SAIA:

It is with deep regret that the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) learned of the passing of Mr Martin Knoetze earlier this month.

Martin was Secretary of the Institute of South African Architects (ISAA) for a period of nearly thirty years until his retirement from the Institute in 1997 and Registrar of the council for more than thirty years, only retiring from SACAP at the end of 2004.

In the joint position of Registrar of the Council and Secretary of the Institute since the early seventies, his role in shaping the profession over a period of three decades was immense. He managed the two organisations incredibly efficiently with consideration to detail and always following fair, due process. In the words of a past President of the Institute, 'he was the backbone of the institute. Throughout his years of service he provided the continuity needed, and with his attention to detail kept everything and everyone on track'.

Although Martin was a mild mannered person, he was straightforward in his dealings with people. He remained faithful to those in whom he believed, and because he was passionate about the wellbeing of the profession as a whole, he often spoke his mind with quiet conviction.

In 1991 the Board of the ISAA (now SAIA) recognised Martin's tremendous contribution to the Institute with Honorary membership – cementing a relationship which has remained intact until his death. He will be remembered warmly by many who worked with him over the decades.

The president, past presidents, members of past Boards and the members of the Institute are privileged to have been served by a man of such honour, courage and integrity.

2010.03.15

Issued on behalf of the President, SA Institute of Architects

By: Su Linning Pr Arch MIArch EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
TEL : +27 11 782 1315 FAX : +27 11 782 8771
E-MAIL : admin@saia.org.za WEBSITE : www.saia.org.za

SACAP:

It is with great sadness that SACAP learned of the passing of Mr Martin Knoetze, who served as SACAP’s Registrar for 30 years until 2004. SACAP will be arranging a special memorial service to commemorate his life and honour his service to the architectural profession. Details to follow in due course.

Message from Phillip Crafford:

It is of great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Mr. Martin Knoetze on 03 March 2010.

He was well known to many professionals and became beloved for his sharp sense of humor and active contributions to the various committee of SACAP. He served the profession for more than 30 years in various capacities including that as registrar of SACAP for several years until his retirement in 2004. At that time, he was already well into his eighties. Martin was known for his excellent service to the profession, his knowledge of the various acts governing the built environment and his all encompassing outlook on the architectural profession.

When I was due for registration in the early nineteen seventies, I was informed to do so without delay as Mr. Knoetze was approaching the age of fifty five and would probably want to take retirement soon. Well, he soldiered on for almost another thirty years after that, setting a good example of service well beyond expectation in terms of excellence as well as age.

He will be sadly missed for his balanced views and punctuality.