The need to improve Cape Town’s public transport system is critical to addressing traffic congestion, especially in the city centre, which impacts businesses and citizens, our President David Leukes emphasised during the Western Cape Branch Visit, held in Cape Town, on 6 June 2024. He explained that innovative solutions are required to tackle these traffic issues effectively, and that, a well-functioning public transport system, subjected to a due process, can enhance accessibility, improve quality of life for residents, and make the city more attractive to tourists and investors.

In his address: “A Call for Diverse and Collaborative Leadership – Stronger Together to Secure a Sustainable Future for All!”  he also reflected on Prof. PLO Lumumba’s insights from the 2024 FIDIC Africa Conference, emphasising that, “African engineers must lead the charge in transforming the continent’s infrastructure landscape”. He also highlighted the commitment to infrastructure development in the Western Cape, as well as challenges faced by the City of Cape Town, including failing water infrastructure and treatment plants.

The event was facilitated by Paul Faria PrEng, our WC Branch chairperson, who is also the Department Head of Urban Infrastructure at HHO Consulting Engineers. During his address, he indicated that our WC branch has had a number of meetings with industry stakeholders, one of which was with the City of Cape Town, to discuss issues such as skills shortages and the registration of engineers.

Our members were also addressed by Gundo Vhusani Maswime, a lecturer at the University of Cape Town, who discussed, “Infrastructure Justice – The Role of Engineers.” Maswime stated that as far as training and human resources were concerned, within 5 years of graduating, engineers moved into the financial sector with the bulk of them leaving the country.

Our CEO, Christopher Campbell delivered the evening’s closing remarks and shared insights on issues affecting the industry. He also highlighted that the success of the CESA Business of Consulting Engineering Management Development Programme was reflected in how much it is being sought after. “This year it was totally oversubscribed, in recognition of the impact it has on the career growth of graduates.”