As young engineers navigate the challenges of the future, they need to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical principles to drive sustainable change. This was the theme of the 12th CESA Young Professionals (YPF) Sustainability Imbizo held recently in Midrand, Gauteng.
Delegates at the CESA YPF Sustainability Imbizo.
"Through the imbizo, we seek to identify problems that young engineers encounter and come up with solutions. Engineers are problem solvers,” said Godfrey Ramalisa, Stakeholder Liaison Manager at CESA. “Without competent and ethical engineering skills applied in our efforts to develop infrastructure, in rural and urban environments, there will be little, if any provision for water, sanitation services, housing, power supply, stormwater systems and road services – all of which are central to a functional society. Without such amenities, which enable economic growth, inequality, unemployment and poverty will continue to prevail,” he said.
CESA YPF National Chair, Uzair Osman, added that the imbizo plays an important role in preparing the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead. “Most of our delegates learned about concepts that they knew of but did not necessarily know how to implement in their daily activities and careers. The imbizo also allowed them to connect with and learn from each other,” he noted.
Over the two days of the gathering, young engineering delegates gained insights into leadership and management, focusing on developing technical, business, and governance skills. The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering sector was also emphasised. Building interpersonal and soft skills is an area often neglected in technically orientated environments, and this was explored through interactive discussions on engineering leadership and professionalism.
Jean Gerber, YPF Western Cape Chairperson, Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, and Godfrey Ramalisa, Stakeholder Liaison Manager at CESA.
Jean Gerber, CESA YPF Western Cape chairperson and Senior Assistant Route Manager at Daveng Consulting Engineers, shared 'Lessons for engineering leadership' highlighting that effective engineering requires technical expertise, strategic vision and people management skills.
CESA President David Leukes also emphasised that engineering is not just about having technical skills. “You need to have people skills as well. Emotional intelligence is important for the success of this industry," he said.
As technology continues to advance and artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in the work environment, engineers need to adapt to these new tools and become increasingly digitally literate to stay competitive in their field. “However, with the advent of AI and other technologies, we should not lose our identity as engineers,” Leukes said, emphasising the importance of building trust and relationships with fellow engineers to develop the industry.
During the conference there was also a strong focus on ethics in engineering. “The choices engineers make have far-reaching consequences,” Osman noted, adding that engineers, like all other professionals, require integrity and honesty in their work.
Speaking at the imbizo, Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman emphasised this notion and highlighted many instances in which the foundation was instrumental in disaster responses where shortcuts in engineering, design and construction had been taken, leading to loss of infrastructure and lives. "Without values, you can be the best engineer in the world, but still cause disaster,” he said.
The CESA YPF Imbizo provided a valuable networking opportunity for young engineers. Parellin Naidoo, Infrastructure Manager (KZN) at Bosch Projects, is a civil engineering graduate from Durban University of Technology, said he appreciated the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, experienced engineers, facilitators, and speakers. “I gained valuable insights from industry experts and leaders and draw inspiration from their passion for humanity,” he said. Naidoo believes events like the imbizo will help young engineers excel in their careers and guide them on a path to success.
For more information visit: www.cesa.co.za
