The CESA Free State Branch function was held on the 5^th March at the Premier Splendid Inn Bloemfontein. The morning session commenced with a focus on ‘Engineering My Life My Story – Growing Our Own Timber’. This segment, part of a series of leadership seminars, aimed to address skills gaps in the engineering field by empowering young professionals. Senior engineers, including Tshepo Liholo from WSP; David Leukes, CESA President; and Prof. Muthoni Masinde from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, shared their experiences to guide young engineers in making informed career choices.

The session, facilitated by Marizel Pienaar, CESA YPF Vice Chairperson, provided a platform for dialogue and learning, emphasizing the importance of career advancement within organisations or considering entrepreneurship in consulting engineering. The engagement concluded with a Q&A session, allowing for further insights and clarification.

The afternoon session of the CESA Free State Branch function featured notable speakers addressing critical infrastructure issues facing the province and the nation at large. Pulane Florence Motloi, CESA Free State Branch Chairperson, and Director of African Engineering and Construction Solutions, opened the session with a discussion on solving local and national issues to foster infrastructure delivery and a sustainable future. CESA President David Leukes followed, delivering a keynote address emphasising the importance of diverse and collaborative leadership in securing sustainable development. He underscored the urgent need to address unemployment, infrastructure challenges, combatting corruption, and the implementation of inclusive infrastructure projects.

Andrew Moeti, Chief Director of Roads and Infrastructure at the Free State Department of Police, Roads, and Transport; and Dr. Masego Tshabalala, Head of Department at the Free State Department of Police, Roads, and Transport, were guest speakers at the event. The session concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Chris Campbell, CESA CEO, fostering dialogue and collaboration among attendees to address pressing infrastructure challenges and secure a sustainable future for all stakeholders.