The first quarter of 2019 has flown by, we started the year off with our President, Neresh Pather presenting his annual address to the media at a function held in Johannesburg entitled 'Reshaping our Future Together' - Doing what is Right ! We then had the State of the Nation Address from our country’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa 'Following up on our commitments – Making Your Future Work Better' which we fully support. This was followed by the Budget Speech in which we focused on promoting 'Value for Money' procurement, a theme that we will continue to focus on this year.

CESA President, Neresh Pather, presented his presidential message and theme for the year at a function held in Johannesburg on the 31st January 2019. Neresh Pather’s 2019 theme is ‘Reshaping our Future Together’ focusing on changing social norms by ‘Doing what is Right!
Neresh Pather began his presentation by stating, “All South Africans can be mobilized to participate and actively reshape our economy, our country, our projects, our government and ultimately our lives. It starts with us!”

While CESA supports the provisions of Minister Tito Mboweni’s 2019 Budget presented in his speech on the 20th February 2019, as an organization we believe that Government needs to urgently revise its Procurement Practices for Consulting Engineering Services related to the development of Infrastructure making sure that the citizens of South Africa get ‘Value for Money’ infrastructure that is safe and designed to stand the test of time.

CESA is in full support of President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2019 State of the Nation Address that took place on the 8th February 2019, focusing on ‘Following up on our commitments: Making Your Future Work Better’. The SONA theme is closely aligned to CESA’s 2019 theme of ‘Reshaping our Future Together’ focusing on changing social norms by ‘Doing what is Right!

CESA President, Neresh Pather, is currently visiting all the regions to present his presidential message and theme for the year with the theme of ‘Reshaping our Future Together’ focusing on changing social norms by ‘Doing what is Right!

Neresh Pather, CESA President and Keynote Speaker at the 8th Annual CESA Infrastructure Indaba, that took place at the Durban International Convention Centre on the 6th and 7th March, told the conference that during the course of 2019 his theme for the year is ‘Reshaping our Future Together’ includes industry awareness supporting clients with procurement, planning, capacity and technical competence while focusing on ‘Value for Money’ Infrastructure Development.

CESA would like to thank all of the exhibitors, sponsors and affiliates who supported the CESA Infrastructure Indaba held at the ICC in Durban at the beginning of March.

Neresh Pather, President of CESA hosted the Gala Dinner at the Durban ICC to end off Day 1 of the CESA Infrastructure Indaba. With a theme of Afro-Chic, guests were entertained by well-known comedian Carvin Goldstone. Neresh Pather thanked the conference attendees for supporting CESA in lobbying for change within the Built Environment while Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA provided some insight into upcoming events and CESA initiatives before guests were invited to enjoy an evening of networking and entertainment.

Neresh Pather, President of CESA in presenting his closing remarks at the end of the 2nd day of the CESA Infrastructure Indaba, taking place on the 6th and 7th March at the Durban International Convention Centre stated, “Our voice in recommending and suitably driving improved planning, design and procurement practices for Consulting Engineering Services related to the development of infrastructure making sure that the citizens of South Africa get ‘Value for Money’ infrastructure that is safe and designed to stand the test of time, must be heard. Let’s hear it”. This appeal was made not only by CESA but also by many of the Government Entities that presented and engaged in debate at the Indaba.

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) of CESA comprises Young Professionals who are passionate about the engineering industry and are interested in ensuring the sustainability and promotion of the profession.

During the first week of March CESA’s School of Consulting Engineering (SCE) welcomed the Business of Consulting Engineering (BCE) Development Programme class of 2019. Now in its 8th year, this programme prepares young professional engineers and technologists to deal with all aspects of the complex and competitive world of commercial business.

As members of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), CESA would like to invite you to read the latest news from this Industry Organisation. CEO of CESA, Chris Campbell currently sits on the Board of BUSA representing the interests of the Consulting engineering industry.

CESA is proud of the achievements of our more than 550 member firms and the impact that you are having on the people who work for you and the communities in which you operate – enhancing the quality of life for all. We would like to provide Members with a platform in CE-track to share your company successes relating to the following topics:

• Corporate Social Initiatives
• Community Initiatives
• Anniversaries and Company Milestones
• Mentorship Programmes

We encourage you to send us your submissions in time for our next quarterly edition.