I was recently out and about meeting with people in Johannesburg and Durban. Inevitably, for some reason, the conversation always turned to the lack of resources or in plain English workers.
The company I represent has similar problems, as do our competitors. I was under the impression that the problem was more specific to vendors, but to my surprise our users have the exact same challenges. So we are facing an industry problem. Most of the companies I have spoken to have some kind of in-house training or scholarship program to address these issues. I was not able to pinpoint an exact reason for this situation, yes people are leaving our country, but at THAT rate? The SAIMC has an education sub-committee chaired by Vivian MacFadyen, where we are also looking at the value we can add to students and companies alike, by bringing the two closer together. We are looking at options for creating alliances with interested parties. Please contact me should you require further information.
The Zambia SAIMC branch has officially opened its Midlands sub branch in Lusaka. We welcome them aboard and wish them great success going forward. Likando S. Smataa is the branch chairman.
Our website is going to receive a make-over. An events calendar is already available for your use. You can log in and select what you want to see by branch, date or attraction. It is all there, just a click away.
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
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