News


From the editor's desk: To meaningful partnerships and reflections of 2017

December 2017 News

In life, they say you are as good as the company you keep. In business, the measure is the quality of the strategic partnerships you nurture. At SA Instrumentation and Control we count ourselves fortunate to be the official publication of the SAIMC, and also the main media partner to show organisers Reed Exhibitions, for events of the calibre of Africa Automation Fair.

Partnering with organisations like these brings out the best in everyone. They are led by talented people with the vision to know that sometimes the only sensible course of action requires a calculated risk be taken. When this happens, out of the box thinking is the order of the day, the stuff of which impressionable memories are made.

Africa Automation Fair is a prime example of such a risk that paid dividends. This year it delivered in spades, as did the Connected Industries Conference which ran in parallel. In fact, Connected Industries proved to be the perfect foil. It exposed delegates to the ideas of the fourth industrial revolution in an African context, and then enabled them to experience all the new technologies first-hand in the halls at AAF. Unquestionably the highlight of the local automation calendar, it was a privilege to share a stand in the expo area with our partners from the SAIMC, who also took the opportun-ity to celebrate ‘60 Years in Control’. The cherry on the top was achieving second runners-up award in the category for medium stands, thanks largely to the enthusiasm displayed by our product manager Jane van der Spuy and ‘showgirls’ Laura and Dominique from the sales team.

Africa Automation Fair and the SAIMC 60th birthday celebrations stood out as memorable highlights this year because they are not everyday occurrences. In business-to-business publishing though, some of the most important partnerships that develop are between the publication and the authors who contribute the expert opinion. In our case, these are people like Michael Brown, Nick Denbow, Gavin Halse and the various experts of the ARC Advisory Group. SA Instrumentation and Control would not be the same without them, and as the editor, I am constantly growing from the interaction with these masters in their fields.

These are relationships that develop over years and it is only on reflection that one truly starts to appreciate their importance. During the hustle and bustle of work and deadlines it is far too easy to lose sight of all the achievements along the way, and the people that made them possible. One of the luxuries the holiday season affords us is the opportunity to take a moment for ourselves to put things into their proper perspective. So, whether you’re headed for the ski slopes or the beaches, or just spending time at home, I hope you take a moment to raise a glass to your achievements in 2017, and don’t forget the partnerships that helped to get you there.

To all of our advertisers, sincere thanks from the team for your support this year, we look forward to doing it all again for you in 2018. To our readers, remember now is the time to rest as hard as you have just worked. Stay safe and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of a new year.

Steven Meyer

Editor: SA Instrumentation & Control

steven@technews.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

John Thompson secures order for bagasse-fired boiler
News
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM, has secured an order for a 320 t/h bagasse-fired boiler for what is set to become the world’s largest greenfield sugar mill development in Indonesia.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Consistently not stupid
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
Over the years I’ve followed Charlie Munger. He’s considered to be one of the greatest investors and thinkers on decision making in the past century, and spent six decades as Warren Buffett’s business ...

Read more...
South Africa’s space balls
Editor's Choice News
South African engineers are preparing to take low-frequency radio astronomy to the Moon with three locally developed B.A.L.L.S. spheres aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. This could pave the way for a 55-antenna lunar array and marks another step in the country’s growing space engineering capability.

Read more...
RS South Africa announces 2026 Student Project Fund winners
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa has awarded 13 engineering students with R10?000 worth of products each through its 2026 Student Project Fund, supporting projects spanning renewable energy, robotics, warehouse automation and STEM education.

Read more...
Certified gas meter module
News
Sensirion’s next-generation SGM5304 gas meter module has completed certification to the harmonised EN 17526 standard, simplifying MID approval and speeding customers’ route to market.

Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions expands market share
News
Trafo Power Solutions is expanding its market share in mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications through technical expertise, application-specific engineering and responsive customer support.

Read more...
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...









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