The Outdoor Power Product Association of South Africa(Previously known as the LMA) was inaugurated at a meeting of seven foundation members, in Cape Town, on the 3rd of October 1973.

The first Annual General Meeting was held on the 12th November 1974.

The first National Annual General Meeting of the LMA was held on the 28th July 1977 at which 30 Transvaal and 11 Cape members were represented.

	Mr Tony Goddard was elected as 1st President of the L.M.A of South Africa, a position he held for many years.
	Mr Ernie Atkinson was elected Transvaal secretary and held this post until 1996.
	The 1st National advertisement was place in the "Sunday Express" on the 9th October 1977.
	The 1st National Editorial was placed in "Die Transvaler" on 25 September 1980.
	Workshop Labour rates were introduced in December 1976.

Wolf/Rolux became the 1st Associate member in 1977 and was the 1st manufacturer to offer preferential discounts to L.M.A members.

The Natal division was incorporated into the L.M.A of SA on 29th July 1982.

The first meeting with a major equipment manufacturer was held in April 1983 at Rolux.

On the 5th December 1983 the Cape division of the L.M.A resigned "en bloc", quoting the "new voting system as reason for resignation".

1983 also saw the launch of the first O.H.V engine for Lawnmowers.

The Lawnmower industry was subject to the conditions and regulations of the N.I.C. e.g.: Wage rates. Because of the seasonal aspect of our business it was vital to register the L.M.A. as an "Employer Organisation" so as to negotiate conditions of employment on our own terms.

Constitutional amendments were repeatedly drafted in order to overcome the ever-increasing objections from S.E.I.F.S.A. and Motor Industries Federation amongst others.

The L.M.A. of SA was finally registered as an "Employer Organisation" on the 31st October 1980. Protracted negotiations continued for over 12yrs until final dispensation was granted by the Industrial Court on 14 December 1992.

The OPPASA committee meets monthly to discuss business of the day, and any industry related matters.

OPPASA currently consists of a dealer network which can be described as the pick of the crop, dealers that are committed to serving the individual needs of every customer, whilst working together to the benefit of the whole specialist dealer industry.

OPPASA offer its members and the public the following benefits:

	Preferential deals by O.E.M's(Original Equipment Manufacturers) - special offers.
	Highly qualified workshop staff members, regularly trained by engine and electric motor distributors.
	Sales of new equipment at the best value for money.
	Sales, parts and workshop facilities under one roof - we do all our own repair work, even warranty repairs.
	Recommended workshop and labour rates.
	The fact that we are "specialists" in our field, offering free advice, enabling the customer to purchase the correct equipment for his specific application.
	Members are bound by our allegiance to our "Code of Ethics".

OPPASA is proud to be an affiliate member of :

• S.A.G.I.C. (South African Green Industries Council), which represents six affiliated organisations,
• OPEA (Outdoor Power Equipment Association) , the Association of manufacturers and importers of equipment in South Africa.