SAIMC


SAIMC: From the office of the CEO

January 2025 SAIMC


Johan Maartens

Welcome to 2025. I trust you had a wonderful and refreshing Christmas period and are ready to tackle 2025 with new enthusiasm. May you, your family, and your business be blessed this year.

I decided to make it easier this year and asked ChatGPT to write my welcome letter for 2025. Big mistake! Included in the article were promises of upgrading our digital infrastructure, wider and broader communication sessions, and more. Do not trust ChatGPT. So, unfortunately you will just have to read my own thoughts for 2025. We have huge changes in the pipeline. We are writing to share these exciting developments regarding the evolution of the SAIMC, that will come into effect on 1 January 2025.

Recognising the critical role that MESA Africa plays in the advancement of computer engineering and end user involvement, we are pleased to announce exciting developments in the SAIMC. The SAIMC Board has approved the structural reorganisation of MESA Africa, forming two distinct advisory councils of the SAIMC: the Computer Engineering Advisory Council and the End User Advisory Council. This change enhances our focus and effectiveness in addressing our diverse stakeholders’ unique needs and challenges. You will now have the additional option to join the Computer Advisory Council team, the User Advisory Council team, or both.

SAIMC Computer Engineering Advisory Council

We are delighted to announce that Gawie Reyneke will serve as the chair of the newly established computer engineering advisory council. Gawie was instrumental in developing the Computer Engineering Code of Practice for ECSA. His extensive experience and leadership in the industry and the MOM/MES fields will undoubtedly guide us towards achieving our strategic goal of being the recognised home for computer engineers in South Africa. Working with him is Professor Henry Marais from the North-West University, who was also instrumental in developing thisCode of Practice together with Gerhard Greeff and Antoine Snyman.

SAIMC User Advisory Council

We are also excited to announce that we have appointed Gerhard Greef as chair of the SAIMC User Advisory Council. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in steering the council towards continued success. This council will be responsible for the future SAIMC User Conference.

SAIMC User Conference

Furthermore, the highly acclaimed MESA Africa Summit will expand to become the SAIMC User Conference for Mining and Manufacturing Enterprises and will be under the auspices of the SAIMC User Advisory Council. This enables the Summit to cover aspects on all levels of enterprise automation in line with the modern trends in technology. This expansion will allow us to engage with a broader audience and provide even more valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Marketing Coordination

Amidst these changes, I am pleased to inform you that Jane Collett, who has been the driving force behind the success of the SAIMC events, MESA Africa Summits and Knowledge Share for Industry (KS4I), will continue to lead these initiatives with her usual dedication and expertise. Her unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in collaboration and innovation across the industry, and we are confident that her continued involvement will ensure the ongoing success of our programmes.

We deeply value your support and partnership, which have been crucial in making SAIMC such a success story and driving force in the industry. We look forward to your continued engagement as we embark on this new chapter, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Please be on the lookout for further communication regarding these changes in the coming months.

Thank you once again for your commitment and partnership. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours in automation

Johan Maartens


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