The South African Institute of Draughting is an independent, professional body which was established in the Republic of South Africa in 1953 with the objective of improving the academic and technical qualifications of draughtspersons in all disciplines of technical drawing and design.

It’s aims are to improve the status of its members within commerce, industry, national and local government services.

The Institute is not a trade union, is not concerned with addressing issues regarding salaries and does not offer any courses or learnerships. It does, however, introduce it’s members to employer’s seeking the services of reputable draughtspersons.

The Institute undertakes to promote the career of draughting as a specialised occupation that may rightfully claim the privilege of professional status. It also endeavours to ensure that the integrity of the profession is adhered to by its members with a strict Code of Conduct.

The Institute is proud to be Recognised as a Voluntary Association of both the SA Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and, the Engineering Council of SA (ECSA).
This is an achievement which has not been attained by any other Institute in South Africa.
Substantial benefits from this distinction will be passed on to members who are registered with either, or both, of these statutory bodies.

The Institute works in close liaison with technical and distance learning colleges in order to promote the standard of technical education in South Africa.

As drawing standards are of paramount importance to the Institute, it has representation on the South African Qualifications Authority’s (SAQA’s) Consultative Panels and the Standard Generating Bodies (SGB’s) in the fields of Building Construction, Civil and Generic Manufacturing Engineering and Technology.
The Institute is also represented, as an observer, on the SA Council for the Architectural Profession’s (SACAP’s) Council body and is a member of various SACAP committees.

In the extremely competitive employment market of today and with the implementation of and the strict adherence to the statutory Acts of the Engineering Council of SA (ECSA) and the SA Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), a draughtsperson cannot afford to be complacent and not become registered as a member of a recognised Institute.

More employers and draughtspersons are giving preference of employment to members of the Institute. Several companies and government bodies consider membership of the Institute an essential requirement for the employment of their draughtspersons.

Members of the public frequently contact the Institute to confirm whether prospective draughtspersons are registered members of the Institute, prior to contracting with them.

Application forms can be obtained from the Executive Secretary, refer ‘Contact Us’ or, can be downloaded from the ‘Membership’ button menu.

Objectives of the Institute

• To promote and maintain the science and professional practice of draughting
• To increase and encourage the improvement of technical knowledge of draughtspersons
• To promote the interaction between the Institute and other technical bodies
• To obtain official recognition of draughtspersons by government bodies, local authorities, educational institutions, industry and the general community
• To promote the interests of all members and all professions constituting the Council for the Built Environment
• To oppose any Act, Bill, Ordinance or other proceedings which may directly or indirectly prejudice the interest of the Institute
• To ensure that all members of the Institute adhere to a Code of Conduct