National studies indicate that South Africa does not produce sufficient registered engineers, technologists, technicians or artisans to address the needs of the country. Although this is a global phenomenon, measures need to be put in place to rectify this in our region. The SAIMC has always been concerned about the quality of education and skills training in South Africa and to support this we have joined a national campaign to increase the number and quality of learners entering the engineering profession. Of course, we will be paying particular attention to the instrumentation industry.
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), established by the engineering profession act (Act no 46 of 2000), together with over 40 of its recognised voluntary associations including the SAIMC, have committed to address this by establishing and managing a national campaign called ENGENIUS.
Our objective is a coordinated national effort that will increase the number and quality of learners entering the engineering profession. ENGENIUS aims to facilitate collaboration, coordination and support amongst organisations including VAs, statutory bodies, government, SETAS, HE institutions, schools and public or private enterprises. They are the key to advancing our profession.
Solly Mabitsela, chairman of our Vaal branch and a senior control systems engineer at Sasol, has volunteered his services to advance this important initiative. We thank Solly for offering his valuable time and experience to this cause.
Solly Mabitsela
As SAIMC we embrace this national initiative, which once in place could be rolled out through our network of branches in the neighbouring SADEC countries. In fact, it has already been addressed by the Zambian branch where Jones Kalela and others have done good work in this regard.
Johan van Jaarsveldt
Annual banquet
The year-end SAIMC banquet is scheduled for 28 October at the prestigious Rand Club facility. We look forward to meeting you there and enjoying an evening of technical talk and entertainment. Our keynote speaker is Dave Howcroft, who will share some of his 47 years of experience in the ever changing and challenging automation and control industry.
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