The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will tomorrow, 5 June 2009, at 10h00 speak at the Centenary Celebration Party of the South African Institute of Electronic Engineers.
The event will be held at Innes House, the head office of SAIEE, 18A Gill Street, Observatory, Johannesburg.
Media is invited.
Information about SAIEE: South African Institute of Electrical Engineers
In 1886 when gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand, many hundreds of miners and engineers flocked to the Transvaal to assist in extracting this magic element from the earth. As the gold "reef" went deeper, so machines were needed to drive air pumps for ventilation, drilling and driving hoists to transport miners and to haul out the gold bearing rock.
Initially steam was used to drive the machines but soon the mistrust of electricity was overcome and electrical engineers came into their own. These electrical engineers soon needed an association to provide facilities where they could get together for social networking and to assist each other with the learning process.
In June 1909, the first meeting of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) was held and a Council of 16 engineers was put together. The new Institute was advertised throughout South Africa and 117 members were recruited. The membership is now over 5000 with active Centres in Cape Town, Durban, George, Port Elizabeth, Secunda and Sasolburg.
The SAIEE is a learned society which is recognized by the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Voluntary Association. Membership of the Institute is all inclusive for electrical engineers, technologists and technicians.
This year is our Centenary year and we have organised a number of special events aimed at our members, the general public, students and the school children to encourage them to study mathematics and science at school and later electrical engineering. We consider Electrical engineering to be the primary engineering profession if the electrical supply to an area fails, that area comes to a complete halt. The wellbeing of the community is completely dependent on electricity through its application in telecommunication service, broadcasting of sound and TV, railway traction, mining, general industry, business, private housing and health care services to name but a few.
We will conclude this Centenary year with a Conference, a formal Banquet and the publishing of a book on the history and achievements of the SAIEE.
"Vis Nulla Sine Scientia"
"There Is No Strength without Knowledge"
Programme:
Master of Ceremonies: Dr Angus Hay, SAIEE Deputy President
10h00 to 10h30: Registration
10h30: Welcome by Dr Angus Hay Deputy President of SAIEE
10h30 to 11h00: Serving of Snacks and Refreshments
11h00 to 11h05: Toast to the Republic of South Africa by SAIEE President Mr du Toit Grobler
11h05 to 11h15: Introduction by President of the SAIEE Mr du Toit Grobler introduces the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology
Mrs Naledi Pandor
11h15 to 11h30: Address by Minister of Science and Technology Mrs Naledi Pandor
Toast to SAIEE by-Minister of Science and Technology Mrs Naledi Pandor
11h30 to 11h45: Vote of thanks by Andries Tshabalala –Senior Vice President, SAIEE
11h45 to 12h00: Unveiling of the Centenary Plaque by SAIEE President Mr du Toit Grobler
12h00: Formal Council meeting
12h20: Tour of the SAIEE library, museum and observatory site
12h30: SAIEE Council Photo
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
4 June 2009
