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CAREERTIP : Mastering effective communication skills can lead to salaries or career growth in today’s digital age

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Even in an era of advanced technology like ChatGPT, which can assist in drafting various kinds of writing, it remains crucial to acquire effective communication skills. Beyond merely conveying information, the ability to speak and write well holds immense value. Knowing how to communicate effectively allows individuals to convey their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, fostering stronger connections and relationships in both personal and professional settings. It’s important to understand that effective communication skills are the opposite of constant, careless chatter. Speaking more doesn’t make you a better communicator. True mastery lies in message quality. Active listening One of the foremost effective communication skills involves no speaking at all: active listening. This skill involves hearing words and truly comprehending the message, empathizing with the speaker, and responding appropriately. Contrary to the belief that speaking more is th
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OPINION: Can private sector help with South Africa's infrastructure? - Kevin Reid

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Construction Professional Kevin Reid shares his hardhatOPINION on the private sector's role in helping with South Africa's infrastructure roll out



What are the immediate things the private sector can do to help with SA's infrastructure?

There is a lot the private sector can do immediately to assist in the infrastructure roll out because they have the ability to be flexible and tailor made solutions to suit market needs.

What are the stumbling blocks preventing the private sector to do the above mentioned things to help with SA's infrastructure.

There are many but one that stands out  to me is poor representation of engineers in the public sector.

ALSO READ: SONA and Budget 2021 response from a Young Professional 

What is the role of the government in encouraging the private sector to do more?

Policy reform is key to unlocking private sector participation, governments need to review their policies especially when policies relating to the procurement of infrastructure.

Is the government doing enough to encourage the involvement of the private sector in SA's infrastructure?

I don't think the government is doing enough to encourage private sector involvement. I am speaking from a contractor’s perspective, the traditional relationship between client and contractor has always been one of master / servant, with a propensity to be confrontational. Procurement procedures are written around this context which leaves very little room, if any for partnering. The IPP roll-out has been long and laborious and I believe much of this is to do with unreasonable policy and bureaucratic stalling. Having said that, the eventual roll-out is a demonstration that PPP can work.

I know of a number of registered, highly proficient and decorated engineers who are sitting unemployed at the moment and are unable to enter the market due to employment equity policies. Not only does this situation add to the growing list of job-seekers, but it deprives our municipalities and other entities of the ability to offer strategic planning, operational oversight and project controls when projects are floated. These engineers should work as employees of these municipalities to ensure that the client's interests are protected at all times.

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