Norman Witkin, Memoir of working with LEO in South Africa
Norman had programmed an ICT HEC computer in South Africa, but seeking wider
experience applied for a programming job with LEO Computers in London. Passing the
aptitude test he joined the LEO team in Hartree House in 1959 aged just 19, working
under John Aris. When LEO reached an agreement with Rand Mines for a LEO III to be
managed by Leo Fantl, he was invited to join the LEO team in Johannesburg as a
programmer working on the Rand Mines applications, both traditional and more ground-breaking.
In 1967 Norman and his family emigrated to US in Cherry Hill, working in a
variety of IT jobs including the establishment of an IT start-up. Of his LEO and Rand
Mines experience he writes “…for its enlightened management, I tip my hat to LEO’s
leadership. The management and operation of LEO Computers in South Africa from
inception in the early 1960s and throughout that decade, was efficient, effective, courteous
— and principled and fair. I am proud to have been part of its history and lucky to have
enjoyed it.” Norman’s full memoir is held in Dropbox at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/isb623nkoy0ouho/Norman%20Witkin%20Memoirs.doc?dl=0
