Join us for an insightful conversation with Belinda Boer, an Earth Dam and DAMFIX specialist, as we explore practical solutions for reducing water loss and improving on-farm water conservation. From dam maintenance and sealing techniques to the future of agricultural water management. Belinda shares valuable experiences and advice for farmers looking to make every drop count.

You can find Belinda on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/belindaboer

Email: belinda@dampro.co.za

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2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement

The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Upington, Northern Cape. Hosted by the SAIAE, the event theme is "Driving Agricultural Growth through Engineering Excellence."

To register and abstract submissions contact: Mr Senzo Masikane at senzo@saiae.co.za

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By the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers

During the SAIAE symposium in 2024, Dr. Maharaj sat down with Professor Gert Venter for a remarkable interview. As one of South Africa's most experienced Agricultural Engineers and a founding member of SAIAE, Prof. Venter reflects on an extraordinary career spanning decades. Now at the age of 90, he shares insights from his professional journey, which includes everything from early soil conservation efforts and academic leadership at the University of Pretoria to overhauling tractor mechanisation and creating 9-gigawatt industrial burners. He also offers valuable perspectives on the origins and formation of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers.

While the audio quality is limited, we’re excited to share the valuable insights in this episode and believe our audience will greatly value Prof. Venter’s perspectives.

He is available on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-gerhardus-venter-89b71a35/

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2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement

The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Upington, Northern Cape. Hosted by the SAIAE, the event theme is "Driving Agricultural Growth through Engineering Excellence."

To register and abstract submissions contact: Mr Senzo Masikane at senzo@saiae.co.za

Support the show

By the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers

In this episode, we sit down with young South African innovators Gustav Heesen and Johan Vorster, along with their parents, Heinrich and Lianne, to discuss their remarkable invention, "Expobot". We dive into how they used N8N, Docker, and AI to build an accessible, fully automated test-marking system designed to help teachers in overcrowded classrooms get their time back, delivering personalised student feedback with an impressive 95% accuracy rate.

We also celebrate their incredible journey, from being the first Grade 7 learners ever to be named Overall Winners of the Gauteng North Imbewu Science Fair and placing as Second Runner-Up at the National Imbewu SAYESS, to earning an exclusive invitation to represent South Africa at the 2026 Genius Olympiad in Rochester, New York. Applied engineering and STEM enthusiasts will truly value hearing how these brilliant minds leveraged digital innovation to solve a practical, real-world problem.

Support Gustav and Johan’s Journey to New York! We are helping the family spread the word to people who care about STEM, education, young innovators, and practical support for South African learners. They are currently running a BackaBuddy campaign to raise approximately R120 000 to cover travel and participation costs for the students.

If you'd like to support the next generation of STEM innovators, any exposure helps, and even small donations make a massive difference!

Helpful Links & Contact Info:

• Donate here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/genius-olympiad-finalists-help-us-get-there
• Watch the Project Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN_rT_ieRNU
• Get in Touch: For CSI, philanthropy, or innovation support, you can reach the parents directly. Lianne Heesen can be contacted at 082 094 3681, and Heinrich Heesen at 072 211 3960.

Send us Fan Mail

2026 SAIAE Symposium Announcement

The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Upington, Northern Cape. Hosted by the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers, the event theme is "Driving Agricultural Growth through Engineering Excellence."

Contact, registration, inquiries and abstract submissions can be directed to:

Mr Senzo Masikane at

Support the show

By the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers