In 2011, the SADC (Southern African Development Community) ministers of science and technology endorsed an engineering needs and numbers study, to get a better understanding of the actual numbers of engineers, technologists and technicians in the SADC countries and the needs of SADC member states to allow for better planning for the attainment of sustainable development in the region.
Subsequent scoping workshops have taken place with member countries and in early 2017, SAICE Professional Development and Projects (SAICE-PDP), a not-for-profit sister organisation to the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), was appointed to carry out the study.
The overall objective of the study is to get a better understanding of the engineer, engineering technologist and technician capacities in the SADC region to allow for better planning and implementation of infrastructure programmes to support the SADC Industrialisation Strategy, which has a long-term scope spanning from 2015 to 2063.
The strategy identifies lack of adequate infrastructure and lack of adequate skills and capacities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as being among the binding constraints for industrial development. The outcomes of the study will also serve as input towards the implementation of key SADC policies and frameworks such as the SADC Master Plan on Infrastructure Development, Protocol on Education and Training, and Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Dr Allyson Lawless, civil engineer and team leader for the SAICE-PDP study, has urged companies in the SADC region’s engineering sectors to complete an online survey to make the study as comprehensive as possible. Available until a 7 September cut-off date, and accessible via the short URL www.surveymonkey.com/r/DJX77MC, the survey is tailored to inform the study on the following factors:
• The support of engineering graduates from higher education.
• The engineering skills base per country and mobility of engineering personnel.
• Sectors in which engineering skills are required, the roles they play, and how increased capacity can contribute to growth.
• Policies relating to engineering development and the regulation of engineering professionals.
• Development and economic trends relating to each sector.
• Projects planned for each country and the region.
Africa’s industrial future is still being written
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa marks 60 years on the continent, reflecting on the value of local capability, training and partnerships in driving the next phase of African industrial growth.
Read more...WearCheck demonstrates advanced condition monitoring at Electra Mining Wearcheck
News
Condition monitoring specialist WearCheck will demonstrate its used-oil analysis, fuel analysis, transformer chemistry and asset reliability services at Electra Mining Africa as the company marks 50 years of predictive maintenance expertise.
Read more...ACTOM invests in South Africa’s industrial future ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
ACTOM has transformed its Pretoria West facility into an integrated manufacturing hub for large power transformers, high-voltage equipment and lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, quadrupling transformer capacity and establishing a complete local energy storage ecosystem.
Read more...SA’s future engineers in action
News
AvenirHoldings sponsors the 2026 SAICE Aqualibrium Schools Competition, supporting young engineering talent across South Africa and Eswatini.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Turning the tide Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing ...
Read more...Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version