SADCA MRA signatory and that hosts the Secretariat
