The front cover of this issue can certainly be described as 'eye-catching'. No doubt the subject will create as much discussion amongst our readers as it did amongst our own staff.
On the one hand, I have deep concerns over the objectification of a female subject. On the other, the cover is incredibly striking and certainly accomplishes its task of drawing the reader's attention to the brand in question.
Wendy Dyer, marketing and brand consultant to Wonderware Africa, is an outspoken feminist. I struggled to reconcile these feminist values with the image with which Dyer was proposing we adorn the front cover.
"The image is certainly not degrading to women. that is something that I would not tolerate," retorted Dyer. "But let us face it, a cleavage is something that every woman loves to flaunt. Granted, the cover image is slightly naughty and adventurous, but then Wonderware is a company that is known for pushing both technological and marketing boundaries."
If you, our readers, agree or disagree, we would like to hear from you. Send your comments to [email protected]
Welcome
This month we welcome Andrew Ashton on board as editor of both SA Instrumentation & Control, and its sister publication, Motion Control. Probably best known as the head of industrial automation company, ProLoCon, Andrew brings a wealth of first-hand experience, underpinned by both formal engineering and business qualifications.
Andrew Ashton, editor: SA Instrumentation & Control, and Motion Control, [email protected]
Andrew has first-hand experience of both the business and operational requirements imposed upon the control and instrumentation professional. His knowledge of the burgeoning 'new economy' is well-tempered by realistic optimism.
Goodbye
Sadly, we say goodbye to Jaime Chan, who moves on to South African petrochemical giant, Sasol. We thank her for her positive contributions to SAI&C, and wish her well in her new-found career.
Skill shortage
A reminder that The Industrial Instrumentation Group (IIG) is currently conducting a survey on the engineering skills shortage in South Africa. The aim of the survey is to gauge industry's willingness, abilities, readiness and factors affecting the ability to contribute to tackling the chronic skills shortage in the electrical and instrumentation and control engineering fields in South Africa.
The survey consists of 18 questions and should not take more than 10-15 minutes to complete. I urge every company that employs the relevant technicians and engineers to participate in the survey (www.iig.org.za/skills).
Graeme Bell
Managing editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
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