We often hear of the November/December period being referred to as the ‘Silly Season’.
Well, with all the year-end functions and the rush to complete everything in time, I have to agree with this description. Experience tells us that ‘if you want something done, give it to someone who is very busy and it will get done.’
Johan van Jaarsveld
National Council banquet
Every year this event becomes larger and more enjoyable than the year before, borne out by the fact that this year the prestigious Rand Club’s main dining room was filled to the brim with 220 seated guests. This 105-year-old venue with its colonial atmosphere and a combination of the Transvaal Scottish Pipers and the world famous keynote speaker, Professor David Block, was always going to provide a recipe for success.
For the past eight years Kessie Coetzee has voluntarily applied her expertise and given of her time to organise this event. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Kessie for not only her assistance with the banquet but also all her hard work during the annual Golf Day hosted by the Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC.
Apart from the National Council year-end event, functions were held by all our branches and their sub-branches. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Durban, Secunda and Johannesburg events that were very well attended and enjoyed by all.
Although the year is over the work has not stopped. High level discussions with various tertiary education institutions together with curriculum planning and IIG assistance has been taking place over the past few weeks. Plans and activities for 2010 to 2012 are being finalised. Our appreciation goes to the individuals and their sponsoring companies for the assistance given with the guest lecture programme, which has been rolled out in most of our Universities of Technology countrywide.
The Johannesburg branch recently explored the myths, legends and facts (liberally peppered with Irish/Liverpool humour) and tasted the grains used in brewing different beers at their recent Technology evening with a difference – a visit to Gilroys Brewery. Also investigated of course were the health benefits of drinking beer and members were given a step by step overview of the brewing process, along with the final quality check using an unusual measuring instrument called a ‘tongue’. Gil Gilroy (above) raises a glass enthusiastically
On that note: I would like to wish you, our members and your families, all the best over this festive season. Thank you for the support that you have given to our Institute. May 2010 be your best year yet.
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: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...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.
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