On 29 July, we hosted our Eastern Cape Young Professionals Leadership Seminar and Branch Function in Port Elizabeth, bringing together our members, government representatives, industry stakeholders and young professionals for a day of learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

The day began with our Young Professionals Leadership Seminar, facilitated by Zikhona Tyakume, Chairperson of the CESA Gqeberha Branch. Matthew Hills, Engineer: Water & Sanitation, Infrastructure & Engineering at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; Khethelo Mhlanga-Mngenela, Senior Manager: Professional Development, Infrastructure Department at Transnet National Ports Authority; and Aldré Nel, Professional Civil Engineer at Zutari, shared insights and experiences from their engineering careers. The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to further explore the topics discussed. 

The Branch Function continued these conversations, facilitated by Gqeberha Chairperson Gustin Esau. Contributions from Simnikiwe Xawuka, Border Kei Branch Chairperson; Councillor Hattingh Bornman, Executive Mayor of Kouga Local Municipality; Joseph Tsatsire, Executive Director: Infrastructure and Engineering at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; our CEO Chris Campbell; and our President, Dr Vishal Haripersad, focused on engineering leadership, mentorship, technical capacity in the public sector, infrastructure delivery and the importance of collaboration in building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in the Eastern Cape. 

The event provided a valuable platform for our members and stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections and engage on the issues shaping the future of engineering and infrastructure in the province. 

We thank all our speakers, members, stakeholders and young professionals who contributed to a successful day of meaningful discussion and professional engagement.