The graduation of 600 refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing technicians, along with 35 trainers, underscores government’s ongoing investment in building technical skills capacity.
“Skills development in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector contributes to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and a transition towards a low-emissions economy,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Monday, in Johannesburg.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), Department of Higher Education and Training and the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector industry to develop the National Implementation Strategy for RAC service technicians in 2015 and the RAC Servicing Technician Training programme.
The strategies are focused on phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - specifically HCFC-22 - under the Montreal Protocol, with a focus on training, certification, and the adoption of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives.
The training was conducted in Johannesburg and Durban with participants from all nine provinces.
“Looking ahead, the DFFE will expand training interventions to 800 more technicians operating within the informal servicing sector. This will support standardisation of practices, improved compliance, and further reductions in Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption.
“These interventions further advance national development priorities, including decent work, poverty alleviation, quality education, and gender equality, with increased participation of women in the initiative,” Swarts said.
The refrigeration and air-conditioning sector is of strategic importance to the South African economy.
It supports food security, healthcare services, industrial productivity, and climate-controlled working environments across both public and private sectors.
“The Government of the Republic of South Africa, through the department, remains firmly committed to the effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
“This landmark multilateral environmental agreement regulates the production and consumption of controlled substances through legally binding measures,” the Deputy Minister said.
She stressed that the protection of the ozone layer remains a matter of national and global importance.
Ozone-depleting substances increase exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation, with measurable impacts on human health, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem integrity.
“Through sustained compliance with Montreal Protocol obligations, South Africa has achieved a marked reduction in the consumption of ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration and air-conditioning applications.
“We continue to manage the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in line with internationally agreed schedules and nationally approved control measures. I am confident that the 2026 reduction target of 97.5% of the baseline consumption will be achieved,” the Deputy Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
