The 26th South African Manufacturing Show, hosted by EXITO Media Concepts at the Qurtuba Convention Centre in Sandton, concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and industry stakeholders.

• The 26th South African Manufacturing Show was more than a gathering of experts; it was a blueprint for the future.
• By addressing sustainability, technology, and resilience, the event not only inspired growth but also advanced industries.
• Moderator Alexander Leibner brought his global perspective and engaging style ensuring attendees left inspired to implement the insights shared throughout the event.
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Under the theme “Inspiring Growth, Advancing Industries – A Blueprint for Manufacturing Excellence”, the event delivered a robust agenda that emphasised innovation, sustainability, and resilience in manufacturing.

The one-day event, guided by seasoned media professional and moderator Alexander Leibner, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts to explore key challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s manufacturing sector. With his signature blend of charisma, professionalism, and industry insight, Alexander set to guide the event through an engaging program celebrating innovation, sustainability, and excellence in manufacturing.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a thought leader and speaker, Alexander ensured a seamless flow of discussions, keynote presentations, and networking sessions, making the show an unforgettable experience for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators alike. The day began with registration, followed by welcome remarks from John Paul, Sales Director for EMEA at EXITO Media Concepts. His address set the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions aimed at shaping the future of manufacturing in South Africa.

The opening keynote, delivered by Dhevan Pillay, CEO of LTM Energy Group, was a call to action. Titled Catalysing Green Innovations for Economic Growth, the presentation addressed South Africa’s pressing energy and water challenges. Dhevan outlined how embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative contracting models could reduce operational costs by up to 50%, bolster energy security, and slash carbon emissions. Through compelling case studies, he underscored the potential of a green economy to unlock growth and value creation.

A fireside chat moderated by Tapiwa Samanga, CEO of the Production Technologies Association of South Africa, dived into the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and South African innovation. Panellists Dr. Andries van der Linde of SSC Group and Andile Andy Mnguni of Dube TradePort Corporation explored how these technologies are transforming traditional manufacturing processes.

Key takeaways included the optimization of workflows through AI, the precision of 3D printing, and the strategic balance between automation and job creation. The discussion resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the dual need for technological advancement and workforce development.

Generative AI and analytics took center stage during Jacobus Eksteen’s presentation, where he demonstrated how these tools are reshaping data analytics for enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Following this, Phil Lewis of Infor explored the transformative potential of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in achieving hyper-productivity.

A networking coffee break allowed attendees to join a sponsor round-table led by Fortinet’s Martin Fernandes, who emphasized cybersecurity in the era of Industry 4.0. Martin outlined the growing vulnerability of interconnected systems and shared strategies to protect critical IT and operational technology resources from advanced threats.

Energy remained a central theme, with a fireside chat on South Africa’s green industrial revolution. Moderated by Professor Topside Mathonsi of Tshwane University of Technology, the session featured panellists Stieneke Jensma from the Industrial Development Corporation and other experts. Discussions revolved around balancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability while integrating renewable energy into manufacturing processes. The panel called for investments in clean energy, regulatory support, and workforce development to sustain South Africa’s industrial growth.

Jan Venter of The CRM Team showcased how the project management tool monday.com is revolutionizing manufacturing workflows. By sharing a case study from the Zippo Lighter Company, Jan demonstrated how automation and collaboration tools can boost productivity and return on investment. The spotlight also turned to human risk management in cybersecurity, with Mimecast’s Brian Pinnock addressing the often-overlooked human element in security breaches. Brian proposed quantifiable strategies to mitigate risk and protect business continuity.

As the day progressed, Stavros Nicolaou of Aspen Pharma Group delivered a keynote on regional manufacturing for health equity and security. Stavros highlighted South Africa’s potential as a leader in producing affordable healthcare products locally, reducing reliance on imports and creating economic growth.

This was followed by a session on supply chain agility, moderated by Oltesh Thobias of the African Development Bank. Panellists Kamogelo Mampane and Sne Dlamini emphasized the importance of embracing technology like blockchain and IoT to build resilient supply chains. The event wrapped up with an engaging panel discussion on unleashing efficiency through data analytics. Alexander Leibner closed the day with remarks celebrating the innovative spirit of South Africa’s manufacturing sector.

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