Before getting on with the business of the day, I am compelled to comment on an ever-pressing issue that directly affects the control and instrumentation (C&I) industry. The issue is the future of the manufacturing sector in SA. The pertinent question being, can we compete internationally and if so how?
At macro-micro economic level, the shared understanding is that the manufacturing sector is vital to the South African economy i.e. manufacturing boosts job creation, drives exports and makes an impact on the country’s competitiveness. While the manufacturing sector is facing challenges such as globalisation, productivity, exchange rates and a volatile currency, I believe we have the potential to compete on a global scale whilst leveraging regional growth opportunities. Many experts, including the 2014 report on the future outlook of manufacturing in SA by Frontier Advisory (in partnership with Deloitte), calls for automation as an essential requirement for creating competitive capacity. We believe this to be true, because in manufacturing economies of scale matter! The challenge perhaps lies in the size of the market, i.e. do we have the market size to sustain large-scale manufacturing activities? The growth prospects for Africa do present such opportunities, and our proximity to African countries could well be our competitive advantage. For example, exports to these countries could give the manufacturing sector the critical mass it needs to gain traction.
To the business leaders in automation, I believe that institutional bodies such as SAIMC have the opportunity to help create a future that will not only add to our knowledge base, but also influence the lives of many South Africans. Expect more on this topic as the year progresses.
ECSA – new registration system (NRS)
Take note that the old registration system was abolished as of 31 March 2016. We have arranged with ECSA to facilitate training on the NRS through all our branches. On that note, we would like to thank ECSA for their new enhanced strategy of embedding voluntary associations in their processes.
I would also like to the take this opportunity to thank our members who have made themselves available for ECSA professional review training. Through referee appraisals and mentorships, this will help to enrich automation knowledge transfer from one generation to another. Like the old saying, “Be the person you needed when you were younger”.
CPD points registration
Our Technology Evenings offer members CPD benefits, just logon to the ECSA website for CPD validation numbers. I would also like to request that our Technology Evening partners present their training material to us for CPD registration. Please contact Ina Maartens at [email protected] in this regard.
Until I write to you again, keep safe!
Oratile Sematle.
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SAIMC |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version