Welcome to the new print version SA Instrumentation & Control (SAI&C). The online version remains the same.
Our creative team has put enormous effort into the new design. As the official publication of the South African Institute of Measurement & Control (SAIMC), we want SAI&C to reflect our rapidly changing industry. We are also confident that you will find the progressive structure easier to read than the previous format.
Base metals and minerals
In Feb 2008, six factory workers in the Assmang ferro-manganese smelter in KwaZulu-Natal were killed when the furnace exploded. Late April 2008 the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa alleged that the factory management knew in advance of the impending danger and instead of shutting the plant had “chosen to endanger the lives of workers just for the sake of profits".
Naturally, the management team has rejected claims of negligence. They have insisted that although they had been warned of a potential major explosion (in writing) and had been advised to “switch off the furnace immediately”, the explosion that occurred was unrelated to the warning they had received.
Whatever the outcome of official investigations, this accident is indicative of the enormous economic pressures being exerted on raw material suppliers as a result of China and India’s insatiable appetite for commodities. Our feature highlights some of the technologies that can be employed to give manufacturers a 'competitive edge'.
Environment
It also comes as no surprise that environmental control and monitoring is hogging more of the feature spotlight than ever before. An analysis of our online reader statistics shows a keen interest in energy management issues. No doubt this has been precipitated, at least in part, by our local energy crisis.
Air power
I have tried most of the adrenaline-junkie sports. The one that I have not yet had the guts to try is skydiving. The solution in 'Thrilling control' could well provide me with that extra motivation that I need to jump out of a fully functional aeroplane.
From solar to water, onsite plants are the next big industrial resilience shift
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South African industrial operators who secured their energy supply with onsite solar generation now face the same imperative with water. Robert Erasmus of Sanitech argues that onsite water treatment is the next essential pillar of business continuity.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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