The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has become the only convention centre in Africa to gain three management system certifications simultaneously.
Following a process lasting almost one and half years, CTICC has had its work processes certified to the internationally recognised systems standards ISO 9001 (Quality Assurance), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety).
The convention centre has been certified to these standards by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the certificates will be handed over during the 32nd ISO General Assembly, which is being held at the CTICC from 14-19 September 2009.
CTICC Chief Executive Officer Rashid Toefy explains, "Gaining these accolades is an immense achievement for the CTICC and Cape Town."
Cape Town now boasts the only convention centre in Africa that can claim to be fully certified to these key management systems he said. The 2020 vision of the CTICC is to be the best long-haul international convention centre and this is the first step in achieving this vision according to Toefy.
CTICC chose to obtain its certification through SABS the recognised industry leader and one of the founding members of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
According to CTICC Managing Director Dirk Elzinga, achieving these certifications is testament to the high levels of service excellence that the CTICC aspires to. "We are delighted to gain recognition for our commitment to continuous improvement in all areas of operations," he said.
"In working towards these achievements, we have analysed and challenged every aspect of CTICC's operations, involving every employee and a number of clients and suppliers," explains Elzinga.
"This has resulted in many improvements across all facets of the organisation and has positively influenced both what we do and how we do it. It has been a great experience in terms of teamwork and we were all very happy to receive the good news. These certifications cover our full range of services and we look forward to providing our clients with even higher standards of service excellence."
"As an industry leader, we are continually re-thinking the way we do business and we are particularly pleased to have achieved these certifications successfully at our first attempt," concluded Elzinga.
SABS Commercial Executive Dr Geoff Visser adds, "As a facility providing services to demanding international visitors, the CTICC has acquired an important competitive advantage from the SABS certifications. It provides tangible and universally recognised assurance that the CTICC offers high quality, safe and environmentally responsible services to its customers."
The timing of the certification ceremony, to be held during the ISO General Assembly at the CTICC, is particularly fitting. "This is the first time that the ISO General Assembly has been held in Africa," explains Visser.
"Being able to host ISO delegates from all around the world, in the only facility in the Southern Hemisphere that is certified to their standards reflects South Africa's commitment to international standards and the goals of ISO."
"We commend the CTICC for seeing the value in SABS ISO certification, and for the diligent and dedicated manner in which they set about achieving it. Now that CTICC has forged the path, we trust that other South African convention facilities will follow their lead and seek certification," concludes Geoff Visser.
Image: Cape Town International Convention Centre
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