Construction World March 2019

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‘RESHAPING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER’ Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) President, Neresh Pather, presented his presidential message and theme for the year at a function held in Johannesburg on 30 January. Pather’s 2019 theme is ‘Reshaping our Future Together’ focusing on changing social norms by ‘Doing what is Right'.

“Sound planning and good feasibility studies incorporating innovative technology for the development of infrastructure is needed to drive economic prosperity and growth”.

P ather began his presentation by stating, “All South Africans can be mobilised to participate and actively reshape our economy, our country, our projects, our government and ultimately our lives. It starts with us!” Pather in his opening remarks said, “President Ramaphosa’s renewed focus on the basic education sector specifically around maths and science and the development of skills will ready us for the 4 th Industrial Revolution”. Over and above this the President’s call for further investment into Africa and latest statistics showing increased interest in South Africa as an investment

destination are all positive indicators for the start of 2019. Delivering purpose and engagement – establishing trust There is a strong focus within CESA on working with and supporting Government, with increased collaboration with National Treasury on Procurement, the Auditor General’s office on compliance support, together with partnering agreements with Client Bodies like SANRAL, Transnet and COGTA allowing CESA to contribute positively in terms of support that includes capacity building, skills development,

compliance and good governance. He says that the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide us all with the perfect platform to deliver purpose and engagement and a way for us to build trust between the public and private sectors. Pather said that during 2018 CESA was involved in detailed engagements to address the current challenges and the way forward with all of these organisations including entering into dialogue with the Parliamentary Appropriations Committee. CESA also met with the Minister of Education. The organisation met with ECSA, SABTACO, SAICE and BBCBE in a bid for

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2019