The branch started the year with its AGM during which the committee from 2016 agreed to another term. The committee for 2017 is as follows: Jurie Weidemann (chairman), Petrus Klopper (secretary and technology), Nico Marneweck (CPD and higher education & training institutions), Pregs Naidoo (sales and standards), Archie Pitso (treasurer), Mark Taylor (marketing) and Muhammad Babamia (student affairs).
Left to right: Francis Meston, Jurie Weidemann and Errol Gradwell.
The branch was honoured to have two senior people present at the AGM, namely Errol Gradwell, CEO of The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) along with Francis Meston head of ATOS India, Middle East & Africa, one of the largest ICT companies in Europe.
EWSETA’s responsibility is to manage skills development through strategic sector skills planning within the framework of the National Skills Development Strategy III. The main areas of focus are energy, renewable energy, gas and water services sector.
Planning
This year marks the 60th anniversary of SAIMC so some functions are planned around the celebrations, more information to follow. The annual golf day also promises to be special in that the branch hopes to attract members from the community such as schools (including less fortunate) and end customers. The branch will also be working closer with First Lego League representing SAIMC nationally and will call on industry to support this initiative. The plan is to try and establish a few satellite branches this year as well, and to host at least one industry showcase in the region.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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.
printer friendly version