As young engineers navigate the challenges of the future, it is crucial that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical principles to drive sustainable change. This was the overarching theme of the 12th CESA Young Professionals (YPF) Sustainability Imbizo recently held in Midrand.

“With the Imbizo, we aim to identify problems and come up with solutions. Engineers are problem solvers,” said our Stakeholder Liaison Manager, Godfrey Ramalisa. “Without competent and ethical engineering skills applied to the our rural and urban environments in our efforts to develop infrastructure, there will be little, if any  provision for water, sanitation services, housing, power supply, stormwater systems and road services all of which are vital for a functional society both rural and urban. Without such amenities which lead to economic growth, inequality, unemployment and  poverty,  will continue to prevail,” he added.

Our YPF National Chair, Uzair Osman, added that the Imbizo played a vital role in preparing the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead. “Most of our delegates learned concepts that they knew of but did not necessarily know how to implement in their daily activities and careers. The Imbizo also allowed them to connect and learn from each other,” he noted.

On the first day, young engineering delegates were given insights into leadership and management, focusing on developing technical, business, and governance skills. The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering sector was also emphasised.

Day two focused on building interpersonal and soft skills, an area often neglected in technically orientated environments, with interactive discussions on engineering leadership and professionalism.  Our YPF Western Cape chairperson and senior assistant route manager at Daveng Consulting Engineers, Jean Gerber touched on ‘Lessons for Engineering Leadership’ in his session, stating that “Effective engineering consists of technical expertise, strategic vision and people management skills.”

Our President David Leukes added that engineering was not just about having technical skills. “You need to have people skills as well. Emotional intelligence is very important for the success of this industry,” he noted.

As technology continues to advance and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in their work, engineers both now and in the future, must adapt and  embrace these new tools and become increasingly digitally literate to stay competitive in their field.

 “With the advent of AI and other technologies, we should not lose our identity as engineers,” Leukes said, emphasising the importance of building trust and relationships as fellow engineers to develop the industry.

During the conference, there was also an intensified focus on ethics in engineering. “The choices engineers make have far-reaching consequences,” Osman noted, adding that engineers, like all other professions, required integrity and honesty in their jobs.

During his session, Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman emphasised this notion and highlighted many instances in which the foundation was instrumental in disaster responses where shortcuts in engineering, design and construction were taken, which lead to loss of infrastructure and lives. “Without values, you can be the best engineer in the world, but still cause disaster,” he said.

The CESA YPF Imbizo provided a valuable networking opportunity for young engineers like Parellin Naidoo, infrastructure manager (KZN) at Bosch Projects. Naidoo, a civil engineering graduate from Durban University of Technology, appreciated the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, experienced engineers, facilitators, and speakers. “I gained invaluable insights from industry experts and leaders, drawing inspiration from their passion for humanity,” he said. Naidoo believes that events like the Imbizo will help young engineers excel in their careers and guide them on a path to success.