October - November 2013
MODERN QUARRYING
3
AROUND THE
INDUSTRY
EDITOR’S
COMMENT
The doors of wisdom are never shut
B
enjamin Franklin once said ‘the doors of wis-
dom are never shut’, and I sincerely hope
that the experience and knowledge of the
IQSA’s past chairman and members can be passed
down to the members of the future, through some
form of mentorship. While preparing the historical
book celebrating the people who have made our
industry and the IQSA what it is today, I have re-
alised how invaluable that experience really is. My
wish is that the book I am writing on behalf of the
Institute will be an acknowledgement of that.
I have been privileged to talk to some incred-
ible people. These include the Institute’s only presi-
dent Dave Griffiths, who at 78 years old is such an
inspiration. He has just completed his third year
BCom Theology and is looking forward to gradu-
ating next year. Dave is someone who truly has a
zest for life.
What I am taking away from these discussions,
is that these people have put their hearts and souls
into making the industry what it is today. Talking
to past chairmen, directors and members of the
IQSA, they were proud to be part of this interna-
tional professional body. Serving on the board
was an honour, a commitment and a passion. They
were proud to be part of an association dedicated
to promoting the fellowship of members through
the development of the quarrying industry; and
they took their responsibilities in this regard very
seriously.
I am not in any way saying that the Institute’s
current board is any different. If there is ever was
a chairman in the right place at the right time, it
certainly is the IQSA’s current chairman Glenn
Johnson. But what I have realised, is that while
there were many very strong chairmen there were
also a few weak ones – and for me this has been
very disappointing.
Times were different, let’s face it, but just like
today, times were tough. There were sand cartels
in the 1960s and ‘70s. These were owned by the
producers, with each producer having a share; and
this resulted in the backward integration of civil
contractors moving into the quarrying business.
These contractors, who were big wheels, were tired
of being dictated to, and so most of the quarries we
have today were formed for this very reason.
Looking back at the past chairmen of the IQSA
from the late 1960s, there were many industry role-
players who were not only quarrymen but also sup-
pliers, the likes of Ed Gezernik, who, in 1969, was
sales manager of Samuel Osborn. The Osborn of
today is a major supporter of the IQSA based at this
point in time, on the fact that it has been involved
since the inception of the Institute 1969.
I think that what people often forget, is that the
Institute does not represent the commercial inter-
ests of member companies, and neither is it a trade
organisation. Its chief function is to promote mem-
ber interests through working towards enhancing
the recognition of professional managers involved
in our industry. It is for individual members – it
does not represent companies – and membership
is open to individuals only.
However, in many instances there is confusion
out there, because while there are many indepen-
dent members, there are also members whose
Institute fees are paid for by their companies.
There is also Aspasa, which represents companies
in the business of producing aggregate and sand;
and some of those companies also have individu-
als who are members of the IQSA. While there is a
synergy between the two, they are two very differ-
ent bodies.
Visiting some quarries, I often get asked the
question of what the value of being a member of
the IQSA is, because as a company, they are also
affiliated to Aspasa; and vice versa.
For me the answer is the value of an expand-
ing network of well-informed members; the fact
that one is able to meet up with peers and like-
minded people and the fact that the Institute pro-
vides ongoing professional development through
its conferences, meetings and social events.
Invaluable contacts and friendships are formed,
which last a lifetime.
One person tells of the value one of his employ-
ees, and ultimately the company, gained through
the value of networking at the conference. He was
experiencing a huge technical problem with sand
production; the OEMs had been called in and were
unable to help. A few days later the plant was pro-
ducing sand on a large scale and his manager told
him he had changed the crusher head after the
advice of one of his peers at an IQSA conference.
“So in terms of that networking, it made us good
money.”
Members should be proud to be part of a body
that will soon celebrate its 45
th
anniversary; proud
of its history and traditions; and proud to be taking
this Institute into the next generation. I know I am.
Please don’t hesitate
to contact me directly
on 083 419 9162, or on
email: dalek@crown.
co.za, if you have any
stories, memories,
photographs or
any contribution
whatsoever, that
will add value to this
historical publication.
