Emily Molefe, Corporate Social Responsibility manager for Siemens Southern Africa, says the donation will enable students at the University to participate in practical hands-on training lessons where they will learn the first practical programming of Nano Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

“As one of the world’s leading automation companies and a market leader in its field, the Siemens LOGO! helps students apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical way by familiarising them with the products and systems they are likely to encounter in the workplace after graduation,” she says.

For the lessons, Molefe says Siemens has provided 10 LOGO! hardware systems for students including the software and PC cables, while for the lecturer, there is an additional system mounted on a training display with simulation capabilities.

“While additional demonstration units can be connected at any time, in this case we have included a sample that shows a converter crane with suck gripper,” she says. “For lessons, we have provided several prepared samples including the applications that come bundled with the software, a practical training book, and the samples related to the LOGO! Learn Advanced set.”

Siemens Southern Africa’s Ambassador Programme forms part of the company’s international Generation 21 initiative that promotes improved education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels with a particular focus on Mathematics and Science and in support of the SA government’s focus on skills development.

Other beneficiaries of this Siemens programme include the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Stellenbosch, the University of Pretoria, the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Cape Town, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban Institute of Technology, and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

“To assist in evaluating their needs and to act as a liaison between Siemens and the tertiary institutions, senior members of Siemens staff are also appointed in the role of ambassadors, with the main of establishing, nurturing and maintaining the relationship,” concludes Molefe.

This is Siemens

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electrical engineering and electronics. The company has around 400,000 employees (continuing operations) working to develop and manufacture products, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of services for individual requirements. Siemens provides innovative technologies and comprehensive know-how to benefit customers in some 190 countries. Founded 160 years ago, the company focuses on the areas of Information and Communications, Automation and Control, Power, Transportation, Medical, and Lighting. In fiscal 2007 (ended September 30), Siemens had revenue from continuing operations of €72.4 billion and net income from continuing operations of €3.909 billion (IFRS) – preliminary figures, unaudited.

Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com.

About Siemens Southern Africa:

Siemens has had a presence in South Africa since 1860 when the company installed the first telegraph line linking Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Today, Siemens offers a balanced portfolio of technologies focusing on the Industry, Energy and Healthcare sectors, together with the cross-sector business of Siemens IT Solutions and Services. The unique ability to offer horizontal, customised, end-to-end technology solutions enables Siemens to keep its customers one-step ahead. As a committed corporate citizen, Siemens has active corporate social investment programmes as well as a comprehensive approach to local content, manpower development, skills and training. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.co.za