MESA Africa Special Interest Group
September 2018
News
MESA Africa recently hosted a Special Interest Group event at the Durban Country Club under the theme ‘Smart Manufacturing: forget the robots, invest in the people’. In keeping with the title, Hilde Volschenk of RCL Foods presented on the subject ‘Digital transformation starts with people’, which examined exactly what is meant by digital transformation. She went on to explain that digital transformation is not in fact about technology – it is about new ways of working.
Visitors and presenters at the MESA Africa function.
Hilde’s presentation was followed by one from Jo Boyd of SAPP) who took the audience through a case study on smart manufacturing and predictive analytics. Finally, Gavin Halse, a regular columnist in SA Instrumentation and Control and owner of Absolute Perspectives, looked at what skills would be needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how to position oneself for success in the new world of work.
For more information contact MESA Africa, +27 82 528 1238, conference@mesa-africa.org, www.mesa-africa.org
Further reading:
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
Schneider Electric leverages its strengths in electrification, automation and digitalisation
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric is launching its NExT programme in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is designed to leverage its strengths in electrification, automation and digitalisation to guide customers and partners through a fast-changing energy and technology landscape.
Read more...
Top tier USA education meets top European tech to shape the future of industry
News
Eplan, Rittal and Purdue University, sister companies and global leaders in industrial and electrical engineering solutions and automation, have announced a major strategic partnership.
Read more...
SA’s next gen scientists set for Tunisia science festival
News
Research projects by local young scientists that address real-world challenges in education systems, aviation engineering and AI will be on display at this year’s International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia.
Read more...
Is South Africa equipped to manufacture?
News
The upcoming Manufacturing Indaba, taking place on 14 to 15 July 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is Africa’s leading platform dedicated to advancing industrialisation. The two-day event will bring together policymakers, manufacturers, investors and technology leaders to explore practical solutions to strengthen local production, enhance competitiveness and accelerate Africa’s industrial transformation.
Read more...
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 announces influential speakers
RX Africa
News
Momentum is building for Africa Automation Indaba 2026, with the first wave of influential speakers now confirmed for the continent’s leading executive forum dedicated to automation, process control, smart manufacturing and industrial digitalisation.
Read more...
Experience the future of engineering
News
This year’s Eplan Next26 marks the premiere of a completely new event format; a global festival for visionaries, decision makers and users from various industries and engineering.
Read more...
Mining industry alignment will define Africa’s PDS journey
News
As African mines advance toward higher safety standards and respond to tightening regulations and rapid technological change, Booyco Electronics says the future of proximity detection systems will be shaped by strong long-term industry collaboration.
Read more...
RS South Africa launches student fund for future engineers
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has launched the Student Project Fund, an initiative designed to support engineering and technology students as they transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Read more...
Raysonics Industrial celebrates 6,5 million injury-free hours
News
Raysonics Industrial, formerly DEKRA Industrial, has achieved a significant safety milestone, recording 6,5 million lost-time injury-free hours across its national operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version