The South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) was formed in 1984 by a group of progressive landscapers who saw the potential of the landscape industry in South Africa. They believed that the true potential could only be realized if landscape contractors showed unity, produced excellent work and projected a professional image.

Mission Statement

To improve the image and standing of the landscape industry and to promote the participation of all role-players in this industry in southern Africa by encouraging training, higher standards, professionalism, ethical conduct and social interaction through regular meetings, conferences, workshops and liaison with business, training and government institutions, statutory bodies, N.G.O's, employer and employee organisations.

Code of Ethics

Code of Conduct

In addition to statutory responsibilities, Principal and sub-principal members must comply with the following:

What to Expect from a SALI Member

SALI being a National Body is represented in the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

The client of a SALI Member is expected to gain high standards of workmanship, plants and materials. He also has the security of knowing that at the back of the SALI contractor is a responsible Institute.

A SALI member has agreed to comply with the Code of Conduct.

Unhappy clients of a SALI Member always have recourse to the SALI office where mediation can be facilitated.

Call the SALI Offices for more information: Refer to the contact page for details.

Alliance

Regular joint South African Green Industry Council (SAGIC) meetings provide the opportunity for landscape architects and contractors to meet and review their relationship. It must be remembered that landscape architects are the prime specifiers of our industry.

Annual Conference

An annual conference is held for all members of the Green Industry, which is the highlight of the landscape contracting calendar. Acknowledged experts in their respective fields present informative and hard hitting presentations. The awarding of the prestigious SALI Awards of Excellence takes place at a function during the annual conference. These conferences rotate by region. The exchange of information, both formally and informally, and the ideas gained at the conference are invaluable.

General Meetings

By holding regular functions and outings like the Golf Day, Spring Ball and workshops, experiences are pooled and experts explain technicalities. SALI brings members together in a relaxed networking environment.

Training

SALI has been the prime mover in promoting education and training in the landscape industry and works in close conjunction with the Pretoria Technikon, Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon, in this regard. SALI has also been pro-active in developing Unit Standards for training of landscaping staff. These Unit Standards have been lodged with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for accreditation in accordance with the Skills Development Levy requirements.

Specifications Document

SALI members agree to execute work according to the SALI Specifications document. It is scientifically derived and is now often being used as specifications in tenders. It is on this document that any evaluation is based.

Contract Documentation

SALI has prepared two contract documents for use by its members when entering into agreements with clients. The memorandum of Agreement covers minor contracts whereas the second is specifically designed for use when an independent designer is involved and is called the Standard Agreement.

Publicity

Wherever possible the role, activities and benefits of SALI are publicised to the public. Over recent years SALI has participated through their members or directly at Gardenex, SAFARI Designex and work of our members were featured regularly on Top Billing. Many jobs come in that are referred to member lists. The use of SALI logos on members' stationery and advertising material is encouraged.

SALI is involved in the Diepsloot Legacy Project as a community cause.

SALI News

Landscape SA, Urban Green File, SA Gardening and The Gardener magazine are represented at major Green Industry functions and extensive coverage of these events is given country wide. The SALI ‘page' features topical news, from all regions. Regions also produce their own in-house newsletters specifically for their own membership. A further method of reaching the member/public is this website you are now viewing.

Summary

From this brief resume it is evident that for any serious landscaper there is great merit in joining SALI. Because of the unselfish aims and objectives and the lack of self interest of hard working committee members, SALI has established itself as the only representative body in the landscape industry. It is impossible to give SALI more than you can get out of it, and benefits are directly correlated to involvement. A customer can be sure to get better landscaping from a SALI member.

So, if you are in the landscaping market, it is difficult to justify not subscribing to SALI.