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, [email protected], www.mesa-africa.org
Further reading:
Engineering solutions to keep coal power plants viable in a renewables-driven grid
News
Steinmüller Africa showcased engineering solutions at Enlit Africa 2026 that let existing coal-fired power stations run efficiently at much lower loads, helping the grid absorb a growing share of variable renewable energy.
Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC
SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.
Read more...
Pomini Tenova and Siemens advance roll grinder technology
Siemens South Africa
News
Pomini Tenova and Siemens strengthen their long-standing partnership to support the revamping and modernisation of roll grinders with advanced CNC and automation technology.
Read more...
Behind the scenes technologies enabling the future of mobility
News
Henkel explains how advanced adhesives, thermal interface materials and sealing technologies are enabling the next generation of electric vehicles, and what this means for South Africa’s automotive sector.
Read more...
Professor Glenda Gray inducted as Fellow of Royal Society
News
NRF board member, Professor Glenda Gray has been inducted as a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society, the world’s oldest and one of its most prestigious academies of sciences.
Read more...
African Group Lubricants launches Mobil Give a Drop campaign
News
African Group Lubricants launches the Mobil Give a Drop campaign, a national initiative supporting community-led projects across South Africa.
Read more...
Why representation in STEM is crucial
News
Women’s underrepresentation in STEM is a business risk as much as a social one, shrinking an already pressured talent pool. Intentional mentorship and visible leadership pathways are structural necessities, not HR gestures.
Read more...
Corrosion control is the overlooked link in the global energy supply chain
News
Effective corrosion protection at every stage of the energy supply chain, from raw material fabrication to final installation, is essential to avoid costly rework and component failures on large-scale projects worldwide.
Read more...
Women shaping engineering at ABB
ABB South Africa
News
Two ABB engineers share how curiosity, mentorship and an inclusive culture have shaped their careers, and what they see as the most exciting opportunities for women in engineering across Africa.
Read more...