New journey – humbling experiences
Although daunted, I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as the president of one the most agile and prominent organisations in local industry. Joining the SAIMC was one the best decisions I have ever made, and it has been a privilege to serve the Society over the last eight years. I share council’s optimism for our bright future.
Vinesh Maharaj, Johan Maartens, John Owen-Ellis, Johan van Jaarsveldt and Solly Mabitsela have been incredible leaders and mentors to me, as well as to the council and our members. I would like to thank Vinesh for the substantial contribution he made during his tenure as the president; I am looking forward to his valued guidance and inspiration during my term in the leadership position.
I want our individual members and patrons to be confident that the SAIMC is not going to change, as I cherish and celebrate its unique principles, beliefs and values. However, at the SAIMC we do not respect tradition, we only respect innovation. While we have seen great success over the years, we are still hungry for more. The needs of our members, patrons and stakeholders will continue to guide our strategies.
Over time, I have observed leaders of the SAIMC consistently putting the needs of others before their own. This has inspired me always to discharge my duties to the best of my ability. This organisation has the passion to empower individuals and ultimately make our industry a more successful place.
As we are about to start a new phase of the journey together, I wanted to share some background about myself and what inspires and motivates me.
Who am I?
I am a 30 year old from the small town of Taung in North West province. I am one of 15 grandchildren and most probably the one who always got into the most trouble. Like anyone else, a lot of what I do and how I think has been shaped by my upbringing, family and overall life experiences. Many who know me say I am also defined by my curiosity and thirst for learning. I buy more books and articles than I can finish. I sign up for more voluntary associations than I can handle. Fundamentally, I believe that if you are not embracing new ideas, then you stop doing great and useful things. So family, African philosophy (Ubuntu), curiosity, and hunger for knowledge, all define me to some degree.
Why am I here?
I am here for the same reason I think most people join an organisation like the SAIMC – to change the world by making a meaningful contribution to the engineering fraternity. I know it may sound hyperbolic – yet it is true. We have done it, we are doing it, and we will continue to do it. For example, the opening of the University of Pretoria’s SAIMC Control Laboratory took place in February 2014 at an event with great pomp and ceremony that included the vice-chancellor of the university. The SAIMC supported the Tshwane University of Technology with starting the First Technology Challenge for secondary school children, whilst continuing to support the First Lego League for primary schools. These are some of the reasons why I find myself at the SAIMC today. In simple terms, I am here because we have an unparalleled capacity to make an impact.
What is next?
We need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable. This starts with the clarity of our existing purpose and a sense of vision that will lead us to imagine the unattainable – and then deliver on it. We need to prioritise the ‘stakeholder focus’ that is at the centre of our core values of empowering institutions, organisations and individuals to “do more”.
Finally, people often underestimate what they can do to make things happen, and overestimate what others need to do to move an idea forward. I believe that the best work happens when one knows that it is not just work, but something that will improve other people’s lives. The needs of others are the opportunities that drive us at the SAIMC.
Working together, achieving more,
Oratile Sematle, President
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
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