The CESA Presidential Webinar focusing on Southern Cape and Border Kei regions took place on Wednesday, 16 November. CESA Young Professionals Forum Border Kei Chairperson and ROMH Civil Engineering Technician, Avuyile Mayekiso officially opened the online event by welcoming attendees and introducing the speakers discussing various topics on the day.  

Delivering the CESA message ‘ A Call to Service’ was CEO Chris Campbell who encouraged consulting engineers and other infrastructure development stakeholders to proactively contribute to the economic recovery of our country. “We know what needs to be done to move our industry and our country forward – it is the way we do it which will define our success,” stated Campbell.  

Chuma Mbande, Executive Manager for business development – external programme at Coega Development Corporation (CDC) joined as a speaker. In his presentation, Mbande explained his organization’s scope. “Our mandate is to ensure foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction in South Africa through the Special Economic Zone,” he said. Following up was Keegan de Waal, Acting Chief Engineer for construction and maintenance and Chief Directorate for roads at the Western Cape’s Department of Transport and Roads works, Roads Branch. In his presentation, de Waal discussed the role of consulting engineers in service delivery. “Our role is to ensure the development and maintenance of institutional strategies and systems of routes program asset management operations,” he explained. 

Campbell facilitated the general discussion between speakers and attendees before officially closing the event.