It was interesting to see the comments around Cuban engineers being imported to do engineering work in South Africa. This brings me to the Identification of Engineering Work and Professional Registration of Technicians, Technologists and Engineers.
Johan Maartens
I have been told many times in the past that it is not worthwhile to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). It is true that registration has never been compulsory and that engineering work has never been gazetted, which has led to the illusion that registration is worthless. Let’s look a little deeper.
What does professional registration entail?
Firstly, the qualification is inspected and has to conform to certain international standards. Since most tertiary education institutions in South Africa, certainly the main ones, have had their engineering education assessed and certified by ECSA, it means that most of the individuals that qualified in South Africa have a ‘valid’ qualification as far as these international standards are concerned.
But then we get to the next step. Candidates are assessed by their peers to determine whether their practical experience is at the correct level and broad enough in scope to allow them to practise as a technician, technologist or engineer.
How does this work?
Firstly, the candidate applies with examples of his/her work in 11 different outcomes. This is sent to three people and assessed. Once these assessments are complete and the candidate has supplied sufficient examples of work done at the level required for the qualification, the candidate is invited to an interview, again by three (but this time a different three) peers.
Once the candidate passes this step, the application is sent for a final check. (Should the candidate not provide sufficient information, there are various steps to follow, but these do not form part of this discussion.)
For those who are not registered, this is a wakeup call. The Identification of Engineering Work was Gazetted in March 2021 and you now have roughly three years to comply – depending on your surname. Do not assume your current experience is sufficient for registration, check our website www.saimc.co.za and start the process.
Next time I will talk about companies, their responsibilities, which you, as a registered professional or candidate, should reconsider when looking for work.
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