The Durban branch has organised many excellent presentations on a wide variety of topics over the last few years, but despite this we have been facing ever-dwindling numbers at our monthly meetings. It was decided at the end of last year to research and propose a new event calendar that might generate more interest locally and also assist with delivery of industry-centric training which is at the core of the SAIMC mission.
The proposed new annual event structure comprises the following:
* Three standard monthly meetings.
* Two industry forum events.
* Six short courses.
* Annual function.
Industry forum
It seemed appropriate to kick off the new calendar with our first Industry Forum event. This is scheduled for Wednesday, 8 August 2007 and will be titled 'Protecting your Assets and Skills Pool'. Breaking with tradition it will be a breakfast event at the Durban Country Club. We have two confirmed speakers who will present topics of real relevance to the industry today:
* Cornu Perold will present his MBA dissertation on 'The SAIMC and role of Voluntary Organisations'.
* Nico Marneweck will present a talk on 'Instrument Internships and Placement of Graduate Interns'.
The budget is still being finalised but it is expected that a small charge of R50-R75 per head will be levied to cover function costs.
Short courses
A programme of linked short course modules on essential technologies in our industry will be developed by the SAIMC committee under the guidance of Willie Becker. The intention is to use external trainers, with courses offered in the Durban area on a commercial basis but endorsed by the SAIMC. The possibility and requirements of attaching CPD credits will be investigated.
Annual function
A supper theatre function has been proposed for 2007 in place of the usual dinner dance. Once a suitable booking has been made, patrons and members will be canvassed for their support.
Appeal
The Durban branch committee is working hard to improve the relevance of the SAIMC locally and attract more membership and members to our events. In conjunction with this new calendar we would welcome the intake of new blood to help shape the future. If you wish to contribute by joining the committee please contact us via the SAIMC website www.saimc.org.za.
International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Introduction to GRIP SAIMC
SAIMC
Industry has long been concerned about graduates who have no understanding of the modern equipment they will face in industry. This has triggered an investigation into the possibility of creating a facility whereby graduates register with the SAIMC and rotate through all the vendors to obtain experience on modern equipment.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted a technology meeting featuring a presentation by Abacus Automation on the practical role of AI in industrial automation, drawing considerable interest from attendees.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Instrotech recently hosted a technical presentation on load cell technology and applications at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening, presented by Trevor Salzwedel. The session covered load cell fundamentals, selection and installation, mechanical considerations and calibration methods.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Golf Day SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Golf Day on 22 May 2026 brought together 16 four-balls for a day of golf, networking and fundraising, with generous support from sponsors across the instrumentation and control sector.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.
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