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.
Helping mines get results from water improvements
News
South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
News
Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Sustainable solutions for sugar Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG received a Special Commendation Exhibition Stand Award at the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress, where it showcased an integrated turnkey drive solution designed to simplify the upgrading of ageing crushing-mill drive systems.
Read more...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
News
South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme.
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