News


SAIEE objection stalls draft legislation

13 June 2007 News

An objection raised by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) to draft legislation proposing the transformation of the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE), has resulted in government removing said item from this year’s legislative calendar.

This draft legislation seeks to change the status of the SAAE from a voluntary body to a statutory one, to become the 'preferred source of expert engineering advice to government', as stated in the draft bill.

The objections raised by the SAIEE came in response to a formal request for comment from the Department of Science and Technology. Recently appointed SAIEE president, Ian McKechnie, outlined the institute's objections: "Our opposition to the content of this bill is based on a broad number of issues. These include: inadequate consultation with the Institute and other learned societies plus the lack of transparency and closed nature of membership of the Academy. Moreover, the Institute opposes the establishment of the current Academy as a statutory body giving it 'preferred status' as opposed to its present voluntary structure."

McKechnie said that the Academy did not directly approach the Institute regarding this issue, nor has it sought general engineering consultation with them in the past: "A collegial spirit must prevail in such circumstances with open discourse between the Academy and all interested parties," he says.

The SAIEE is a long-standing learned society - approaching its centenary in 2009 - boasting roughly 5500 members operating in various aspects of electrical engineering, constituting a broad base of skills and knowledge.

McKechnie expressed a deep concern that the Academy - a voluntary organisation with a membership of approximately 130 people - could become the primary liaison with government by an act of parliament. "Such a situation cannot bode well for the provision of objective consultation to legislators." He emphasised that existing, long-standing learned societies, like the Institute, have been fulfilling this role for many years and should continue to do so.

The Institute also protested the lack of inclusiveness of the membership composition of the current Academy. "The present Academy membership is closed and non-transparent. The draft legislation proposes continuing in this manner, fuelling concerns that this type of set-up can open a door for manipulation. Moreover, it is not clear how this process can result in a multidisciplinary representative membership."

McKechnie cited a similar academy, the UK's Royal Academy of Engineering, as an example of an organisation with transparency, inclusiveness of electoral processes and clear qualification/registration requirements for membership, but without statutorily entrenched preferred status. "The benefits that could emanate from the establishment of such an academy should be capable of standing on their own merit without the protection of legislation," he stated.

For more information contact the SAIEE, +27 (0)11 487 3003, [email protected], www.saiee.org.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved