A government has a complicated task – to satisfy the needs of the masses and stay in power while at the same time allowing the economy of the country to grow.
What makes this so difficult? A factor that is often underestimated but plays a massive part in a democratic government’s success is the general education of the public. I am not referring to engineers, accountants, etc. I am talking about that section of the population that makes up most of a country’s citizens. When the general public understands the different factors that influence the health of a country’s economy, government’s decisions are positively affected. Otherwise the demand grows for the government to focus on areas that can be detrimental to the economy’s overall health. Wrong choices will impact those government entities that government prioritises and then propagate to all other areas of the economy.
Wrong choices lead to the following outcomes:
• Government institutions fail
• The economy fails
• Citizens become militant
• Lawlessness prevails.
It is terrible when a government cannot see that its policies are failing and drives its policies harder. It is like Russia trying to invade Ukraine, losing equipment, being banned from the world stage and having resources confiscated; and their decision: let’s try harder.
South Africa needs to get serious about the education of its citizens – all of them. Racial discrimination, lowering of standards, adding 5% to scores, etc., are not practices that are preparing our citizens for a new industrial revolution. When train drivers, doctors, nurses, accountants, bank tellers, and all other career choices vanish or are dramatically changed, South Africa will have to be prepared or become a welfare state.
Automation is here to stay, whether South Africa joins in or not. Automation has no consideration for government policies, union actions or business preferences. Those industries that do not automate will slowly die because they can no longer compete in the world market.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...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 INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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