It is with deep sadness that the SAIMC heard of the death of dear friend and esteemed colleague Eugene Sithole, who passed away suddenly on 7 September.
Thanduxolo Eugene Sithole was born on 13 September 1970 to parents Raphael and Nomathemba Sithole. He proceeded through his school years finishing at St. Francis College, where he completed matric after which, due to his technical abilities, he enrolled at Mangosuthu Technikon to earn a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
Eugene started his professional career in 1993 as an instrument technician at Nestlé (Pietermaritzburg) after an intense training programme with Sapref (Shell and BP petroleum refineries) and Huletts Aluminium (Pietermaritzburg). Over the years he built his credentials and skills working at Umgeni Water, and then with Fluor/Igoda as a design/instrumentation engineer until 2012.
In 2012, he joined Sowa Projects (a consulting company specialising in electrical and instrumentation related projects) as the managing director, where he remained until his recent death.
Eugene was a firm supporter and active member of the SAIMC and a regular visitor to the technology evenings and social functions. He served on the Durban branch committee in 2010 and will be sorely missed by all.
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.