Abstract:
After briefly tracing the evolution of engineering activity in South Africa, the
author turns his attention to the scope of electronic engineering activity in the
world in general, and in South Africa in particular, showing that there is a surprisingly
high annual investment in new electronic equipment locally, practically
all of which is imported from overseas.
Comparing the electronics industry to the basic steel and liquid fuel industries,
it is shown that the rapid growth of this industry is essential for South
Africa's survival. The reasons why the introduction of television in South
Africa has failed to stimulate a local manufacturing industry, are discussed.
The need for properly trained man-power and the determining role of
electronics engineering in the industrial and military spheres in South Africa,
are highlighted.
