As with all nations, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) has a unique set of circumstances and challenges. Emerging from economic isolation and stagnation, the RSA has some highly developed regions but also some pockets of poorly developed infrastructure. Therefore, developing countries can learn from the way it has sought to modernise its industries and to look for guidance. For the last two decades, AM’s uptake and democratisation has advanced rapidly. Many other countries are following this path of late adoption and so can learn valuable lessons from what has happened in the RSA. |
 Deon will review recent additive manufacturing developments within the RSA and analyse its success in using strategic opportunities - local and strategic initiative with significant development potential for Africa. A thorough review of AM research and other activities will be presented, together with a discussion about future lessons that can be learnt from the recent SA AM road-map and strategy to aid the future direction of AM application in the country.
Deon is currently the Chief Director: Technology Transfer and Innovation Support at the North West University, Institutional Office, Potchefstroom. His experience includes 10 years of industrial R&D at the AEC, supplemented by 28 years of Higher Education experience (teaching, research and management). Last mentioned includes an 18 month secondment to Tshumisano as CEO in 2003 to establish a government agency to promote technology transfer at South African Universities of Technology. He has published widely on topics in product development, technology transfer, innovation, research development and commercialization, is a rated researcher (C1) with the National Research Foundation. Deon founded the Centre for rapid prototyping and manufacturing and Fablab at Central University of Technology, the Advanced manufacturing Precinct at Vaal University of Technology, Founded the idea 2 Product Lab concept (currently more than 25 platforms active internationally), and various AM activities at North West University.
Deon also leads the Design for AM and Polymer AM programmes within the Collaborative Programme for AM (CPAM) – a national consortium funded by the Department of Science and technology (DST) of the SA National Government.
Deon is also the current chairperson of the Rapid Product Development Association of SA (RAPDASA). |
