The branch started the year in February with the AGM and a presentation by Duncan Bonnet, then from Whitehouse & Associates, a specialist research company with strategic insight into Africa. Duncan provided an insightful message on why it is imperative to look at markets in the rest of Africa, what they offer, and how to conduct business in these regions.
In March, Kevin Preston, group manager CIS &IE from Phoenix Contact made a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow presentation on IEC61511 (Process Industry) which forms part of IEC61508 (Functional Safety). SANS recently adopted these, which means it is no longer optional to consider aspects such as SIF/SIL and others when designing control systems.
In April, Petrus Klopper from Ai2SA introduced resource efficiency cleaner production (RECP) principles and how these apply to the C&I domain. ISO 5000x, EnMS, ESO and other cost-saving/value-adding philosophies were discussed, along with respective DTI programs to reduce energy and other resources costs.
In May, the branch hosted its annual golf day fund raising event.
In June, Kallie Bodenstein of Yokogawa, compared the differences between the DCS and PLC. This presentation was insightful and a lot of effort went into highlighting the plant in a box simulators, used to train engineers.
In July, Ralph White from ifm electronic introduced ‘Condition based monitoring and vibration analysis’, a largely mathematical presentation, which demonstrated a very strong knowledge of the subject.
In August, du Toit Grobler from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), introduced ‘Professional engineering registration’.
In September, Dave Bean from Industrial Data Exchange (IDX), introduced ‘Some general observations on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) landscape’. It was also in September that the branch was awarded bronze status at the prestigious SAIMC Gala Dinner.
In October, Bill Peet from Swagelok presented ‘The Bloodhound SSC’, a high-tech project aimed at designing a car that will break to 1000 mph barrier.
During the year the branch also hosted two well-received site visits to SAB Rosslyn and Ford Silverton.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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