About Us -

History of Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT)

1983

The Southern African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) traces its origins to 1983, when a group of industrialists and researchers, concerned about the significant impact of tribological wear in South Africa, established the 'Wear Society.' This initiative aimed to address challenges related to friction, lubrication, and wear in engineering systems.

29 March 1985

On 29 March 1985, SAIT was officially launched as a professional body to advance tribology in Southern Africa. From the start, it focused on knowledge transfer through technical meetings, seminars, and plant visits. SAIT introduced training courses on lubrication and materials technology. SAIT also organizes conferences and seminars on tribology-related topics, fostering innovation and addressing industry challenges. Affiliated with international organizations like the ITC (UK) and STLE (USA), SAIT ensures global collaboration. Today, it remains committed to promoting research, expertise development, and the professional status of tribology across industries.

Objectives & Activities

SAIT aimed to promote technical knowledge transfer through technical meetings, mini-seminars, and plant visits.
Introduced training courses focusing on lubrication principles and materials technology to address tribological challenges.
Over 3,500 students have benefited from these courses, applying their knowledge in industry.

Commitment to Growth

SAIT remains dedicated to expanding its services and adapting to the evolving needs of Southern Africa, ensuring continuous improvement in tribology-related fields.