On 8 March, a select group of SAIMC members from the Copperbelt in Kitwe congregated at the premises of incoming SAIMC Zambia chairman T.C. Siame’s Trescha Electronics. This would hail the beginning of the one hour drive to Ndola along a wide stretch of road sidled by commercial forests of pine and eucalyptus trees, interspaced with acacia and other native short brush that changes in colour and temperament over the seasons – brown and yellow in the cool dry winter to deep greens and burnt sienna in the rainy summer months. More recently, short-rise industrial developments and warehouses have also begun to sprout, as well as a large Chinese shopping mall and several places of lodging.
Established industry is facing growing competition from new investors taking advantage of the mining sector growth, and also
the diversification of the Zambian economy to include more production of food and sustenance-based products. Neelkanth
Cables is one of the new investors and, after observing their steady progress, the team decided to investigate the operation. Neelkanth hosted us and not only did they give us a technical presentation on general cable manufacture, they gave us a tour of the facility and showed us various experimental processes, as they endeavour to provide application specific cable in line with the exacting needs of the Zambian market.
Members were exposed to the various stages of copper/steel cable production from raw materials through to finished product. The meshing of IT and production machinery that is modern automation inspired us, leading to some lively conversation on the bus ride back to Kitwe.
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