The Durban branch technology meeting was moved to the second Wednesday in April to accommodate the availability of overseas Cyber Security expert, Jay Abdallah, from Schneider Electric.
Chairman Hennie Prinsloo (left) thanking Jay Abdallah from Schneider for his presentation.
Abdallah received a BS: Applied Science and Technology at Thomas Edison State University in the USA and over his 18 years of experience in the field he has specialised in industrial control systems: cyber security engineering, advanced network/systems security consulting, enterprise-class information technology architecture and design, and compliance and risk analysis, solutions design/implementation.
Hennie Prinsloo proudly revealed the new banners for 2016 which reflect the new Durban Branch Patrons. The Durban committee would like to thank: Krohne, Gail Norton Instrumentation Agencies, Alpine Instruments, Proconics, Endress+Hauser, WIKA, Unitronics/Eastcoast Solutions, ICA, Pulse Control Systems, UIC Instrumentation, NIC Instruments and Valve & Automation for their continued and valued support.
Security commitment, as well as the recommended layers of defence, were discussed at length. Abdallah stressed the importance of maintaining an infrastructure post-implementation and the criticality of privacy and confidentially, notably basics like keeping obscure passwords secret. His talk on the subject was both informative and entertaining. He illustrated his talk with many examples to show how we are vulnerable to cyber attack, and how individual people’s actions are a major weakness in defence against it. There were many questions from his large audience, and his answers were greatly appreciated.
John de Castro also gave a short presentation to the meeting. He reviewed the electronic voting system that is used for Durban committee elections and showed proposed improvements that are being incorporated for future use. The system has proved far more inclusive than the use of a ballot by those present in person or by proxy at Annual General Meetings, and also reduced the length of those meetings. Members present approved the proposed improvements to the voting system.
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