SAIMC


SAIMC: From the office of the CEO

January 2025 SAIMC


Johan Maartens

Welcome to 2025. I trust you had a wonderful and refreshing Christmas period and are ready to tackle 2025 with new enthusiasm. May you, your family, and your business be blessed this year.

I decided to make it easier this year and asked ChatGPT to write my welcome letter for 2025. Big mistake! Included in the article were promises of upgrading our digital infrastructure, wider and broader communication sessions, and more. Do not trust ChatGPT. So, unfortunately you will just have to read my own thoughts for 2025. We have huge changes in the pipeline. We are writing to share these exciting developments regarding the evolution of the SAIMC, that will come into effect on 1 January 2025.

Recognising the critical role that MESA Africa plays in the advancement of computer engineering and end user involvement, we are pleased to announce exciting developments in the SAIMC. The SAIMC Board has approved the structural reorganisation of MESA Africa, forming two distinct advisory councils of the SAIMC: the Computer Engineering Advisory Council and the End User Advisory Council. This change enhances our focus and effectiveness in addressing our diverse stakeholders’ unique needs and challenges. You will now have the additional option to join the Computer Advisory Council team, the User Advisory Council team, or both.

SAIMC Computer Engineering Advisory Council

We are delighted to announce that Gawie Reyneke will serve as the chair of the newly established computer engineering advisory council. Gawie was instrumental in developing the Computer Engineering Code of Practice for ECSA. His extensive experience and leadership in the industry and the MOM/MES fields will undoubtedly guide us towards achieving our strategic goal of being the recognised home for computer engineers in South Africa. Working with him is Professor Henry Marais from the North-West University, who was also instrumental in developing thisCode of Practice together with Gerhard Greeff and Antoine Snyman.

SAIMC User Advisory Council

We are also excited to announce that we have appointed Gerhard Greef as chair of the SAIMC User Advisory Council. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in steering the council towards continued success. This council will be responsible for the future SAIMC User Conference.

SAIMC User Conference

Furthermore, the highly acclaimed MESA Africa Summit will expand to become the SAIMC User Conference for Mining and Manufacturing Enterprises and will be under the auspices of the SAIMC User Advisory Council. This enables the Summit to cover aspects on all levels of enterprise automation in line with the modern trends in technology. This expansion will allow us to engage with a broader audience and provide even more valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Marketing Coordination

Amidst these changes, I am pleased to inform you that Jane Collett, who has been the driving force behind the success of the SAIMC events, MESA Africa Summits and Knowledge Share for Industry (KS4I), will continue to lead these initiatives with her usual dedication and expertise. Her unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in collaboration and innovation across the industry, and we are confident that her continued involvement will ensure the ongoing success of our programmes.

We deeply value your support and partnership, which have been crucial in making SAIMC such a success story and driving force in the industry. We look forward to your continued engagement as we embark on this new chapter, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Please be on the lookout for further communication regarding these changes in the coming months.

Thank you once again for your commitment and partnership. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours in automation

Johan Maartens


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.

Read more...
From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national
SAIMC SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.

Read more...
SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Zambia executive committee met recently, and confirmed several strategic updates aimed at strengthening governance, membership engagement and professional development activities.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
Hendrik Spies, market application engineer at SICK Automation, presented at the SAIMC Durban branch May technology meeting.

Read more...
Where industry meets the fairway
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Golf Day once again proved why it’s one of the highlights on the local industry calendar, bringing together good people, good golf, and just the right amount of competitive spirit under spectacular Durban skies.

Read more...
SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event to spotlight AI-driven industrial automation
SAIMC SAIMC
SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event will focus on practical and forward-looking approaches to AI-enabled automation and intelligent industrial connectivity.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO
SAIMC SAIMC
We are failing young engineers - not just in classrooms, but as a society.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
Jenine Jansen van Vuuren from Comtest delivered a presentation at the SAIMC Johannesburg technology evening, focusing on electric vehicle charging stations and the key metrics that govern their functionality.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
At the monthly meeting of the Durban branch of the SAIMC, Smunye Memela, project manager and switch gear specialist at Gubhuza 3 Trading presented on the subject ‘From sensors to insights: predictive maintenance in action’.

Read more...
SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event to spotlight AI-driven industrial automation
SAIMC
SAIMC’s May KS4I event will focus on practical and forward-looking approaches to AI-enabled automation and intelligent industrial connectivity.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved