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Michael Straton

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Join Port Elizabeth and MyPE in congratulating Mover and Shaker, Michael Straton from Straton Electrical:

At the annual general meeting of the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa on 14 November 2013, Michael Straton of Port Elizabeth-based Straton Electrical was elected ECA (SA) President after holding the position of vice president ECA (SA).

Michael is involved in Straton Electrical, Mbane Contracting and BA Systems with offices in Newton Park, Port Elizabeth.

Straton is a member of the South Eastern Cape Regional ECA Committee and chairperson of the National Labour Committee. He is a trustee on the electrical industry region pension and provident funds, and member of the national executive committee of the Electrical Bargaining Council. He obtained a National Diploma in electrical engineering (heavy current) at the Port Elizabeth Technikon in 1987, and became an installation electrician in 1990. He achieved C-Bus systems integrator status in 2002, KNX partner in 2009, TAC systems integrator in 2010, and became Struxureware BMS certified in 2013. Straton joined the ECA in 1993.

At the same annual general meeting of the ECASA, Johnny Cunniff of Elkoin Electrical in Pretoria succeeded Straton as first vice-president.

The ECA is a voluntary member employer focused association and, as a result of it’s large national membership base, is recognised as the voice of the Electrical Contracting Industry by other interest groups.

Michael predicts a positive 2014 for all ECA(SA) members saying that; “In comparison to December 2012, the Electrical Contracting Industry has seen an increase in the employer registration numbers and numbers of employees by 10.17% and 11.09% respectively.”

“Continued focus on our four core areas – Training, Labour relations, Technical and Contractual – is key to greater relevance and growth in our industry which continues to face surmountable challenges,” continued Straton

Some of the 2013 highlights for the ECA include:

  • The ECA(SA) and the South African Equity Workers Association negotiated and signed a three year agreement which awaits publication in the Government Gazette. This will contribute greatly to stability in the industry.
  • As part of the fulfillment of the R10 Million contract with the CETA the ECA(SA) is rolling out institutional training for Apprentices and Elconop 2&3 in quarter 1 of 2014.
  • Excellent technical support and liaison with SABS continues to contribute to higher standards in the electrical industry.
  • The Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) Principal Building Agreement Edition 6 has been finalized and addresses reduced risk in major contracts.
  • Continued recognition of excellence by the ECA(SA) of its members through the annual Presidential Awards.

Commenting recently on the influx of counterfeit products into South Africa, Straton had this to say; “It has been brought to contractor’s attention, through media alerts and individual manufacturers, that we are facing an influx of counterfeit electrical components and in particular circuit breakers. The Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa, urges all electrical contractors to only purchase their supplies from authorised distribution partners or local reputable distributor, in order to ensure that goods purchased and installed, comply. Remember that if the price you pay for a component is a ‘steal’ it probably is. Electrical Contractors need to be vigilant of behalf of their customers, to ensure that customers receive a good quality properly functioning installation.

“End users, who carry responsibility for their own electrical installations, should always use the services of registered electrical contractors, who will supply correct components, professionally install them and test the installation.

“Finally, an installation which contains counterfeit products will function acceptably in normal operating conditions, but when subjected to a fault, fire and death may occur due to these products malfunction.”

With Michael Straton’s tenure as President and the recent appointment of Port Elizabeth based, Eastern Cape ECA (SA) Regional Director, Lucas Bowles to the position of caretaker National Director the Eastern Cape can hold it’s head high.

Michael Straton
Michael Straton on duty at the recent NMB 7’s. Image: Louis van Wyk

Submitted by: Alan Straton on behalf of Straton Electrical.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.