On Friday, March 15, 2024, The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) celebrated its annual award winners at an event held at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The event was attended by engineering practitioners and their partners, who were dressed in their best attire. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr Kgomotso Sethlapelo, remarked that it was always refreshing to see the progress made in the industry by the winners.

The 114th Annual Awards ceremony, held in collaboration with Revive Electrical Transformers, recognised significant contributions by individuals in the electrical, electronic, telecommunications, and computer engineering sectors in South Africa.

SAIEE President's Award, sponsored by Revive Electrical Transformers

The SAIEE President’s Award, sponsored by Revive Electrical Transformers and open to all living individuals, was awarded to Mr Gert de Beer, a Chief Electrical Engineer who has made considerable contributions to mega projects worldwide. He has also significantly improved the electrical performance of the Sasol plants in Sasolburg. Pictured left: Paddy Paddyachee (Revive Electrical Transformers and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).



 

SAIEE Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by ACTOM

Dr Mpho Nkambule was awarded the SAIEE Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by ACTOM, which is given to a SAIEE member who has worked energetically and voluntarily towards promoting electrical science and its applications to benefit SAIEE members and the Southern African community. Dr Nkambule is an electrical and instrumentation engineer with six years of experience, and he has expertise in various areas of electrical and instrumentation projects, especially those related to hardware and software design, installation, construction, and commissioning. From left: Mervyn Naidoo (ACTOM), Dr Mpho Nkambule (winner), and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).

SAIEE Engineering Excellence Award, sponsored by Lesedi Nuclear Services

Ms Omaira Jajbhay won the SAIEE Engineering Excellence Award, sponsored by Lesedi Nuclear Services. This Award recognises a SAIEE Member, Senior Member, Fellow, or Council Member who has excelled in Electrical Engineering. Ms Jajbhay is an electrical engineer pursuing her MSc in Electrical Engineering. She has exceptional power system protection and solar power knowledge and has been involved in several local and international renewables and protection projects. From left: Jeremy Summers (Lesedi Nuclear Services), Omaira Jajhay (winner) and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).

SAIEE Women in Engineering Award, sponsored by Schneider Electric

The SAIEE Women in Engineering Award recognises female members of the SAIEE who have excelled in Electrical Engineering and demonstrated their dedication to supporting the organisation's aims and objectives. The award is given to those with outstanding mentorship skills and integrity in their business dealings. This year, two deserving recipients were awarded the SAIEE Women in Engineering Award, sponsored by Schneider Electric. They are Ms Tshego Cornelius, a BSc Electrical Engineering graduate from UCT with over 14 years of experience in the energy and mining industries, and Ms Mantsie Hlakudi, who is a registered and certified Electrical Engineer with over 13 years of experience in Military, Distribution and Transmission. From left: Sebolelo Hoohlo (Schneider Electric), Tshego Cornelius (winner) and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).

From left: Sebolelo Hoohlo (Schneider Electric), Mantsie Hlakudi (winner) and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).

SAIEE Young Achievers Award

The SAIEE Young Achievers Award is given to young professionals who have shown outstanding achievement, creativity, and leadership in electrical and electronic engineering, regardless of the size of the company they work for. This year's winner is Pitso Sekhoto, an ambitious young professional passionate about mentorship and leadership. From left: Leanetse Matutoane (SAIEE, CEO), Pitso Sekhoto (winner) and Prof Jan de Kock (SAIEE President).

SAIEE Centre of the Year Award

The SAIEE Centre of the Year Award is given to a Centre that meets its annual KPIs set by the SAIEE CEO and Finance Committee. The Free State Centre was awarded the 2023 SAIEE Centre of the Year for meeting its KPIs.

Our Award Sponsors

The 2023 SAIEE Annual Awards, in collaboration with Revive Electrical Transformers, would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors. They are:

1.     Revive Electrical Transformers – naming sponsor

2.     Schneider Electric – Platinum sponsor

3.     TransAfrica Projects – Gold sponsor

4.     Lesedi Nuclear Services – Silver sponsor

5.     Hyosung Heavy Industries – Silver sponsor

6.     Cullin Africa – welcoming drinks sponsor

7.     Proconics – wine sponsor, and

8.     LEDVANCE – gift bag sponsor.