CONTRIBUTOR
Industry collaboration vital to achieve SA ’ s national agenda
By Chris Campbell , CEO , Consulting Engineers South Africa
Human Settlements , Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently called on engineers to “ patriotically contribute ” to the development agenda of South Africa .
This was part of her keynote address at a virtual seminar hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers ( NSBE ) in June , and has reaffirmed – for me , and for Consulting Engineers South Africa ( CESA ) – the importance of our industry bodies and associations raising our hands and offering partnerships with our government .
The South African engineering profession is home to countless industry bodies , associations , institutes , and authorities which have somewhat segregated us , causing disintegration . Between CESA , ECSA , SAICE , SABTACO , BBCBE , NSBE , SAIEE ( and the list of acronyms goes on ), South African engineers are operating in siloes – something we have oftcriticised of government departments . The South African engineering sector should rather make efforts to present a united front , putting aside our differences and collaborating towards improved service delivery , economic development , and transformation .
This may be more appealing to young engineers too , who are currently faced with a plethora of organisations to join when starting their career . Under one banner , we could focus on pooling our efforts and put aside any differences that may exist between our respective organisations in the relentless race to be heard first and recognised most . Together , we are capable of providing innovative solutions in support of the national agenda and help deliver the infrastructure our citizens deserve – cost effectively and honestly .
I am by no means suggesting a dissolution of existing industry associations , but rather a reinvigoration of an overarching body that could assist with better coordination of wider sector efforts . One example might be SAFE – the South African Forum for Engineering , which was established some years ago in response to this need for wider collaboration and communication . It became dormant , but perhaps the time has come to revitalise it – or something similar – especially as we aim to unite in support of South Africa ’ s economic recovery plan .
I envision that a united engineering industry would be more conducive to the provision of equal opportunities , skills development , mentorship , industry transformation , talent retention and sustainability of the profession . These are all elements that are given attention by individual industry associations , so why not work together as one body on these important goals ? A better-integrated profession and industry would be more efficient , effective , and more appealing to stakeholders , including our government . Currently , it is confusing and time-consuming for decision-makers to deal with multiple entities individually when we each share the same objectives .
Jointly , we are capable and competent to provide South Africa with the infrastructure development and maintenance which is much in need . Improved private sector co-ordination would go a long way in rising to the challenges South Africa currently faces .
EAMONN RYAN
Chris Campbell , CEO , Consulting Engineers South Africa .
“ However , before we raise our hands , perhaps we should be joining our hands .”
14 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2021 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www . saaffordablehousing . co . za