Connecting the next generation of engineers through Speed Mentoring
On 17 September, we hosted a Speed Mentoring initiative at the University of Johannesburg’s DFC campus, creating an opportunity for engineering students and young professionals to connect directly with experienced practitioners.
The initiative provided a platform for engineering practitioners to share their experiences, insights and lessons learned, while giving students and mentees the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical perspectives on pursuing a career in engineering.
Through conversations between emerging professionals and experienced engineers, the session encouraged knowledge sharing, professional connection and mentorship, helping to strengthen links between academia and the engineering profession.
We thank everyone who took part and contributed their time and experience to supporting the next generation of engineering professionals.
CESA YPF Gauteng North Hosts Successful Inaugural Speed Mentorship Event at the University of Pretoria
Our CESA Young Professionals Forum (YPF) proudly hosted its inaugural Speed Mentorship Event at the University of Pretoria, bringing together engineering students and experienced industry professionals for an evening of meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing, and career development.
Aligned with the CESA YPF vision of developing, connecting, and empowering young professionals, the event was designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by creating an environment where students could engage directly with experienced engineers in a series of focused mentoring sessions.
The programme featured inspiring keynote addresses by Confidence Mukovhe Tshilande Pr.Eng, MEng, Senior Geotechnical Engineer at SRK Consulting, and Dlozi Mnisi Pr.CPM, whose presentations encouraged students to embrace continuous learning, pursue professional excellence, and remain intentional about their career journeys.
The event was expertly facilitated by Vusi Baleni Pr.CPM, Pr.Eng, who served as Master of Ceremonies and guided the program with professionalism and enthusiasm.
The event was exceptionally well received, with students demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine eagerness to learn. Throughout the evening, mentors were engaged with insightful and thought-provoking questions covering topics such as career progression, professional registration, technical development, leadership, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and navigating the transition from university into the engineering profession. The quality of the discussions reflected the students’ commitment to preparing themselves for successful and impactful careers.
The interactive speed mentoring sessions created an environment where students could have meaningful one-on-one conversations with experienced professionals from various engineering disciplines. These engagements enabled students to gain practical advice, explore different career paths, expand their professional networks, and develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being an engineering professional.
The overwhelming participation, high level of engagement, and positive feedback from both students and mentors made the inaugural Speed Mentorship Event a resounding success. More than just a networking event, it served as a catalyst for meaningful professional relationships and reinforced the vital role that mentorship plays in nurturing confident, competent, and future-ready engineering professionals.
This successful initiative demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between academia and industry and represents an important milestone in advancing the CESA YPF mission of supporting and empowering young professionals. The event has laid a strong foundation for future Speed Mentorship initiatives that will continue to inspire, equip, and connect the next generation of engineering leaders.
YPF takes young professionals to the N3 Key Ridge Bridge
On 9 September 2026, our Young Professionals Forum (YPF) in KwaZulu-Natal hosted a Bridge Launch and Site Visit to the N3 Key Ridge Bridge in Drummond.
The visit provided young professionals with an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and gain first-hand exposure to a major infrastructure project. Through the site experience, attendees could engage with the project environment, broaden their understanding of infrastructure delivery and gain valuable insight into the practical realities of engineering in the field.
Events such as these form an important part of our YPF programme, creating opportunities for young professionals to learn from industry, build connections and gain practical experience that complements their technical knowledge.
We thank everyone who took part and our sponsors for supporting initiatives that give the next generation of engineering professionals meaningful opportunities to connect with the industry.
Celebrating women in engineering in KwaZulu-Natal
Our CESA Young Professionals Forum in KwaZulu-Natal hosted “Cheers to Her: A Candle Making Celebration” on 8 August.
The event formed part of our recognition of Women’s Month and provided an opportunity for women across the industry to build connections, exchange experiences and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering.
Naomi Naidoo, Managing Director of Pink Africa Consulting Engineers, was our guest speaker. She shared insights from her leadership journey, industry experience and career, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on leadership and professional growth.
The CESA YPF KZN Padel Tournament 2026
The CESA YPF KZN Padel Tournament 2026 was a fantastic success and marked an exciting milestone as the first-ever CESA YPF Padel Tournament hosted by the KZN Branch!
The courts were filled, on 3 July 2026, with friendly competition, great sportsmanship, and plenty of networking as professionals from across the consulting engineering industry came together for an unforgettable afternoon.
A huge thank you to all the companies, players, sponsors, and supporters who made this tournament possible. Your enthusiasm and participation exceeded our expectations and laid the foundation for what we hope will become an annual CESA YPF KZN tradition.
Congratulations to Naidu Consulting for winning the Advanced Division, and Bosch Projects for taking the title in the Casual Division! A huge well done to every team that participated and contributed to the fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.
If you missed out this year – don’t worry! Keep an eye on our page because the 2027 tournament promises to be even bigger and better!
A special thank you to Africa Padel La Lucia for being fantastic hosts and helping make the event such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the courts next year!
