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As part of their commitment to developing South Africa’s knowledge economy, Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ) is hosting a series of talks and engagements from 16-20 August, that shine the spotlight on the various uses and applications for drone technology.

“The marked uptake of drone technology both for leisure and commercial/industrial use, has fuelled the need to create a platform for industry experts to shed light on this new and exciting industry and its various applications. We are therefore excited to be launching our Drone Technology Showcase, part of which is a series of discussions called DroneTech Talks,” said Kaashifah Beukes, CEO of SBIDZ.

These sessions will be in the form of a talk or interview by subject matter experts and includes topics like Drone Ecosystems, Underwater Drones, Integration of 4IR Technologies in Schools, Skills and Careers in Drone Technology and Licensing and Accreditation.

Among the impressive list of speakers, are Refilwe Ledwaba, pilot and Founder and Executive Director of the GFPA Foundation. Refilwe is a qualified helicopter pilot, fixed-wing pilot, flight instructor and Remote Pilot License (RPL drones) holder. Her foundation runs an emerging technology programme that involves using drone technology to teach STEM principles in schools. She served as the vice-chairperson of the Air Service Licensing Council (ASLC) which is responsible for issuing air services licenses (including drones) to new applicants, ensuring the safety and reliability of air services operated within South Africa and adjudicating complaints of non-compliance.

Sam Twala, Founder and MD of NTSU Aviation Solutions is also the recipient of the European UVS International Catherine Fargeon Award for his promotion of the use of drones.

Grant Du Toit, Founder of SymbyTech, a company developing its drone to service the maritime, oil & gas, renewable energy, and port & vessel security sectors both in & out of water will be unpacking the use of underwater drones. With 15 years’ experience in operating underwater drones in oil & gas, renewable energy, and subsea mineral research, he is an avid believer in knowledge sharing and skills transfer to ensure sustainability.

Another speaker on the line-up is Damian Mooney, a RPAS consultant and pilot license holder at the Nelson Mandela University, whose aviation career spans over 20 years as an airline transport pilot and instructor. 

The week ends with an interview with Khanyisile Zondi, a drone pilot involved in the Yes4Youth programme, as she answers questions on licensing and accreditation from her recent experience.  

“We are highly pleased with the line-up, the extent of the discussions, and the opportunities for engagement with the audience and speakers after each session. Detailed information on these sessions and other upcoming events will be posted on our LinkedIn page, and we encourage interested persons to follow the page to stay updated,” concluded Beukes. 

Issued by The SBIDZ is the first Special Economic Zone