On 21 August 2025, we gather once again for what has become the most prestigious celebration in our industry – the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards. Often described as the “Oscars” of the consulting engineering industry, this flagship event is more than a ceremony  – it is a stage where South Africa’s most visionary projects, firms, and individuals are celebrated for engineering the future we all want to see.

This year we reflect not only our pride in the work that has been accomplished, but our shared responsibility to push the boundaries of possibility. The awards provide an opportunity to showcase projects that deliver lasting impact, inspire ingenuity, and enhance the reputation of our profession both locally and internationally.

For member firms, being part of this event is about more than recognition –  it is about networking with the best in the business, sharing in the stories behind groundbreaking projects, and building connections that lead to future collaboration. It is also an opportunity to applaud the young professionals and established leaders who are redefining what engineering can achieve.

In the build-up to the big night, we have started to spotlight our finalists on social media, giving the industry a glimpse of the extraordinary work being recognised this year. All finalist videos are available to watch on CE-tv, showcasing the depth of talent and innovation within our profession.

With just a week to go, the anticipation is building,  and we look forward to celebrating the best of the best in engineering. I encourage all our members to watch the awards online as in-person capacity has been reached (watch our social media handles for details), celebrate with us, and experience the pride of being part of an evening where the spotlight shines on excellence, vision, and leadership in our sector.

I look forward to welcoming all members and their guests to a night of inspiration, celebration, and the highest recognition our industry can bestow.