EngineerConnect – Johannesburg (March 2025)

Join us at EIT’s learning hub in Midrand for an afternoon on engineering insights and networking. This free event is designed for anyone in engineering who is looking to stay at the forefront of their field.

When: Wednesday 19th March, 2025

Where: Unit 3, Elevation Gardens, Waterfall Office Park, Bekker Road, Midrand, South Africa

Time: 3:00 – 5:00pm

Please note that this is a free event. Places are limited.

RSVP by Friday 7th of March, 2025

What to Expect:

• A Panel discussion with Industry experts. Industry experts will discuss how automation and specialized engineering solutions are transforming key sectors in Southern Africa, focusing on mechanical engineering, design and draughting advancements, and AI-driven management models. The conversation will explore innovations in multi-disciplinary design practices and the optimization of mining and slurry pump systems to improve efficiency and minimize financial losses in the region’s mining and water industries.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your professional circle.

A digital Certificate of Attendance will be provided after the event. 

Presenters:

Leading the panel discussion is Mr David Gajdus, EIT Student Recruitment Manager

David oversees the EIT course advisor team, the Education Agent network, and industry engagement with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service. With a demonstrated history in the higher education industry, he excels in negotiation, business planning, and management, showcasing his leadership skills. A strong business development professional, David is committed to fostering positive relationships and enhancing collaboration across the sector.

Christabel Phiri, EIT Lecturer

Christabel Phiri has 14 years of academic experience at the tertiary level and five years in the industry. She is proficient in online LMS platforms, including Moodle, Blackboard, Collaborate, and Google Classroom. Known for her integrity, Christabel possesses advanced expertise in technical training and design, staying updated on industry trends and technological advancements.

Before moving to South Africa in 2007, she worked for three years as a mechanical engineering technician in Zambia’s copper mines. She then spent over a decade lecturing in design and draughting, training students in multi-disciplinary drawing office practices, including building design, structural steel detailing, electrical and mechanical draughting, using software such as Revit, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Inventor. From 2012 to 2013, she worked as a fire sprinkler designer at Crossfire Management, designing fire protection systems, selling projects, and surpassing sales targets. From 2014 to 2023, she lectured at African Premier of Draughting, teaching multi-disciplinary drawing office practices using various design software.

In October 2023, she joined EIT as a mechanical engineering instructor, delivering tutorials across all mechanical engineering units. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate (DEng) in Mechanical Engineering, investigating the effect of welding reclamation on the mechanical properties of thick 3CR12 stainless steel.

Dr. Gavin Robinson

Dr. Gavin Robinson is the CEO of Curo Pumps, a leading manufacturing firm where he’s driven exponential growth over 13 years—doubling the workforce, tripling factory numbers, and quadrupling turnover. He earned his PhD in mechanical engineering, developing the Gland Service Regulator (GSR), a breakthrough device for slurry pumps that revolutionized the mining industry and earned him a 3MT National First Place Prize in 2015.

The GSR, his first international patent, ensures slurry pumps run efficiently by balancing pressure and flow, preventing premature failures. Dr. Robinson has also pioneered the Containerised Egg Layer Solution (CELS), aimed at empowering small businesses in Africa’s poultry industry, promoting sustainable development and creating cash-generating opportunities for start-ups. Currently, Dr. Robinson continues to innovate at Curo Pumps, focusing on new pumping designs and hybrid manufacturing approaches to meet the needs of the mining and industrial sectors.

Dr. Andries van der Linde, PhD

Dr. Van der Linde’s journey began as an apprentice electrician at South African Railways, leading to a scholarship in electrical engineering and a role at Volkswagen SA. Transitioning to academia at Nelson Mandela University, he pioneered renewable energy research in South Africa, earning prestigious awards and initiating the country’s first commercial wind farm. After a distinguished academic career, he established his own consultancy, advising governments, aid organizations, and institutions on energy, climate change, and education. With expertise spanning electrical design, project management, and renewable energy, he continues to lead large-scale wind, solar, and hydrogen projects while actively publishing and speaking globally.

Henk van der Mescht

Henk van der Mescht is the founder and CEO of Nnovative Automation, a turnkey industrial automation company established in 2014. With 14 years of experience, he has delivered innovative automation solutions across automotive, food and beverage, mining, and pharmaceutical sectors. He is a skilled PLC programmer with formal qualifications including the 52886WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering and Online – Bachelor of Science (Industrial Automation Engineering) from EIT. Henk combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision to meet the growing demands of the automation industry. Passionate about mentorship, he actively trains young professionals in automation fundamentals, PLC programming, fault finding, and system design.

Guided by values of innovation, honesty, respect, and balance, Henk remains committed to technological advancements and business growth.

Dr. Oscar Asumani

Dr. Oscar Asumani is a Professional Engineer with 25 years of experience in the energy, petrochemical, and mineral sectors, alongside 15 years in academic research in engineering and management. He holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Engineering from The University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He is a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland (CEng. MIEI) and a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), where he also serves as an assessor, evaluator, and coach.

Recognized for his technical excellence and leadership, Dr. Asumani contributes to the South African Bureau of Standards and ISO technical committees. He is a certified “Green Hydrogen Specialist in Project Development and Economics” from the German Renewables Academy (RENAC). He supervises and co-supervises undergraduate and postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) engineering students at various South African institutions.

Who is EIT?

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides practical education and training in engineering and technology, with most graduates in fulfilling and well-paid engineering jobs.

EIT offers excellence across its professional development courses, and in its Australian internationally accredited diplomas and advanced diplomas, bachelor and master degrees, and a professional Doctor of Engineering.

The engineering lecturers and instructors, most with considerable industry experience and a passion for teaching, are drawn from around the world.

The live and interactive online platform of learning (with access to remote and virtual labs) reaches students in over 160 countries.

The degrees are also available on campus in Australia, using a blended approach to learning.

If you have any questions, please contact Berry: berry.dikotla@eit.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Register now to secure your spot!