In 2011, the SADC (Southern African Development Community) ministers of science and technology endorsed an engineering needs and numbers study, to get a better understanding of the actual numbers of engineers, technologists and technicians in the SADC countries and the needs of SADC member states to allow for better planning for the attainment of sustainable development in the region.
Subsequent scoping workshops have taken place with member countries and in early 2017, SAICE Professional Development and Projects (SAICE-PDP), a not-for-profit sister organisation to the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), was appointed to carry out the study.
The overall objective of the study is to get a better understanding of the engineer, engineering technologist and technician capacities in the SADC region to allow for better planning and implementation of infrastructure programmes to support the SADC Industrialisation Strategy, which has a long-term scope spanning from 2015 to 2063.
The strategy identifies lack of adequate infrastructure and lack of adequate skills and capacities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as being among the binding constraints for industrial development. The outcomes of the study will also serve as input towards the implementation of key SADC policies and frameworks such as the SADC Master Plan on Infrastructure Development, Protocol on Education and Training, and Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Dr Allyson Lawless, civil engineer and team leader for the SAICE-PDP study, has urged companies in the SADC region’s engineering sectors to complete an online survey to make the study as comprehensive as possible. Available until a 7 September cut-off date, and accessible via the short URL www.surveymonkey.com/r/DJX77MC, the survey is tailored to inform the study on the following factors:
• The support of engineering graduates from higher education.
• The engineering skills base per country and mobility of engineering personnel.
• Sectors in which engineering skills are required, the roles they play, and how increased capacity can contribute to growth.
• Policies relating to engineering development and the regulation of engineering professionals.
• Development and economic trends relating to each sector.
• Projects planned for each country and the region.
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...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.
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