SAIMC


Vaal branch

September 2020 SAIMC

As South Africa celebrated Women’s Month in August, the Vaal branch and Proconics decided to celebrate women in engineering with a technical evening highlighting the importance of a diverse team for solving the problems of the future.

The presenter was Dirk van der Walt, a professional engineer with 15+ years’ experience as the Control & Instrumentation manager for Proconics at the Vanderbijlpark office. He also serves on the Vaal and national SAIMC committees, and is responsible for growth and standards respectively.

The panel consisted of 3 women that have made a significant impact in their respective fields:

• Annemarie van Coller: a professional engineer with 15 years’ experience, Annemarie is currently the director of the National Committee of the SAIMC, driving the organization to new highs. In her professional career, she has worked on site at Sasol plants as a control engineer, and now a data engineer specializing in analysis and insights to strengthen the business and make it more robust.

• Elmarie Koen: an electrical engineer by trade, but as life creates interesting turn-offs she now finds herself the marketing manager of a a proudly South African engineering company. Her passion is to show and communicate the wonderful world of engineering, sharing lessons learned with other business disciplines.

• Elizma van der Walt: a professional engineer with over 15 years’ experience. Elizma’s career has taken her from the Sasol plant workshop to being a shareholding partner in Proconics. As engineering director, responsible for all engineering disciplines, she has a passion for collaborative leadership and created an inter-disciplinary team that can take on any challenge in the complex brownfield refining and chemical spaces.

The panel shared personal stories of their engineering experiences and influences, and gave advice to inspire the next generation of women engineers. We need to encourage more opportunities for women in science and engineering to harness this powerful resource for the development of our country.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

SAIMC: From the office of the CEO
SAIMC SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.

Read more...
SAIMC:Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024

Read more...
SAIMC: Secunda Branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its annual general meeting on 17 January.

Read more...
Reminiscences of a life in control
Michael Brown Control Engineering SAIMC
Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Cavemen to Chatbots
SAIMC
This month, we have a contribution to our Cavemen to Chatbots challenge. The idea is to reminisce on where our industry came from, and where it is headed.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Time for action
SAIMC SAIMC
SAIMC’s vision for 2026 identified several projects for the near future. Members often request a letter of support or recommendation for a new job. SAIMC has created a template that will enable it to provide you with a letter that will positively influence the reader.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch – Annual dinner
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held their much loved and well supported annual year end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club in late November.

Read more...
SAIMC: Secunda branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch recently hosted an ECSA workshop. It was facilitated by Johan Maartens, CEO of SAIMC. The purpose of the workshop was to guide candidates on the latest ECSA registration requirements for technicians, technologists and engineers.

Read more...
SAIMC gala dinner
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council SAIMC
Under the skies of the most beautiful Johannesburg evening, the 2023 SAIMC gala dinner kicked off with champagne on the deck of the Fairway Hotel and Spa, and the stage was set for another glittering occasion.

Read more...