Industry body the South African Facilities Management Association (Safma), in partnership with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), has established FM Forward – a joint initiative aimed at advancing professional recognition of facilities management in South Africa.

Safma president Batabile Sibaca says the initiative is aimed at strengthening professional standards, giving the sector a stronger voice in national policy and driving greater recognition of the vital role facilities management plays across South Africa’s built environment.

In a media release, he notes that the initiative represents a major step towards statutory professional recognition for facilities management.

He explains that, as a recognised voluntary association, Safma is facilitating the process of professional categorisation of facilities management under the SACQSP.

Founded in 1998, Safma has evolved from a voluntary association into an established professional body. Today, it maintains four registered professional designations, ranging from certified facilities practitioner to accredited facilities professional.

These designations provide a framework for demonstrating competence and commitment to ongoing professional development. Members are required to adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and maintain their professional development through continuing professional development.

SACQSP president Arthur Quphe describes facilities management as fundamental to the effective, safe and sustainable operation of the environments in which people live, work and conduct business.

Hence, he says, this initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen the profession’s standing and ensure its voice is heard in shaping national policy.

During a media engagement on October 9, Quphe highlighted the next 18 months as crucial in advancing the sector toward professional recognition.

The initiative comes at a time when Safma is strengthening its own governance and leadership structures, expanding its provincial reach and deepening its focus on sustainability, technology, education and governance.

With an established national membership base, international links through Global FM, professional designations and a growing network of practitioners and organisations, Sibaca said Safma is well positioned to help lead the sector forward.

He describes FM Forward as an opportunity to build a more robust and future-focused profession for South Africa.

During the event, Sibaca emphasised the importance of collaboration.

“No profession succeeds in isolation. Progress happens when organisations are willing to work together. Progress happens when leaders choose partnership over competition. Progress happens when different stakeholders recognise that they have a shared common purpose,” he said, noting that the facilities management profession needs a unified platform to unlock its full potential.

“As we look to the future, there's still work to be done. Professional recognition is not an end point; it's a responsibility. It requires us to continue raising standards, it requires us to continue investing in education, it requires us to continue promoting ethical practice, it requires us to continue supporting the next generation,” adds Safma board member John Samuel.