Electricity + Control

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Editor:
Wendy Izgorsek
Design & Layout:
Adél JvR Bothma
Advertising Managers:
Helen Couvaras and
Heidi Jandrell
Circulation:
Karen Smith
Publisher:
Karen Grant
EditorialTechnical
Director:
Ian Jandrell
Published monthly by:
Crown Publications cc
CnrTheunis and Sovereign Sts
Bedford Gardens
PO Box 140, Bedfordview 2008
Tel: (011) 622-4770; Fax: (011) 615-6108
e-mail:
Website:
Printed by:Tandym Print
Quarter 2 (April - June 2015)
Total print circulation: 4 735
The views expressed in this publication are
not necessarily those of the publisher, the
editor, SAAEs, SAEE, CESA, IESSA or the
Copper Development Association Africa
Electricity+Control is supported by:
Once again, it’s the time of year for reflec-
tion. Time to review not only our personal
growth and development, but also that of
many organisations and of our nation.
It has been a tough year for this country, and the
region. The fact that we are facing a drought inmuch
of southern Africa, hardly assists.
The challenge is in how we plan and manage the
future – given our understanding of the past and
our predictions of the way ahead. This is a basic re-
quirement in any organisation, and it takes thought,
time and leadership. It is also true that we have to
acknowledge that these commodities are not always
available – at the right time and in the right place.
In some cases, things turn out in ways that may
not have been obvious at the outset – and that
must inform our planning. For instance, who would
have imagined that load shedding would end quite
so soon – and that the primary reason has been a
significant drop in demand? Part of that may well be
more efficient practices; but another part is a slow
down within industry.
This brings into stark focus the way we drive the
energy agenda. I have made the point previously
that we need to do two things: We need to secure a
reliable base load to serve industry; and we need to
explore alternatives that will ensure a more sustain-
able energy future.
All of this is premised on a number of assump-
tions, and a sound understanding of our history. It
is fairly clear that we have been brought up on an
energy-intensive and commodity-based economy.
Over the years, we have come to realise that the
required amount of energy (power, actually) is
available when needed. You have to be producing
at that moment; the machinery must be spinning
and be able to deliver.
As an aside, we have therefore begun to accept
that, as consumers (any type), we should have
unrestricted access to energy. This has become our
philosophy. Imagine, for a moment, a future that
suggests that this may not be possible? It may seem
devastating in the context of energy – I wonder if it
really is the case?
I would like to challenge everyone to end the year
thinking of a future … where we can supply a base
load (but at reduced levels), restructure how we do
our business in order to use energy more effectively
and more efficiently, and possibly reconsider the
pace at which we do things.
I extend my personal appreciation to Karen Grant,
who has successfully completed ‘year one’ in the
role of Crown publisher. For a busy and challenging
2015, thank you to the Editor of Electricity+Control,
Wendy Izgoršek; advertising managers, Helen
Couvaras and Heidi Jandrell; layout artists Adél
JvR Bothma and Anoonashe Shumba … Adél for
the layout of our monthly magazine; Karen Smith,
Adél and Anoonashe for the monthly newsletters,
E+C Spot Ons and Electricity+Control Face Values.
And of course, thank you to Jenny Warwick for her
ongoing involvement and support.
Finally, I wish you – our readers and advertisers –
your families and your colleagues, the very best
over the year end. I have no doubt everyone needs
and deserves a break!
Ian Jandrell
Pr Eng,
BSc (Eng) GDE PhD,
FSAIEE SMIEEE
COMMENT
May 2016 be everything
you wish it to be!
From the Electricity+Control team.
1 December ‘15 Electricity+Control