OPINION : Office of the Engineer-General for South Africa — a necessity

Civil Engineers Yankho Banda and Karin Jansen van Rensburg believe South Africa needs an Office of the Engineer-General (E-G). 

To explain the establishment of the E-G’s office, the following is of the essence:

Skilled engineers execute their job — to the extent that consumers are unaware of the engineering effort behind services infrastructure delivery. However, when water, electricity, roads, etc. infrastructure fails, there is a public outcry. When this happens, one only hears from politicians making all sorts of promises, which they cannot meet as ONLY engineers are capable of actually delivering services. But, seldom engineers are consulted to provide answers. Infrastructure failure leads to chaos when communities protest for better services.

Consider the following: When medical or legal assistance is required, the best professionals are sought and are paid for quality. Conversely, where engineering projects are concerned, clients prioritise cost over quality, seeking the cheapest option possible while even then asking for discounts! Most of these projects, if not executed according to stringent standards, could affect the health and safety of large numbers of people. This trend reflects the government’s recent action of removing guidelines for professional fees regulated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This could only lead to disaster.

South Africa, as a developing country, could present numerous opportunities for engineers in both the public and private sector. This, however, is not happening as technical engineering positions across all tiers of government are often occupied by people without suitable engineering qualifications and without being professionally registered with ECSA. This causes South Africa to not reach the maturity phase of developed countries that focus more on maintenance than on new projects. If engineers could occupy their rightful positions, there would be growth in South Africa with opportunities for engineers to attain this, plan and develop new projects, as well as addressing maintenance issues.

Engagement with civil engineering design firms and construction companies reveals a troubling lack of enthusiasm and positivity towards the profession. Key issues include:

•  Non-payment by clients (both public and private)
• Extended payment terms of 60 to 90 days
• Discounted design rates to secure work
• A general lack of respect for the industry
• Government collaboration with large, foreign construction firms

Engineer-General’s office

The Office of the Engineer-General should be a Chapter 9-institution that would be an independent institution outside of government that would be transparent and accountable and would present a significant opportunity for top engineering practitioners in South Africa to influence services infrastructure planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance. It would ensure that all projects are done on time, within budget and according to international standards. The issues facing the abovementioned design and construction firms would also be addressed.

The Engineer-General would provide the necessary skills and traits

• Technical expertise: A deep understanding of engineering principles, staying updated with the latest international advancements and best practices. Practitioners should be professionally registered with ECSA.
• Leadership and management: Strong leadership and technical skills are needed to guide teams effectively and manage large-scale projects, including strategic planning, decision-making and conflict resolution.
• Legal acumen: Understanding legal frameworks and regulations is essential for navigating complexities and ensuring compliance.
• Stakeholder engagement: Effective communication and negotiation skills are vital for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners and the public.
• Innovation and adaptability: The ability to embrace new technologies and methodologies is crucial for driving progress.
• Ethical considerations: Upholding high ethical standards and integrity is paramount, with a commitment to transparency, accountability and the public good — key for delivering projects on time, within budget and according to international standards.

Other areas of importance

• Continuous learning: Engage in ongoing professional development through advanced degrees, certifications and workshops. Aim for professional registration with ECSA if not already obtained.
• Networking: Build strong professional relationships within the engineering community to gain insights and collaboration opportunities.
• Practical experience: Seek leadership roles and involvement in complex projects to develop effective leadership skills.
• Legal training: Pursue additional training in legal aspects relevant to engineering, such as contract law and regulatory compliance.
• Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced leaders in the field for support and advice on navigating challenges.

In conclusion, top engineering practitioners in South Africa could position themselves to effectively lead or contribute to the Office of the #EngineerGeneral, driving innovation and excellence in services infrastructure planning and delivery.

Many engineers aspire to make the world a better place through their work. However, across all tiers of government and SoEs, interference by external influences, such as politics, legal and financial people, and even HR, as well as payment challenges, hinder this mission. The Engineer-General would also focus on these external issues, allowing engineers to thrive in their pursuit of improving lives.

This is a call to action for those who wish to champion this cause by engaging in the process.

Yankho Banda, is a professional engineer with 12+ years of private sector experience.

Currently Regional Project Manager for Gauteng Freeway Management System at Tolcon Group. She Holds a BSc Eng (Hons - Civil) degree from WITS and pursuing an MEng (Transport Studies) from UCT. She is actively involved in volunteerism and industry contributions. Recipient of Woman of Stature: Woman in Engineering Winner 2022 and SAICE Young Engineer Finalist 2021.

Karin Jansen van Rensburg is a Lecturer at the University of Pretoria with expertise in construction management, project planning, and academic lecturing.As a Civil Engineer, she possesses extensive experience in consulting, site engineering, engineering economics, and environmental and quality management.Karin's academic contributions are substantial, further enhancing her versatile professional profile.

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