The Society for Automation Instrumentation Mechatronics and Control (SAIMC) recently became a non-profit company, a move it believes will help it better serve its members.
That’s according to CEO Johan Maartens, who said the society had continuously adapted with the times since its establishment in 1957 as the Instrument & Control Society of Southern Africa.
“It remains a strong voice in the industry, driving the recognition of the various disciplines as enablers for effective and efficient application of new technologies, including of course, Industry 4.0.,” he said.
“Although the society has moved with the times and its name has changed accordingly, the core values have remained the same with a strong focus on education, training and standards for the industry.”
Its new structure comprises a Chairman and Board of Directors which incorporate the seven branches under the leadership of Branch General Managers. This, said Maartens, helps meet the demand to illustrate sound corporate governance.
“Each branch is autonomous, and we currently have approximately 750 paid up members and 42 companies that are either national or regional members (sometimes both) who contribute to the success of the SAIMC and are in turn recognised as such.”
He said a core strength of the SAIMC is its affiliations with the Automation Federation, other associations, government bodies (like ECSA), universities and key industry players.
