“2021 was a major milestone for the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards as it commemorated the support of Aon South Africa as a strategic partner to CESA and a platinum title sponsor of the event for the past 22 years,” stated CESA CEO Chris Campbell. This flagship event in the consulting engineering industry took place on Wednesday, 10 November virtually.

CESA’s 68th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, 24th November saw Olu Soluade, CEO of AOS Consulting Engineers inaugurated as President of the organisation for the next two years, succeeding Sugen Pillay. David Leukes from BVi Group has been elected as Deputy President of the organisation.

The Business of Consulting Engineering (BCE) Development Programme intake for 2022 is in full swing. Prospective students are finalizing their registration for the programme that has been developed by the industry, for the industry. Whether young professionals are looking to progress to a more senior level or grow their own business, the BCE Development Programme will give them the practical skills, applied theory and confidence to boost their consulting engineering career.

The old adage, “ignorance is bliss” could not be more untrue when we look at the design and construction of homes. The value of a property, the aesthetics of a neighbourhood, and – most importantly – the safety of human beings are at stake when one chooses to be ignorant of building codes, standards and professional procedures.

Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) hosted the fourth instalment of its ‘Protecting Lives and Livelihoods’ webinar on the 17th November, which aims to bring the consulting engineering profession together regularly, to discuss trends and challenges in the industry. By encouraging knowledge sharing and networking, CESA is fostering a more sustainable and professional construction industry.

CESA hosted the final Practice Notes Webinar on Wednesday, 27 December, and it was another insightful session for member companies. Facilitated by CESA’s Contractual Affairs Manager, Wally Mayne, the speakers in this session included distinguished industry professionals who have contributed immensely to the organization. The welcome and opening remarks were provided by Mayne, who stressed the importance of the CESA Practice Notes, which can be applied by member companies looking to grow their businesses.

On behalf of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), CESA invited Consulting Engineering companies, Built Environment Professionals and Private Sector Clients of such Professional Service Providers to an information session where ISA staff shared the broader role it has in unblocking the pipeline of infrastructure projects, both in the public and in the private sector.

The CESA Youth Best Practice Webinar - Leadership & Entrepreneurship - Engineering My Business My Story, took place on Thursday, 2 December, and it was an insightful online engagement for attendees. Facilitating this online session was CESA Young Professionals Forum national chairperson, Renee Petersen who thanked attendees for joining and sponsors for their contributions towards YPF initiatives in 2021.

The CESA Presidential Golf Challenge that took place on Wednesday, 13 October 2021, at Randpark Golf Club was once again a huge success. CESA would like to thank all member companies that participated in helping to achieve yet another successful Golf Challenge. It was an exceptionally successful day, and this success was achieved due to support from members, clients and suppliers to the Industry.

Graham Stephen Pirie
3 December 1947 – 9 November 2021
CESA Chief Executive Officer: 1995 – 2013

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the untimely passing of Graham Pirie, past CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), on 9 November 2021.