Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), representing 600 consulting engineering firms, across South Africa, who employ approximately 17 000 people, is proud to announce Dr. Vishal Haripersad as its new President.
CESA also welcomed Jabulile Msiza, Director, HOD: Waste Engineering at Jones & Wagener, as its Vice-President. Both were elected at the Annual General Meeting on 25 November, in Gauteng, marking a smooth transition in the organisation’s leadership and reaffirming CESA’s commitment to advancing the consulting engineering profession in South Africa.
Dr. Haripersad brings over 25 years of experience in business leadership and industry advocacy. As Managing Director for Knight Piésold Africa, he has been instrumental in supporting initiatives that promote transformation, ethical leadership, and professional development and led numerous sustainable infrastructure projects across Africa, combining technical excellence with meaningful community impact.
As a dedicated leader within CESA, Dr. Haripersad has actively contributed to the organisation’s Education and Training, Marketing and Communications, and Quality and Risk portfolios, and he is also currently a board member and served as Vice President for the past two years. His academic achievements, including a Doctorate in Global Leadership and Management, complement his practical experience, reflecting a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.
“As I step into this role, I welcome the opportunity to build on the foundation laid by my predecessor David Leukes,” said Dr. Haripersad. “Our profession stands at a critical moment in South Africa’s development journey. Engineers have an enormous responsibility, not only to deliver quality infrastructure, but to do so ethically, sustainably, and with purpose.”
He added: “My focus at CESA will be on strengthening collaboration across the sector, expanding opportunities for young professionals, and ensuring that consulting engineering remains a trusted pillar in building a better South Africa. Working together, with our members, branches, partners and affiliates, we can drive innovation, develop skills, and create long-lasting impact for communities across the country.”
CESA CEO Chris Campbell adds: “We welcome Dr. Haripersad as the new President of CESA. We value his extensive experience and leadership in also driving our vision to advance our profession and contribute to the sustainable development of infrastructure across the country. We are confident that under his guidance, CESA will continue to strengthen its role as a catalyst for innovation, engineering excellence, and industry collaboration. We look forward to working closely with him. ”
Campbell also welcomed Msiza as CESA’s vice-president. She brings nearly 20 years of experience, including almost 15 years as an ECSA registered Professional Engineer, and leads a dynamic team driving sustainable waste management solutions across South Africa and other African regions.
He further extended his appreciation to David Leukes, also the MD of BVi Consulting Engineers, for his leadership over the past two years. “His dedication strengthened the organisation and left a solid foundation for continued growth.”
Leukes says: “The path forward requires relentless collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and dedication to ethical practice. These are the values that define CESA and its members, and we must continue to carry this mantle forward with renewed vigour. As my tenure concludes, I do so with confidence that CESA is in capable hands. The foundation we have built together - rooted in collaboration, innovation, and integrity - will support continued leadership in infrastructure development for years to come.”
