KwaZulu Natal

CESA YPF KZN Committee

Name Company Role
Vikaar Severaj Makhaotse, Narasimulu & Associates Chairperson
Nerave Moodley Makhaotse, Narasimulu & Associates Previous Chairperson
Tevan Govender Knight Piésold Deputy Chairperson
Esaivani Naicker SMEC Social Media Lead
Uzair Osman Bosch Treasurer
Dinesha Maistry ZAI Secretary
CESA YPF KwaZulu-Natal 2024 Events

1. Food Drive

On the 8th of May 2024, the CESA KZN YPF Committee held a food drive for the Ethelbert Children’s Home in addition to the soccer tournament. The food drive was a success as we were able to collect a wide variety of nutritious food items for those in need. The teamwork and dedication displayed by volunteers and donors alike were truly inspiring, and it was heartwarming to witness the impact that our collective efforts had on those who benefited from the food drive. This event not only helped provide essential food supplies to those facing food insecurity but also served as a reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when we come together to support one another.
By Mishqah Hussain

2. Feeding Scheme

On the 7th of April 2024, the CESA KZN YPF Committee assisted in a feeding scheme undertaken at the Missionary Service Charity Home for the elderly and disabled. The provision of nutritious meals through the feeding scheme not only addressed the dietary needs of the elderly residents but also contributed to their overall well-being and quality of life. The dedication and compassion exhibited by the volunteers and staff in organizing and implementing the charity work were commendable, fostering a sense of community and support within the home. The positive feedback received from both residents and staff highlighted the impact of the feeding scheme in enhancing the physical health and emotional satisfaction of the elderly and disabled individuals. This initiative exemplifies the importance of such charitable efforts in promoting the welfare and dignity of all individuals in our community.
By Mishqah Hussain

3. Mandela Day at Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre

This Mandela Day, the CESA YPF KZN Committee had the privilege of giving back to the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre, a vital lifeline for children in need. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s call to action, we embarked on a campaign to donate items from the centre’s wish list, aiming to spread joy and hope amongst the children.

The wish list was a poignant reminder of the simple yet essential needs of the children at Ethelbert. From basic hygiene items to educational supplies, every donation made a tangible difference. The day at Ethelbert was a heartwarming experience where we witnessed firsthand the impact of our collective effort.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in this campaign. Your contributions made a real difference in the lives of these children. This experience has strengthened our commitment to making a positive impact in our community and we look forward to collaborating with Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre in the future.
By Mishqah Hussain

4. Site Visit to The Upgrading of N2 From Kwamashu Interchange To Umdloti River Bridge

The site visit was hosted by CESA YPF KZN. It was to the N2 upgrade project from the KwaMashu Interchange to the Umdloti River Bridge on the 4th of October 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A technical talk was presented by Mr. Stewart Wilson at the contractor’s office, located at Corobrik (Durban Regional Office).

Nineteen professionals joined the site visit. The technical talk was well received, with many asking several questions about the project.

The technical talk discussed the design of 11 km of the N2, which includes soil nail walls, MSEW walls, and the lengthening of several bridges and culverts.

From the site office, the group went on-site to observe some real action. They saw how a Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall (MSEW), the Umhlanga River Bridge, the median barrier, and the street lighting are constructed.

There were on-site discussions about the median barrier near a bridge pier and at Hill Head Bridge about the safety improvements. The group stopped at Umhlanga River bridge to see how the widening of the bridge is being done. Overall, a very insightful and exciting visit to site.
By Daylin Armugam

5. CESA YPF KZN Soccer Tournament 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the CESA YPF KZN Soccer Tournament held on May 8th, 2024, was a tremendous success! Organized by our dedicated team, which consisted of Vishay Sudhama, Mischen Naicker, Ashlan Ganass and also our KZN Chairperson Dinesha Maistry. This event brought together 230 enthusiastic participants and over 300 spirited spectators for a day of thrilling competition and camaraderie.

The atmosphere at the tournament was nothing short of electric, with the field buzzing with excitement from start to finish. Spectators cheered from the sidelines as players showcased their skills on the pitch, demonstrating the true spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship.

In addition to the action-packed matches, the tournament featured an array of vibrant marketing stands, where consultants proudly displayed their innovative projects and services. These stands not only added to the festive atmosphere but also provided attendees with valuable insights into the cutting-edge work being done in the field of engineering.

We are incredibly proud of the success of this event and extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, spectators, and sponsors who contributed to its overwhelming success. Your enthusiasm and support made this tournament truly unforgettable, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future! 2025 CESA YPF KZN SOCCER TOURNAMENT LOADING…

Winners Circle:

1st Place – ENsync Engineers

2nd Place – JTN Consulting

3rd Place – Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers and Project Managers

Most Goals Scored – JTN Consulting

Sponsors for the Event:

  • Investec – R250 Takealot voucher for each player in the winning team and raffle prize
  • JTN Consulting – Floating Engraved Trophy
  • BJ-FC Consulting – Trophies and Medals for all the Participants up until team 8
  • Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers and Project Managers – Waters for all the Participants
  • aQuelle Water – Flavored Water for participants and spectators

By Vishay Sudhama

6. CESA YPF Thunee Tournament 2024

On October 24th, 2024, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), Young Professional’s Forum hosted a thrilling Thunee tournament at the SMEC offices in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The event brought together over 10 enthusiastic teams to compete in the traditional South African card game, known for its strategy and excitement.

The competition featured live tracking of each stage, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement for participants and spectators. This real-time tracking not only facilitated smooth progression through the tournament stages but also heightened the competitive spirit as teams monitored their progress and strategies.

After several intense rounds, three teams emerged victorious, securing their spots on the podium:

  1. Bosch Projects – 1st Place
  2. SMEC – 2nd Place
  3. ENSYNC – 3rd Place

These teams demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy, earning well-deserved recognition and accolades for their performances.

The event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Participants praised the organization and competitive spirit, with many expressing a strong desire to see this tournament become a recurring event. The blend of strategic gameplay and camaraderie fostered a positive atmosphere, contributing to the overall success of the tournament.

The Thunee tournament was an outstanding success, achieving its objectives of promoting teamwork, competitive spirit, and community engagement. Given the positive feedback and high demand for future editions, plans for hosting subsequent tournaments will be highly considered, ensuring this tradition continues to thrive.
By Abish Gopal

7. CESA SAIEE 2024 Women’s Day

Earlier this year, on the 16th of August at Coastlands Umhlanga, the CESA YPF KZN branch had the privilege of hosting a memorable Women’s Day event themed “Empower, Uplift, Thrive: Prioritizing Wellness and Mental Health” in collaboration with the SAIEE KZN Centre. The event was an overwhelming success, with participation exceeding our expectations. The day brought together an incredible group of women, coming together to celebrate, connect, and recharge. The program was carefully curated to focus on wellness and mental health in the engineering industry, featuring activities and discussions that resonated deeply with all attendees. Our speakers were truly motivating sparking meaningful conversations.

Highlights of the Day

  • Relaxation Through Yoga: The morning began with calming yoga sessions, setting the tone for a day of mindfulness and rejuvenation.
  • Comprehensive Health Checkups: Attendees benefitted from free medical examinations, including eye tests—services that added real value to the day.
  • Exciting Prizes: The energy in the room was electric as numerous prizes were won, adding a fun and celebratory vibe to the event.

This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our generous sponsors: Talbot, NME, and SAIEE KZN Centre. Their contributions truly made a difference in hosting such a function.

This Women’s Day celebration was more than just an event—it was a testament to the strength and resilience of women in engineering. Together, we shared, supported, and celebrated each other in ways that will continue to inspire.
By Omaira Jajbhay

8. Mental Health Webinar

On November 14, 2024, CESA YPF KZN teamed up with MindHarbor to host a meaningful mental health talk on Zoom. The session ran from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and was led by Joshua Cooper, a skilled counsellor with a wealth of experience in helping people from all walks of life. Joshua has worked in schools, private practice, and even hospices, always focusing on creating a safe and welcoming space where people feel supported and understood.

The talk, titled “Understanding Minds: Navigating Neurodivergence, Emotions, and Mental Wellness,” tackled some important topics in mental health. Joshua started by explaining the differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people, while also pointing out how both groups often face similar mental health challenges. He then delved into depression and anxiety, sharing helpful strategies for managing these struggles.

A big part of the session was about emotions, especially anger, and how it can affect our daily lives and overall balance. Joshua shared practical tips, like breathing exercises, body scanning, and using an emotion wheel, to help people deal with their feelings in a healthy way.

The talk wrapped up with a Q&A session, where attendees got to ask Joshua their own questions. It was a successful and engaging event that left everyone feeling more informed and hopefully equipped to handle their mental health.
By Sanelisiwe Mhlongo

9. Quiz night in collaboration with Investec

On the 21st of November, the third annual quiz night “Engineering Showdown” was hosted by Investec Private Bank.  It was a night of camaraderie, networking and friendly (but also fierce!!!) competition amongst the consulting firms.    The quiz master challenged us while we raced against the clock and competed for some fantastic prizes.  The questions were spread across various categories and despite our typical engineering “know-it-all” attitude, certain ones left us really baffled.  For example, we all knew what type of animal Timon was in the Lion King, but most of struggled with which supermodel dropped out of engineering.  A total of 20 teams battled it out for the first-place trophy.  ENsync Engineers secured third and second place this year with Bosch Projects claiming their inaugural first place title as this year’s Champions.

Thank you to our hosts Investec Private Bank for sponsoring the entertainment, prizes and catering and to all attendees for making the event a success.
By Aditi Beesham

10. Annual Bowling Event – a Striking Success!

The Annual CESA Young Professionals Forum (YPF) KZN Bowling Event took place on 5 December 2024, bringing together an energetic mix of professionals from across the engineering industry for an evening of fun, networking, and friendly competition.

Organised by a dedicated team consisting of Shenelle Sudhama, Ebrahim Floris, and our KZN Chairperson, Dinesha Maistry, the event was held at Electric Avenue. It saw 120 participants donning their bowling shoes and aiming for strikes in the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration. Teams were formed to foster connections among members, creating a relaxed yet engaging environment that highlighted the power of teamwork both on and off the lanes.

Whether it was the thrill of a perfect strike, the laughter over missed attempts, or the celebratory cheers, the energy was palpable throughout the evening.

A huge thank you goes out to all participants for making this event a memorable one.

As always, the CESA YPF remains committed to fostering meaningful connections within the industry, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year for more fun and networking!

Winners:

  • Team with the highest points:  – Makhaotse, Narasimulu and Associates team 2
    (Karshnee Chetty, Nomkhosi Shabalala, Dean Moodley and Nhlakanipho Sibeko)
  • Individual with the highest points:  Suhayl Basdeo (Zutari)

Sponsors for the Event:

  • Nathoo Mbenyane Enginees (NME) – Floating Engraved Trophy

By Shenelle Sudhama