Join us Online for our AGM on 21 May 2026 – 6 to 7pm. Email the SAIChE Office if you haven't received the link via email and would like to join!

Click Here for the Agenda.

REGISTRATION
Please Register a.s.a.p via the SAIChE Office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will then email you the official Invitation with the Teams link, Agenda, 2024 Minutes and the 2025 draft Annual Report.

(Teams Link was in the emails sent on 29 April 2026 and 20 May 2026)

Click Here for the 2025 Annual Report v1 (Draft)

The KwaZulu-Natal Branch Committee of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE) held its annual year-end function on 7 December 2025 at Jack’s Grill, Manor House, in Durban. The event brought together committee members for a constructive reflection on the year’s activities, strategic planning for the future, and a celebration of the Branch’s continued contribution to the chemical engineering profession in the province.

The session opened with a review of the Branch’s operational and governance matters. Committee members discussed and agreed on the forthcoming change of signatories to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure alignment with the SAIChE’s national governance standards. This transition is intended to streamline financial processes and enhance accountability as the Branch prepares for an active year ahead.

A key focus of the engagement was the development of the 2026 calendar of events, including annual general meetings, technical seminars, professional development workshops, student outreach initiatives, and industry engagement sessions. The committee emphasised the importance of delivering a structured and high-impact programme that supports continuous professional development (CPD) and strengthens the visibility of chemical engineers across the KwaZulu-Natal province. A critical focus area for the committee would be to ensure the skilling and readiness of the chemical engineering students for the work-place through consultative discussions with industry and the university.

To improve communication and operational effectiveness, the Branch resolved to establish dedicated email accounts for committee members. The objective is to centralise correspondence, enhance response times, and create a clear communication interface for members, partners, students, and stakeholders. Additionally, the Branch discussed plans for a dedicated website, which will serve as a central platform for event announcements, technical resources, committee updates, and enhanced engagement with the broader chemical engineering community.

The event concluded with a reflection on the Branch’s achievements in 2025 and an expression of appreciation to committee members, industry partners, and volunteers for their sustained commitment to advancing chemical engineering in KZN. The Branch looks forward to 2026 as a year of renewed growth, increased activity, and strengthened collaboration.

Join us for a hybrid (in-person and virtual) technical meeting on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 18h00.

Our speaker will be Aleksandra “Ola” Paton (see Bio + Presentation Outline below) who will address us on the topic

“CORROSION – THE RELENTLESS PREDATOR”

For delegates attending in person:

Venue: Snape 3B Upper Campus University of Cape Town

Parking available outside the New Engineering Building.

An opportunity for networking with fellow professionals will follow the presentation.

REGISTRATION

If you wish to attend this meeting, please send an email to Ms Femmy Le Roux on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the subject line put:

11 MAR - IN PERSON or
11 MAR – VIRTUAL

When you confirm virtual attendance a Teams meeting request will be sent to you.

DEADLINES for REGISTRATION

In person attendance – by 4 March 2026 (for catering purposes)
Virtual attendance – by 6 March 2026

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.

Speaker’s bio and an outline of the presentation:

ALEKSANDRA “OLA” PATON

BEng Chemical Engineering
MEng Technology Management

Aleksandra has experience in delivering complex, technology-intensive projects across the energy, mining, and chemical processing sectors.

With a strong foundation in energy optimisation, pyrometallurgy, gas-to-energy technologies, and chemical process design, she integrates deep technical insight with structured project execution to drive reliable, high-quality outcomes.

She specialises enabling disciplined yet agile engineering delivery.

Her experience spans full project lifecycles—from feasibility and conceptual development through detailed engineering, commercial structuring, and execution management. She is committed to advancing technical excellence and improving organisational delivery capability in all environments.

PRESENTATION OVERALL

IN ENGINEERING, WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT “MAINTAINABLE LIFE," BUT THAT TERM CAN BE A MASK FOR PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE — DESIGNING THINGS TO FAIL JUST SO THEY CAN BE REPLACED. WHEN DEALING WITH ACID CORROSION, THE STAKES OF THIS MINDSET SHIFT FROM BEING A MERE FINANCIAL ANNOYANCE TO A GLOBAL ETHICAL CRISIS.

CHOOSING A "CHEAP" OR "SHORT-TERM" PROTECTION METHOD IN AN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT ISN'T JUST A BUDGET DECISION; IT’S A DECISION TO EVENTUALLY RELEASE TOXINS INTO THE SOIL, WASTE ENERGY ON EARLY REPLACEMENTS, AND CONSUME RARE RESOURCES TO REBUILD WHAT SHOULD HAVE LASTED.

AS A CHEMICAL ENGINEER, THE MORAL IMPERATIVE IS TO DESIGN FOR PERMANENCE AND CIRCULARITY. THIS MEANS MOVING BEYOND "HOW LITTLE CAN WE SPEND?" TO "HOW CAN WE ENSURE THIS NEVER LEAKS?"

LET'S BREAK DOWN THIS ETHICAL SHIFT INTO THREE KEY AREAS.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEBT: THE HIDDEN COST OF "CHEAP" MATERIALS—LEAKS, SPILLS, AND THE MASSIVE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF REPLACING HEAVY INFRASTRUCTURE.

PUBLIC SAFETY & TRUST: THE "SOCIAL CONTRACT" OF ENGINEERING—WHY A MICROSCOPIC PIT IN A CHEMICAL TANK IS A BETRAYAL OF THE COMMUNITY'S SAFETY.

RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP: HOW ADVANCED MATERIALS LIKE FLUOROPOLYMERS OR HIGH-NICKEL ALLOYS FIGHT THE "THROWAWAY CULTURE" OF MODERN INDUSTRY.