CONTRIBUTOR
Rebuilding with Purpose
By CESA
The CESA 2021 theme highlights the importance of quality , integrity , and accountability in South Africa ’ s road to recovery .
Consulting Engineers South Africa ’ s ( CESA ) President ,
Sugen Pillay , presented his presidential message and theme for the year at a virtual event earlier this year attended by media , CESA members , and infrastructure stakeholders from around South Africa . Pillay revealed his 2021 theme as ‘ Rebuilding with Purpose ’.
“ When I delivered my presidential address this time last year , I had little idea of what was to come in 2020 – the unprecedented trials and tribulations that would face our industry , our country , and our global society ,” began Pillay . “ However , the words I said then , 12 months ago , were more apt than I could have imagined . You might remember , I said : ‘ We are certainly in a period of great change . In times such as these , there is always uncertainty as to how events may unfold , and a certain amount of trepidation as to what the change may entail , and what the future may hold .’ This was before Covid-19 reached our shores .”
However , Pillay said that despite the uncertainly and trepidation , South Africa is facing these economic and social challenges with resilience and determination . He cited the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan , which has created some much-needed optimism for the consulting engineering industry . “ Despite the hardships facing our country – hardships we cannot expect to dissipate soon – CESA remains committed to improving the business landscape and playing our part in creating a conducive procurement environment as well as shaping the requisite talent to see that our country ’ s developmental goals are met . We aim to mould our industry of consulting engineers to ensure we continue to protect lives through quality and safe infrastructure and protect livelihoods through the creation of economic opportunities for the wider construction value chain ,” he said .
Reflecting on the past year , Pillay said CESA had made progress in strengthening the relationship between government and the private sector , showcased by the association ’ s involvement in the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa in June last year . “ However , it has become clear that South Africa still faces many of the same challenges as in prior years , with an ongoing demise of public decision-making processes , a lack of checks and balances within procurement systems , and a loss of accountability of those tasked with leading change .” He mentioned President Ramaphosa ’ s slow and laborious efforts to curb corruption , and the poor results from the 2020 Auditor- General ’ s report as examples .” We also face continuously delayed infrastructure delivery , and those projects which do see progress are hampered by obstructions from the so-called construction mafia .”
However , Pillay chose to highlight the good , and not dwell on the negative . He said that last year showed a greater focus on people rather than profit . “ As compassion and empathy
CESA CEO Chris Campbell ( left ), and Sugen Pillay , President of CESA .
www . saaffordablehousing . co . za MARCH - APRIL 2021 5
ALFAPEOPLE
gained momentum amid a public health crisis , we are now seeing an industry of people who act with more care for others , and we hope this spirit of ubuntu continues through 2021 as we stand together . Ultimately this spirit of ubuntu and caretaking is what CESA aims to promote to industry – to protect lives and livelihoods and consider the tangible social and economic outcomes of our work .”
REBUILDING
Unpacking the 2021 theme , Pillay highlighted the importance of democracy . “ As we have seen recently in the US , democracies are precious and fragile , and need to be nurtured . Democracy will become less and less meaningful to those in our society that are stuck in poverty , with no access to basic services , and with no opportunities . Thus , as we embark on this massive rebuilding project , let us try to rebuild in a conscious and mindful manner , so that rebuilding does not just become about providing infrastructure , but that it is consciously engineered to address poverty , inequality , and unemployment .”
Importantly , he said that as we rebuild , industry must be understanding of the immediate needs of society . “ Without doubt , the most pressing requirement is the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine . CESA encourages the industry to be patient and understanding as resources are diverted to funding the vaccine initiative . CESA and its members have the necessary skills and expertise to assist with the massive vaccine rollout undertaking and offers it services to assist in this regard .