Johannesburg Branch
September 2005
SAIMC
At times, even with the best intentions, it happens. One says, does or writes something, and then someone is offended. Some bright fellow once commented that "You can satisfy some people some of the time, but you cannot satisfy all of the people all of the time". It happens that I am responsible for writing the invitations for the monthly Johannesburg Branch meetings. In doing so, I try to find some aspect of the discussion that will whet the readers appetite, and by so doing, get more members to attend. For the last meeting I wrote "the positive displacement meter had its turn, the turbine meter had its turn, now it is the turn of the Coriolis meter, we grow with technology". Wow, the response was quick and cutting and I had to explain that even though we are able to use new expertise and products, the long-established methods still have a role to play for many years to come; it is up to the plant design engineer to choose the best equipment for the application. The SAIMC does not endorse any particular manufacturer or product; it is our intention to allow an educated choice to be made. This is now part of the small print.
That is it, we all have to protect our territory and ourselves, also at the same time where possible, respect the territory of others.
The branch is being well supported by both members and patrons, and the efforts of the committee are resulting in fine success. The monthly meetings are well attended and usually result in lively discussions afterward. By the time you read this, our discussion on fiscal metering using Coriolis meters will be in the past, I expect that there will be some heated debate on the subject, but afterwards we will all have a better understanding of the subject.
The BMW tour is fully booked up. Because of the popularity of this event, and if there are sufficient requests, we will try to organise a second tour this year.
Even though we have a full calendar for this year, it is at times difficult to predict what subjects are of interest to the members; why not make some suggestions? We will endeavour to include your ideas as soon as possible.
Vivian MacFadyen, chairman, Johannesburg Branch, [email protected]
Further reading:
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: Johannesburg branch: Distilled to perfection: Women’s Month gin experience
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch celebrated Ladies Month with a gin tasting event.
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
Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC
SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.
Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO
SAIMC
SAIMC
Recognising practical engineering talent is a missing link in the South Africa’s skills pipeline.
Read more...