The Vaal branch kicked off the 2010 year with a well attended braai that brought the members together. The function was attended by SAIMC president Johan van Jaarsveldt and Johannesburg branch’s Paulo De Sousa Gomes. Members of the Vaal branch committee were introduced as follows: Solly Mabitsela (chairman), Colin Simns (vice chairman), E. Grobbelaar (secretary and treasurer), Wimpie van Tonder, Eugene Podde and Herbert Karolius.
Some of the Vaal branch members at the first gathering of 2010
The first SAIMC Vaal branch meeting was held on 5 March. Chairman, Solly Mabitsela, presented a brief overview of the history of the SAIMC and spoke about the role of the institute in the life of a professional automation and control practitioner. Darren Prinsloo from MICROSEP gave a presentation on process analytical equipment. The presentation covered the application of intelligent sensor management (ISM) technology as applied by Mettler-Toledo, highlighting the benefits to be realised in the food, mining and petrochemical industries. His well articulated presentation earned him a certificate of outstanding speaker presented by the Vaal branch. The branch also took a moment to introduce and welcome two new committee members, Oratile Sematle and Muhammad Simjee, wishing them a fruitful year ahead.
Attendance
The turnout was excellent with representation from fuel refineries, petrochemical, steel, mining, power, engineering, suppliers and many other industries. We would like to thank our audience for their support and look forward to welcoming everyone again as this year promises to be an enlightening experience.
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