As we prepare for the automation events that will bring Gauteng province to a standstill, it is time to redirect our focus, respond to our convictions and immerse ourselves in the hearts and voices of our individual members. This is because our members matter. As such, the SAIMC leadership commits this April issue to your unmistakable voices.
Note: The above-mentioned events are the “African Automation Fair”, “Connected industries” and “Transforming the automation industry in Africa for the 4th Industrial Revolution SAIMC breakfast”. All these events will be taking place under the same roof. This is all possible because of Hanli Goncalves. This year marks her 20-year spell in the industry and she’s still innovating – INSPIRATION!! – be on the lookout.
Back to the business of today, against all odds of gravity, the ‘Automation’ sun is rising. The civil society is taking note and keeping the SAIMC leadership accountable while at the same time rallying behind our strategic ambitions and future prospects. This is what the society is constantly saying to us, and this time, we are listening.
An inspired voice from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province notes:
“I am a qualified electrician and with N6 in Electrical Engineering. I reside in Durban KZN. I have been working as an artisan for Government for 5 years now, and I have decided to resign because I have discovered that my passion is in industrial automation, instrumentation and control and I want to follow that passion. I have just received my second SAIMC magazine and I am very inspired by your column as our President and may all your initiatives you are making come to fruition . . .”
These are the voices that help us to deeply embed our sense of purpose and vocation in the vision of the SAIMC. An extended hand, as reflected below, further cement our ambitions and reminds us that change can be realised when small efforts are enacted by many people.
“Good day, I was impressed by the note you wrote in the SA Instrument and Control magazine last year and I would like to connect with you as I share the views you expressed in the article regarding recognition of automation as an engineering profession and making the career more visible to the youth.”
With a discomforting sense of humiliation, we take note of the voices emerging in places such as North West province:
“Good day our President, we feel excluded in Rustenburg and it would be great if SAIMC can listen and open a branch in Rustenburg. The industry in Rustenburg is in desperate need of the kind of leadership that we are witnessing at SAIMC . . .”
In response to an awakening voice “We need women in the council, when are we going to take this serious? . . .”We note this as awakening because it is true. A gender transformation should form part of our agenda and must receive a much-needed attention. While there may be challenges, there are no excuses.
An invigorated voice shouting from the rooftops of Gauteng province asserted:
“Hi Oratile, I have never liked, in fact I spent all my life hating engineering professional bodies. However, I must say that I am now witnessing a shift, organisations such as the SAIMC are no longer old boys’ clubs, run by a group of people who only care about themselves . . .”
While in this reflexive mode of invigorated spirits, we would like to thank the radical transformational work by our immediate past SAIMC president, Vinesh Maharaj, our current chief operating officer and stalwart, Johan Maartens, and forever resilient “grandfather of automation”, John Owen-Ellis. The SAIMC of today is anchored on their sacrifices and of those that have gone before them.
A trusting and assured voice echoing from the walls of Mpumalanga province posits:
“Hey young man…I am now reimbursing all my employees for their SAIMC membership fees because I believe that what SAIMC is essential and requires the support from the private sector . . .”
There’s much more we can write about regarding your convictions, aspirations, frustrations, joy and pride. From the SAIMC leadership we appreciate your courageous characters and the willingness to guide and inspire us. Today, we stand tall on the shoulders of your voices. This issue was about you . . . Your voice MATTERS. A lot that is!
Yours Sincerely,
Oratile Sematle
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
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