At the recent SAIMC Zambian branch annual banquet at Kitwe’s Edinburgh Hotel, keynote speaker Oratile Sematle (then-President of the SAIMC) said with more investment in technologies, countries like Zambia should not be shipping out raw copper, but adding a beneficiation process.
Oratile went on to say: “People think that when we automate, jobs will be lost, but there will be a chain reaction in other areas when we automate the production of goods and services. We should not depend on foreign products, but create our own as African countries.”
Oratile said lack of collaboration between engineers and policymakers was the reason Africa was lagging behind in deploying home-grown technologies.
“We need to address the lack of communication between politicians and industry. There is a need to add value to copper through beneficiation, rather than just exporting the raw material,” he added.
He called on African countries to prepare for a knowledge generation and develop technologies that could be replicated in other destinations.
Dignitaries and committee members attending the banquet: Minister of Transport & Communications, Honourable Mr Brian Mushiba (sixth from left); Branch Chairman, Zambia, Enock Shikabeta, (fifth from left) and then-President of the SAIMC, Oratile Samatle (fifth from right).
The banquet was attended by representatives from various industries where the Zambian chapter draws its membership.
SAIMC Zambia chapter President Enoch Shikabeta said the organisation would continue working with government to create a knowledge-based economy.
From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.
Read more...SAIMC:Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024
Read more...Reminiscences of a life in control Michael Brown Control Engineering
SAIMC
Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.
printer friendly version