The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) is the senior body representing the discipline of mechanical engineering in South Africa. It covers all fields of application as diverse as automobile, energy generation, process engineering, heavy manufacture, design, management, research, mining and education.
SAIMechE is a voluntary association of Mechanical Engineers, Technologists and Technicians that have access to various grades of membership and the associated benefits. SAIMechE celebrated its centenary in 1992, marking the event with a number of valuable activities. Of particular note was the publication of the book" A century of Mechanical Engineering" copies of which can be obtained from the national office in Bruma, and the launching of the Technology Olympiad to provide early exposure to secondary school children of the world of mechanical engineering via an annual interschool competition that has now become a benchmark in effective Olympiads.
The Institution publishes a magazine" The SA Mechanical Engineer" and is the host for the Research and Development Journal. Member benefits include the receipt of the magazine, the regular technical and social meetings, visits to industry and projects, access to CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses and accredited conferences, a discount on the ECSA registration fee, and is the most effective body for networking with fellow professionals. SAIMechE liaises closely with its fellow associations to uphold and maintain the engineering profession in South Africa and participates in many representative bodies for voice to government, academia and skills development.
In 2007 the Council launched a major revival initiative to embrace a higher profile in industry and society, a fully integrated administration system for all regions and branches, the identification of the modern needs of Engineers in their profession and the appointment of a full time CEO. SAIMechE is an accredited Voluntary Association by ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) to undertake the validation of content for CPD courses.
SAIMechE is one of the founder members of the Association of Scientific and Technical Societies (AS&TS), and also has links with overseas institutions, in particular, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the British Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). We firmly believe that SAIMechE should attract all eligible persons within mechanical engineering to become members. It is" the right thing to do"
SAIMechE MISSION
To serve the interests and needs of its members and of the Mechanical Engineering Community, and to promote the continued supply of appropriate and sufficient Mechanical Engineering skills to meet the nation’ s needs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local industry to the benefit of all. In addition, the SAIMechE motto is ‘ Scientia Progredimur’ – By Knowledge We Advance.
This modern and interactive web site provides an easy-to-navigate and informative platform for members, and is accessible (with certain restrictions) to any non-members who may wish to evaluate the benefits of becoming a member. We invite you to peruse the site and learn about who and what we are, and to participate in the Forum with ideas and enquiries.
HOW OLD IS THE INSTITUTION
SAIMechE is over a century old, and originated as the South African Association of Engineers and Architects, established in 1892.
The history of the overseas institutions is obviously much older, and probably has links back to the guilds of skilled craftsmen, such as masons, who were responsible for the design and construction of many fine cathedrals and castles over a thousand years ago. The rules of these guilds are in many ways similar to the Code of Ethics accepted by members of professional institutions today.
