28 September 2021. Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) proudly kicked off its annual Infrastructure Indaba today, under the theme “Engineering the future now”. Held for the first time as a virtual event, the online platform boasted networking opportunities and discussions which were highly engaging in the midst of South Africa’s turbulent construction landscape.

CESA President, Sugen Pillay, opened the event by discussing South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. “This plan has created some much-needed optimism in the country, and I must highlight the important role of consulting engineers in this plan,” said Pillay. “However, while the role of engineers will be critical in the recovery process, it is also important to note all the role players and stakeholders across the entire construction value chain who will be invaluable in the rebuilding process.”

In his keynote address, Cas Coovadia, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) discussed some challenges facing the construction and procurement environment. “There is a lack of urgency. Government is not making the hard decisions which are needed in order to create a conducive environment for infrastructure development.” Coovadia reported that BUSA has been working with Infrastructure SA, but has concerns over the “smorgasbord” of infrastructure projects which are planned. “Government should be focussing their efforts on four or five major, growth-critical infrastructure projects with engagement of the private sector. We are not having the tough discussions which will lead to the hard decisions we need to move our country forward in our infrastructure plans.”