Cape Engineers and Founders Association

Western Cape Metal & Engineering Employers’ Association

As an employer in the Metal and Engineering industry in the Western Cape, you are invited to become a member of the Cape Engineers and Founders’ Association (CEFA).

BECOME A MEMBER

EMPLOYERS VOICE

As an employer in the Metal and Engineering industry in the Western Cape, you are invited to become a member of the Cape Engineers and Founders’ Association (CEFA).

BECOME A MEMBER

EMPLOYERS VOICE

As an employer in the Metal and Engineering industry in the Western Cape, you are invited to become a member of the Cape Engineers and Founders’ Association (CEFA).

BECOME A MEMBER

Focused on our members:
CEFA’s dedicated affiliations

Your voice in the Western Cape – Join the Cape Engineers and Founders’ Association (CEFA) for your representation on the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC). Membership ensures compliance with the Main Agreement/s, Industry standards, Labour Relations Acts and gives your company influence in shaping industry standards and policies.

A Proud History – Founded in 1920, CEFA is registered with the Department of Labour as an Employer’s Organisation and is dedicated to supporting its members in the Western Cape. For over a century, we have provided guidance, advocacy, and representation to companies navigating the sector.

National Influence – Federated with the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), which CEFA helped establish in 1943, our members’ voices are amplified nationally across 18 registered organisations.

Become a Member Today – Gain compliance, expert and professional representation, industry insights, and a network of like-minded members — empowering you to confidently run your business, lead, influence, and thrive.

who we are

Networking & Member Value

Facilitating collaboration, peer learning, events, impact sessions/roundtables, and offering exclusive tools, checklists, and mentoring opportunities.

Labour & Legal Support

Providing guidance on employment law, dispute resolution, labour court matters, contract review, and compliance with statutory regulations. Includes Skills development, BBBEE, Employment Equity, COIDA, OHS and POPIA.

Advocacy & Representation

Representing members at the bargaining council, SETA chambers, and other relevant institutions/platforms and bodies, ensuring their perspectives are heard and acting as the collective voice of business.

Knowledge & Advisory Services

Delivering research, industry insights, policy updates, HR and industrial relations advice, and training to build capacity for members and their employees.

Advocacy + Compliance + Guidance + Networking

FOUR WAYS WE EMPOWER OUR MEMBERS

128

Companies represented

Just under

10 000

Employees in the Western Cape

14

Affiliations

TESTIMONIAL

What Our Clients Say

CEFA consistently delivers exceptional support and advice. As a small business, we’ve found their expertise indispensable. Melanie’s dedication and commitment to helping members are truly appreciated.

Heather O’Connor

CAM Services – Finance and HR

We’ve benefited from CEFA’s reliable support for many years. Mel and her team are always available to assist with labour matters, giving us confidence that CEFA is always in our corner.

Emile Coetzee

Capewell

CEFA has been a valuable partner, providing clear guidance on complex issues. Their assistance in strengthening our sick leave policy and closing legal gaps has been outstanding.

Kevin Vos

Colcab – IR and Compliance Admin

CEFA’s guidance has greatly enhanced our decision-making and organisational practices. Their commitment to balanced employer-employee relationships makes them an essential and trusted partner.

Elethea Faro

Pepkor

CEFA has been instrumental in improving our reporting systems and navigating legislative changes. Melanie, Bernard, and the team are proactive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist—an invaluable resource for our business.

Cathi Eastment

BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company) – HR Manager

CEFA is a trusted source of information and guidance. Their regular updates on legislation and compliance keep us informed, compliant, and confident in managing our workforce responsibly.

Tertia Willett

Allweld Nuclear and Industrial – HR Manager

Joining CEFA was one of our best business decisions. The team’s professionalism, expertise, and genuine care set them apart. Their responsiveness and personal engagement reflect CEFA’s true commitment to member success.

Cindy Walker

ALC – HR Practitioner

LEADERSHIP

CEFA Executive Committee Members

Melanie Mulholland

CEO

Business Leadership and Development

With over 20 years’ experience in HR and skills development, Melanie leads CEFA’s strategic and operational direction. A seasoned industry voice, she represents CEFA on MEIBC and MerSETA committees. She holds degrees in Human and Social Sciences and Leadership Development from GIBS.

Ryan Cox

CHAIRPERSON

Managing Director, AMC Cookware, Metal

Ryan holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from UCT. At AMC Cookware, he advanced from product development to Manufacturing Director, overseeing high-quality stainless-steel production. He brings deep technical and operational expertise to CEFA’s leadership.

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CEFA’s office will be closing in December

CEFA’s office will be closing on Friday 12 December 2025 & reopen on 12 January 2026. We take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our members, stakeholders and alliance partners

WHATS HAPPENING

Latest Industry News

Become a Member

Join the Cape Engineers and Founders Association today and let your voice be heard in our industry.