2005 southern African scada and MES conference
July 2005
News
On 11 and 12 May, IDC Technologies hosted the Southern African scada and MES Conference at the Eskom Convention Centre.
Sixteen speakers from around the world were invited to share their expertise. Andrew West, an Australian, was the opening speaker - a scada expert who chairs one of the premier, international scada committees. Other speakers included Alexander Ebert, from Germany, who presented a case study entitled 'Saar Energy - From Mining to Energy Trading in Germany'. Wimpie van der Merwe, the scada system administrator at Eskom, looked at GPRS and the scada system and Dave Macdonald, an instrumentation engineer from the United Kingdom, closed the conference with a presentation on scada and safety.
Dave Macdonald, a speaker from the UK, Andrew West, a speaker from Australia and Steve Mackay
Delegates from all over southern Africa attended. The many companies they represented included, among others; Eskom, Siemens, Citect, Yokogawa, Nissan, Assmang and ABB - Botswana.
Mike Barker, from Mike Barker and Associates, Ziggy Govender, Tony Holme, from Citect and IDC Technologies’ CEO, Steve Mackay
As in the past, a number of final year engineering students were also provided places at the conference. This is part of IDC Technologies' continued commitment to assist in the education of budding South African technicians and engineers.
Feedback has indicated that delegates found the two days worthwhile and useful: Barend Esterhuizen of Eskom - Lethabo Power Station - commented that it was an 'Excellent event!' whereas Christo Slabber from Eskom Distribution wrote: "High quality throughout - well done." Marius Malan of Assmang seemed surprised: "For people far from JHB it was an eye opener to see what is happening in other places." And a colleague of his - Jorge Goncalves called it "Very professional." Sponsors have much to do with the success of a conference. Technews, Yokogawa, Siemens, Citect and Crown Publications certainly contributed to the favourable outcome of this conference.
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...