In engineering, mentorship is more than a tradition - it is the foundation of both professional survival and industry growth. Martin Makhaotse, founder and Director at Makhaotse, Narasimulu & Associates (MNA) Consulting, underscores the critical importance of knowledge transfer between different generations of engineers, asserting that without it, the future of the profession in South Africa is at risk.
“At MNA, we take mentorship very seriously. If older, seasoned professionals don’t share their knowledge with the younger generation, it will become a real problem.” But sustaining mentorship in a rapidly changing industry requires more than intention - it demands adaptation. “As generational dynamics and technological advancements reshape the workplace, firms must be proactive in addressing new challenges while staying true to the core value of knowledge sharing,” Makhaotse explains.
“Bridging the generational divide is not without its challenges. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, younger engineers often enter the workforce with sophisticated digital and software skills that older professionals may not have grown up using. Rather than viewing this as a disruption, this is a strength,” Makhaotse adds.
New engineers tend to be more comfortable with software tools and can quickly adapt to using them to enhance design efficiency, he notes. “That’s precisely why we invest in continuous learning - so they can develop and keep the industry engine running. Ongoing training and adaptation are essential. Without them, the sector risks a critical skills gap when seasoned engineers retire.”
Mentorship also plays a pivotal role in retaining talent within South Africa, particularly as many young professionals are drawn to opportunities abroad. Makhaotse believes that empowering junior engineers with the freedom to lead and make decisions, with the necessary guidance, increases both their engagement and their commitment to stay.
“We must aim to retain them by giving them the autonomy to approach projects in their own way. That’s what keeps them engaged. Diversity, too, is more than a buzzword - it is a strategic advantage. Integrating different backgrounds and perspectives leads to more innovative and well-rounded solutions. Everyone contributes a unique perspective. To achieve the quality we require, in order to drive infrastructure development, we need the insights that come from diverse viewpoints not only the older generation of our profession,” he adds.
Equally important is guiding young engineers through the process of professional registration - a milestone many find intimidating. “With its paperwork, technical reports, and scrutiny from expert panels at the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the journey can be daunting. Still, this fundamental outcome of mentorship that is critical.”
It was encouraging to note that ECSA’s Candidate Application Portal, facilitated the registration of 3,417 new candidates in 2024. This is why, one of the key goals of mentorship must be to guide engineers through to professional registration.
“That’s what defines success in this field - ensuring they become registered professionals. The industry must remain committed to driving professional registration in the country - a critical milestone in an engineer’s career, serving as both a mark of competence and a commitment to ethical and technical standards. It signifies that an engineer has met the rigorous educational, practical, and professional requirements set by regulatory bodies, such as ECSA.
“Beyond personal achievement, registration enhances public trust, ensuring that engineers are accountable and qualified to take responsibility for complex projects that impact public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. It also opens the door to greater career opportunities, including leadership roles, consulting positions, and international recognition, while reinforcing the credibility and integrity of the engineering profession as a whole,” Makhaotse asserts.
Meanwhile, at MNA, mentorship is more than rhetoric - it’s built into the company’s operational model, he explains. The company is vested in employing graduates and pairs them with experienced mentors who guide their professional development on real-world projects. This structured approach ensures that new engineers are not left to navigate the complexities of the field on their own. “Many of our current leaders began their careers as junior engineers when the company was first founded, and we continue to build on that legacy because we've seen firsthand the long-term value of investing in mentorship.”
Beyond internal mentorship, Makhaotse actively encourages junior engineers to participate in industry forums. “This exposure enables them to learn from peers across the sector, broadening their understanding of engineering practices beyond the MNA environment.”
Makhaotse’s message is clear for the industry: mentorship and professional registration are not optional. It is the lifeblood of engineering in South Africa. Sustaining the industry means investing in the next generation - today. He concludes: “We must continuously train and empower new talent to carry the industry forward and to drive quality infrastructure development, which is critical for enhancing service delivery, and improving the quality of life and economic growth in South Africa!”
About Makhaotse, Narasimulu & Associates (MNA)
Makhaotse, Narasimulu, and Associates (MNA) proudly celebrate 25 years of serving the industry and uplifting communities. Founded by visionary directors Martin Makhaotse and Sagren Narasimulu, MNA has become a symbol of progress dedicated to advancing communities through expertise in civil engineering. The directors of the company have a combined experience of over 80 years in civil engineering consulting, civil engineering construction, and project management. The practice has grown from a single office in Pietermaritzburg, which is now MNA’s head office, to a nationwide presence. It also has a branch in Durban, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, along with offices across the Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and East London.
For more information, visit: https://mna-sa.co.za/
