Our President David Leukes, also MD of BVi Consulting Engineers, delivered a powerful message during his recent presidential address in May, declaring that “The Eastern Cape stands at a crossroads.” His call to action was clear: the next three decades can either continue the cycle of underdevelopment or mark a turning point through collective action, investment, and accountable leadership.

“Let the Eastern Cape become a case study of how change happens – not because we moved away, but because we chose to stay, invest, and build!” Leukes urged.

Leukes challenged stakeholders to reflect on South Africa’s first 30 years of democracy and ask: “What will the next 30 years look like for this region –  and who will be responsible for shaping them?” He stressed that the country cannot afford a future that repeats the mistakes of the past. “The next generation must inherit a province that works –  not one trapped by policy paralysis, broken infrastructure, and lost potential,” he said.

Highlighting the region’s deep infrastructure challenges, Leukes pointed to data from the South African Human Rights Commission, which revealed that only 9% of roads in the Eastern Cape are surfaced – far below the national average of 25%. “This isn’t just a statistic,” he emphasised, “it’s a reflection of unequal access to opportunity, safety, and mobility.” He called for a shift from reactive, fragmented interventions to sustainable, integrated infrastructure planning and delivery that responds to both current and future community needs.

Leukes also raised concern over the brain drain of engineers and technical professionals from the Eastern Cape, calling on both the public and private sectors to offer meaningful opportunities that allow youth to grow and lead in their communities. “Why must the future of Eastern Cape engineers be elsewhere?” he asked. “We must create conditions for them to thrive right here.”

Crucially, he emphasised that sustainable infrastructure development in the province cannot be achieved without properly engaging qualified and experienced professional engineers already working in the region. “We must stop bypassing local capacity,” Leukes said. “The Eastern Cape has skilled professionals who understand the landscape, the people, and the challenges –  yet they are often overlooked. Let us partner with them to build lasting solutions.”

This sentiment was echoed by Avuyile Mayekiso, Chairperson of the Border-Kei CESA Branch, and a civil engineering technologist at ROMH, who stated: “As consulting engineers, we are uniquely positioned to guide these developments –  not only through technical expertise but by advocating for integrated, sustainable solutions that balance growth with resilience. Our work helps ensure that infrastructure investments translate into real improvements in people’s lives, connecting communities, fostering economic opportunities, and building capacity to withstand future challenges.”

Adding to the call for local leadership and collaboration, Gustin Esau, Chairperson of the Gqeberha CESA Branch – from Engineering Advice & Services, stressed the importance of engineers in safeguarding the region’s future: “We must advocate for robust infrastructure investment, champion renewable energy adoption, and support holistic water management strategies. Our expertise is vital in ensuring that projects are not just built but built to last – serving both current and future generations.”

Leukes further cautioned that even where funding is available, poor implementation, capacity constraints, and corruption continue to undermine infrastructure delivery. “Every act of corruption steals not just money, but opportunity –  for education, for infrastructure, for a better future,” he said. The call was for ethical procurement, capable project management, and greater transparency at all levels of governance.

Our President’s overarching message was one of collaboration. His call was supported by our CEO Chris Campbell, who added:  “All stakeholders – government, industry, communities, and professionals – must rise above politics and work together with integrity and urgency. The Eastern Cape can become a beacon of what is possible when we choose capability over connections, delivery over delay, and partnerships over politics.”

“As South Africa reflects on 30 years of democracy, the Eastern Cape should be positioned as a testbed for national reform – a place where engineering excellence, ethical leadership, and community-centred development converge.”

Dr. Eileen Carter, Provincial Manager for the Eastern Cape at the South African Human Rights Commission, was a guest speaker at our Eastern Cape Branch Function.