We are Powertech IST, a diversified engineering solution business having built up extensive experience in the electrical power, telecommunications, ICT, general and mining industries. We apply advanced, integrated technologies in the development of world class engineered products, systems and solutions for supply to a wide range of niche market sectors in Africa and internationally.

Because we are devoted to developing fit-for-purpose solutions that meet our customers' needs, and in some cases exceed their expectations, we view the depiction in the accompanying Figure as platforms on and across which we perform. These platforms are underpinned by the Gross Domestic Fixed Investment (GDFI) in whichever country we seek to do business.

Fig. 1 Powertech IST's Current Performance Platforms

Through the current five stand alone, operating divisions, we deliver solutions primarily on a “develop, engineer, system integrate, supply, install and commission” basis. We have a very strong showing in the following areas on all performance platforms:
•  Electrical Energy/Power Infrastructure tele-control, protection, utility grade SCADA, turnkey substation and generator control systems and solutions.
•  Electrical Energy/Power Management, incorporating automated meter reading (including on a hosted basis)(AMR), smart metering, demand side management(DSM), Energy Efficiency(EE), and Co-generation solutions.
•  Telecommunications Systems covering access networks, power back up systems including battery chargers and hydrogen fuel cells.
•  Engineering Software, specifically for geographic information management, strategic asset management and operation support solutions.
•  Environmental Fluid Systems for off-gas filtration, flue-gas cleaning, compressed air and water recovery.

Detail specific to each of these areas is covered more fully in the sections reported under each division.

Powertech IST resulted from the September 2007 acquisition of five operating divisions of the IST Group of companies by Power Technologies (Pty) Ltd (“Powertech”). IST has been black empowered right from when it listed on the JSE Securities Exchange SA in 1998. Its acquisition by Powertech simultaneously conferred and thus maintained this status on Powertech IST. Currently, Powertech IST is rated a Level 4 contributor as per the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecard. It has been CIDB registered since 2005 and currently holds Grade 9EP and Grade 9ME registrations. Furthermore, the integrated business management system that includes a Quality Management System, an Environmental Management System and an Occupational Health and Safety Management System is well embedded. Powertech IST has attained the following certifications: ISO 9001:2008, ISO 18001:2007, ISO 14001:2004.

As reported elsewhere in this Yearbook, more than 70% of Powertech IST's staff are technical, with backgrounds, formal tertiary institution qualifications and experience spanning software engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical and chemical/process engineering. We continue to ensure a pipeline of the requisite skill set by investing in a program of sponsorships and bursaries for targeted pupils and students at primary, secondary and tertiary education levels. We complement this with well developed, deep relationships and agreements with international technology principals such as General Electric of the USA.

Over the twenty nine years of our existence as a business, we have, I submit, built a formidable reputation for performance. Our entrepreneurial, performance driven culture has been well proven and tested. We are going to leverage off this and grow the business profitably. The executive team's focus over the past while has been to spearhead the Business Development initiative whose desired result has been and will continue to be a “reservoir of quality opportunities”. This in turn will lead to an “opportunity pipeline” off which we will tap the fullest order book going forward.

The much predicted worsening of the current, tough, global economic conditions seems to be upon us and we are seeing market sizes shrinking in the various niche sectors where we perform. I maintain though, that with the trust and support of our customers, our technology principals, our suppliers and subcontractors, our shareholders, our dedicated staff, and various other stakeholders, we will grow our share of the seemingly shrinking industry pie.

Dr. Herb Chikwanda CEO January, 2010