As South Africa approaches the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to move beyond promises to concrete action on critical infrastructure projects.
"South Africa doesn't need more statements of intent – we need evidence of action," says CESA CEO Chris Campbell. "The time for implementation is now, particularly as our infrastructure challenges continue to impact economic growth and job creation."
Campbell emphasises that political and policy certainty are non-negotiable for attracting investment and stimulating economic growth. "We need the Government of National Unity to demonstrate its commitment to stable, consistent policies that will give investors the confidence to commit to long-term projects," he explains.
One of CESA's primary concerns is the urgent need for infrastructure development, particularly at the municipal level. Campbell points to significant revenue losses from water leaks and illegal utility connections as symptoms of a deeper infrastructure crisis that requires immediate attention.
"We're seeing municipalities struggling with basic service delivery, yet there are solutions that can be implemented to change the narrative," Campbell notes. "The consulting engineering sector stands ready to partner with government, offering both technical expertise and mentorship to strengthen public sector capabilities."
He advocates for a more proactive approach to municipal intervention, suggesting - for example - that national government should act decisively when audit reports indicate management failures. This includes leveraging private sector expertise and creating meaningful opportunities for youth employment in the engineering sector.
"The solutions are clear, the expertise is available, and the private sector is willing to collaborate with the public sector. We will continue to encourage open and constructive stakeholder engagement that allows for better business planning and resource allocation. What we need now is leadership that will transform plans into projects and promises into progress,” concludes Campbell.
