RACA Journal February 2020 | Page 13

Events and Exhibitions Johnson Controls Innovation team. A major issue faced by both national and local government level is its capacity for proactive maintenance, which is increasingly constrained by a lack of funding and the necessary technical skills. “We have engaged with our partners in order to demonstrate our capabilities in terms of maintaining infrastructure and systems,” Makatini points out. Makatini comments that the President’s comments are an acknowledgement of the enabling role that technology can play. RESPONDING TO 4IR This places Johnson Controls in a unique position to respond to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for smart cities in his State of the Nation Address on 20 June. The President referred to his “dream of a South Africa where the first entirely new city built in www.hvacronline.co.za Johnson Controls, known traditionally as an HVAC company, has subsequently moved away from its exclusive focus on chillers and air-con equipment to completely integrated smart building solutions. “In addition to our technology and long- term R&D commitment, we are also an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This means we can offer a turnkey design-and-manufacture capability, guaranteeing both performance and quality.” Grahame Cruickshanks, managing executive, Green Building Council SA. the democratic era rises, with skyscrapers, schools, universities, hospitals and factories. The city we build must demonstrate democratic spatial planning; it must also be a smart city and illustrate that we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Makatini comments that the President’s comments are an acknowledgement of the enabling role that technology can play. “Technology is here to stay, and nothing can stop its progress. What is key is having the vision as to how it can enhance the lives of ordinary citizens.” RACA Journal I February 2020 11