Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), which represents 600 consulting engineering firms across South Africa that employ about 17 000 people, recently announced its newly elected President, Dr Vishal Haripersad.
Dr Vishal Haripersad, newly elected President of CESA.
CESA also welcomed Jabulile Msiza, Director, HOD: Waste Engineering at Jones & Wagener, as its Vice President. Both were elected at the Annual General Meeting held 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 to the organisation 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 has led numerous sustainable infrastructure projects across Africa, demonstrating technical excellence and relevant community impact.
As a dedicated leader within CESA, Dr Haripersad has contributed to the organisation’s Education and Training, Marketing and Communications, and Quality and Risk portfolios. 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. “At this critical moment in South Africa’s development journey, engineers have an enormous responsibility: to deliver quality infrastructure, and to do so ethically, sustainably, and with purpose.
“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 said: “We welcome Dr Haripersad as the new President of CESA. We value his extensive experience and leadership, 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 the newly elected Vice President of CESA. She brings nearly 20 years of experience to the organisation, 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 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 established a solid foundation for continued growth.”
Leukes commented: “The path forward requires continuing 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 them forward with renewed vigour. As my tenure concludes, I close my term in office with confidence that CESA is in capable hands. The foundation we have built together – rooted in collaboration, innovation, and integrity – will support professional leadership in infrastructure development for years to come.”
For more information visit: www.cesa.co.za
