Speaking at the association’s anniversary breakfast in Johannesburg last week, chairperson Rouane Herselman reflected on its evolution since its establishment in September 1936, highlighting the importance of collective industry representation and collaboration.
As the sector navigates changing economic and technological demands, the EEAIA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s industrial future and developing the skills needed to sustain it.
“The EEAIA has continued to evolve. It has contributed to technical standardisation, collective representation and skills development, including through its longstanding relationship with the University of the Witwatersrand. It serves as a meeting place where knowledge, ideas and experience can be exchanged, and as a collective voice on matters that affect industry. That is more than an administrative function; it is a national industrial asset.”
He called attention to the resilience and longevity of the association. “Ninety years is an extraordinary achievement for any institution. For an association built around an industry that has had to reinvent itself repeatedly, it is something more. It is evidence of resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring value of working together.”
Herselman also highlighted the central role played by engineers and artisans in every aspect of South Africa’s economy. “Behind every mine hoist, pumping station, ventilation fan and production line was not just a machine, but the expertise and hard work of engineers, designers, toolmakers, winders, electricians and technicians. We should remember those people today.
“This includes not only the company founders and industry leaders, but also the artisans who taught apprentices, the factory teams who worked through breakdowns, and the families who lived with the demands of this industry.”
Herselman outlined four commitments on behalf of the EEAIA: defending and developing South Africa’s manufacturing capability, making technical excellence non-negotiable, rebuilding the industry’s skills pipeline and embracing collaborative innovation.
Journalist Stephen Grootes gave the keynote address in which he outlined the uncertain nature of the country’s political and economic framework on the eve of the recent local government elections. He refused to give any predictions on the outcome of the election but provided broad brushstrokes of the trends likely to emerge once the votes have been counted.
An important part of the morning’s events was celebrating the longstanding commitment, support and loyalty of the EEAIA member companies who have been associated with the association for more than 50 years.
The EEAIA also elected a new executive committee at the annual general meeting held after the 90th anniversary breakfast. Its members include chairperson, Carl du Preez of Centurion Systems (Pty) Ltd, and vice-chairpersons Rouane Herselman of Hexagon Electrical (Pty) Ltd and Tyrone Willemse of WEG Automation Africa.
The committee members include:
Co-opted members include Mario Kuisis, Nick Antonakis and Tom Eichbaum; and the administrator is Christa Smith.
Tafadzwa Chibanguza, chief executive officer of SEIFSA, said the EEAIA’s longevity was a testament to the important role it played in organising economic and public life. He added that its contribution was particularly relevant when considering what the association had meant to the electrical engineering and allied industries over nine decades.
“On behalf of SEIFSA, I congratulate the Electrical Engineering and Allied Industries Association of South Africa on its 90th anniversary. We are proud to share this occasion with you, and grateful for the opportunity to recognise an association that has served this industry across generations.
“Ninety years is a considerable achievement. An institution reaches this age because successive generations see a purpose worth supporting. Today, we acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the EEAIA, including those who came before the current leadership and members gathered here,” Chibanguza said.
“Let us honour 90 years of electrical excellence by committing ourselves to the next chapter: not merely keeping the lights on, but building the industry that powers South Africa’s future,” concluded Herselman.
