By Eamonn Ryan
The 62nd Annual General Meeting and Christmas in July function of the SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre, held on 24 July 2026, not only celebrated a year of strong technical activity and financial stability but also marked an important moment of leadership transition and continuity.
SAIRAC outgoing chairman Gregory Grobbelaar opens the event.
© RACA Journal
Chairman Gregory Grobbelaar opened the meeting by welcoming members, guests, past presidents, national representatives and committee members, before leading a moment of silence in memory of FR van der Merwe, an industry colleague who passed away during the year. This set a reflective and respectful tone for an evening that combined formal business with celebration.
In his chairman’s report, Grobbelaar outlined a busy year of Zoom‑based courses, technical talks, and flagship events, supported by regular monthly committee meetings. This foundation of good governance and planning created the platform for a smooth transition to the incoming committee for 2025–26.
Before introducing the new leadership team, Grobbelaar expressed sincere thanks to the outgoing committee for their dedication over the past year. Their efforts in co-ordinating courses, talks, events and Centre administration have ensured that Johannesburg remains one of SAIRAC’s most active and robust centres.
The AGM then confirmed the incoming committee for 2025–26, with several familiar faces stepping into new roles. Robert Fox was announced as the incoming Chairman of the SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre. Fox has been a central figure in the Centre’s educational activities, presenting multiple courses and CPD‑accredited talks over the year, and his move into the chairmanship reflects both experience and trust from his peers.
Grant Laidlaw will continue in his crucial role as Treasurer, providing financial continuity at Centre level and aligning with his responsibilities as National Treasurer. Under his stewardship, the Centre has maintained a near break‑even operating account and a strong education account that supports national initiatives such as the Dreosti Memorial Lecture Series.
Former chairman Grobbelaar will remain in a leadership capacity as vice chairman, ensuring that valuable institutional knowledge and momentum are retained. This combination of continuity and refreshed leadership is designed to keep the Johannesburg Centre on a stable path while enabling new ideas and initiatives.
Members were invited to volunteer for committee service, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to broad participation, mentorship, and renewal within the HVAC&R community. By encouraging new voices to step forward, SAIRAC Johannesburg is actively investing in the future leadership of the industry.
The formalities concluded in a positive, forward‑looking spirit, after which attendees were encouraged to enjoy the remainder of the Christmas in July function together. With a renewed committee, strong governance, and sustained focus on education and professional development, the SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre enters the 2025–26 year well positioned to continue its role as a leading force in South Africa’s HVAC&R sector.
