We recently hosted a successful Free State Branch Function in Bloemfontein, on 11 June, bringing together members, young professionals, and key stakeholders for a day of meaningful engagement around infrastructure development in the province.

Marizel Pienaar, now CESA YPF Chairperson and Civil Engineer at Bigen Group, facilitated the session, creating an inclusive platform for connection, dialogue, and collaboration across the industry. The event opened with remarks from Pulane Motloi, Free State Branch Chairperson and Director at African Engineering and Construction Solutions, who emphasised the critical role of consulting engineers in bridging capacity gaps and supporting municipalities to deliver sustainable infrastructure.

Our President David Leukes, Managing Director at BVi Consulting Engineers, delivered a compelling address highlighting the pressing need to strengthen implementation in the province. “Despite numerous projects in the pipeline, the pace of delivery remains slow and uneven,” he noted. Leukes also pointed to signs of positive momentum, stressing the importance of replicating successful municipal interventions and bolstering institutional oversight to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement. “By actively engaging, our members can shape industry standards and ensure our collective voice is heard,” he urged.

CESA CEO Chris Campbell closed the session with a vote of thanks, reflecting on the importance of continued engagement and collaboration to unlock opportunity in the Free State.

Following the branch function, the Free State YPF Leadership Seminar was held, focusing on empowering young professionals within the consulting engineering sector. Katiso Mokoena, Free State YPF Chairperson and Civil Engineer at Bigen Group, facilitated the session. The seminar featured insights from a strong line-up of speakers including Ian Van Zyl, Middle Manager at FLAGG Consulting Engineers; Shelly Mona, Deputy Director at the Product Development Technology Station at the Central University of Technology; and Letshego Sehume, Project Manager at the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency and SAICE Free State Chairperson.

Each speaker offered practical guidance and shared personal experiences on navigating the engineering landscape, fostering leadership, and driving professional growth.

The events reflected CESA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening industry collaboration, empowering future leaders, and supporting infrastructure development in the Free State.