On Friday, March 14, 2025, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) celebrated its annual award winners at an event held at The Focus Rooms in Johannesburg. The event was attended by engineering practitioners and their partners, dressed in their best.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr Kgomotso Sethlapelo, said it is always refreshing to see the progress made in the industry by the winners. The 115th Annual Awards ceremony, held in collaboration with Revive Electrical Transformers, recognised significant contributions by individuals in South Africa's electrical, electronic, telecommunications, and computer engineering sectors.
The SAIEE President’s Award, sponsored by Revive Electrical Transformers and open to all living individuals, was presented to Lomile Modiselle. A dynamic and results-driven professional with a successful technical background, Modiselle has worked in the municipal distribution network for over twenty years. Due to a family emergency, Lomile Modiselle could not be at the awards ceremony to accept her award in person, so the SAIEE will hand over her prize at the next council meeting, scheduled for May 9, 2025.
From left: Mervyn Naidoo (ACTOM), Dumisa Ngwenya (winner), and Pascal Motsoasele (SAIEE President).
Dumisa Ngwenya was the winner of the SAIEE Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by ACTOM. This award is given to a SAIEE member who has worked energetically and voluntarily to promote electrical science and its applications to benefit SAIEE members and the Southern African community. Mr Ngwenya is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of extensive ICT experience, including over 15 years in senior leadership roles across IT, operational technology, and digital transformation. He is an expert in designing and executing technology strategies, governance frameworks, and risk management initiatives.
From left: Seeralan Chinaboo (Exxaro), Krystle Nageshar (winner) and Pascal Motsoasele (SAIEE President).
Krystle Nageshar won the SAIEE Engineering Excellence Award, sponsored by Exxaro. This award recognises a SAIEE member, Senior member, Fellow, or Council member who has excelled in Electrical Engineering. Nageshar serves as the Chief Engineer for Medium-Voltage/Low-Voltage (MV/LV) Operations, where she plays a crucial role in advancing operational standards, optimising network performance, and enhancing the overall efficiency of power distribution systems.
From left: Leanetse Matutoane (SAIEE), Devaksha Maharaj (winner) and Pascal Motsoasele (SAIEE President).
The SAIEE Women in Engineering Award recognises female members of the SAIEE who have excelled in Electrical Engineering and demonstrated their dedication to supporting the organisation's aims and objectives. The award is given to those with outstanding mentorship skills and integrity in their business dealings. This year, the winner of this award is Devaksha Maharaj, a highly skilled electrical engineer professionally registered with ECSA with 17 years of experience in the industry. Her specialisation in energy, power systems, and renewable energy integration has allowed her to lead several high-impact projects. These include designing and implementing a 20 MW solar PV plant that has significantly boosted renewable energy generation in her local community.
From left: Sicelo Xulu (PWD Xperts), Bongo Nkwanyana (winner) and Pascal Motsoasele (SAIEE President).
The SAIEE Young Achievers Award, sponsored by PWD Xperts, is given to young professionals who have shown outstanding achievement, creativity, and leadership in electrical and electronic engineering, regardless of the size of the company they work for. This year's winner is Bongo Nkwanyana, an ambitious young professional, passionate about mentorship and leadership. This Young Achiever is the founding chairperson of the Young Professionals Network at the South African National Transmission Company. He has spearheaded several initiatives, including organising a school outreach programme that engaged more than 300 learners in grades 10 to 12 and encouraged them to consider careers in STEM, with a particular focus on engineering.
The Central Gauteng Centre delegation with Mantsie Hlakudi (Gauteng Centre Chairperson).
The SAIEE Centre of the Year Award is given to a Centre that meets its annual KPIs set by the SAIEE CEO and Finance Committee. The Central Gauteng Centre was awarded the 2024 SAIEE Centre of the Year for meeting its KPIs.
The 2024 SAIEE Annual Awards, in collaboration with Revive Electrical Transformers, would not have been possible without the support of all the sponsors. They are:
- Revive Electrical Transformers – naming sponsor
- Cullin Africa – Bronze sponsor
- Comtest – Welcoming drinks sponsor
- Exxaro – Award sponsor
- ACTOM – Award sponsor
- Eaton – Wine sponsor
- WD Xperts – Gold sponsor
For more information visit: www.saiee.org.za
