The Department of Electrical Power Engineering at the Durban University of Technology has received a sponsorship of 30 boxes of Programme Logic Controllers (PLCs) typically utilised in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Received from Circuit Breaker Industries (CBI) Electric; an electronics merchandise supplier, the equipment performs the dual function of automating and catalysing production processes.

“The equipment will help to train students and expose them to how things work in industry,” said Zola Ntshangase, a Lecturer in the Department, adding that because the Department’s Industrial Electronics course is very theoretical, the equipment will serve as a practical component.

Eamon Bussy; DUT Electrical Power Engineering HOD said although the Department receives funds from government, there is always a shortage of finances. He was thankful for the donation.

Dirk Taljaard, CBI Electric Regional Manager said the donation forms part of the company’s socio-economic upliftment programme. Speaking to students, whose benefit this donation was primarily for, Taljaard said, “It is a pleasure to hand over the products for your education. Listen to those guys who have the education. Be serious and make a success of yourselves”.

CBI has made previous donations to the Department in the form of text books, CBI² software and other resources.

–Naledi Hlefane

Pictured: Electrical Power Engineering Department Head Eamon Bussy accepts a donation of Programme Logic Controllers (PLCs) from CBI Electric Regional Manager Dirk Taljaard. The PLCs will be used as a practical component of the course.