In a media address delivered today, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) President, David Leukes, outlined a strategic framework for infrastructure development, emphasising collaboration, sustainability, and ethical leadership as key drivers for South Africa's future.

Speaking under the theme "Collaborating for the Future We Want: Mobilising for Sustainable Development," Leukes highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in achieving the country's economic growth targets, referencing the South African Reserve Bank's projected 1.8% growth for 2025 and the government's commitment of R940 billion for infrastructure over the next three years.

"We stand at a defining moment. The choices we make today will dictate whether we can realise our ambitious aspirations for schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure,” he said. Leukes explained the importance of a lifecycle and integrated approach to development, urging stakeholders to move beyond silos and embrace collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

“In today’s interconnected world, infrastructure development cannot operate in silos. We must embrace a collaborative approach that brings together diverse stakeholders – engineers, planners, policymakers, and communities – throughout the entire lifecycle."

He also stressed the urgent need for policy clarity and consistency, particularly regarding the interplay between key legislative instruments like the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and the Public Procurement Act. He made a strong appeal for translating policy into action, calling for a clear way forward in policy implementation.

"Our ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure hinges on coherent policy frameworks that enable rather than hinder collaboration," Leukes stated. He highlighted how public-private partnerships can drive innovation and knowledge transfer, pointing out that collaboration between sectors also opens avenues for capacity building within public institutions.

Leukes underscored that: "The path to sustainable development must be paved with integrity." He advocated for strengthened procurement processes, transparency, and ethical leadership to combat corruption and ensure accountability.

Meanwhile, he reiterated the importance of driving STEM education and increasing the number of artisans in the country. In terms of skills development, Leukes also emphasised the importance of "soft skills" and highlighted that the CESA School of Consulting Engineering’s Business of Consulting Engineering Management Development Programme as a key initiative.

The address emphasised several key priorities for advancing collaborative infrastructure development:

· Strengthening procurement processes to ensure transparency and fairness

· Implementing robust mechanisms for cross-sector collaboration

· Leveraging private sector expertise to enhance public sector capacity

· Ensuring community engagement throughout project lifecycles

Leukes announced that these themes will be central to discussions at CESA's Annual Infrastructure Indaba, scheduled for 18-19 March at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, where industry leaders will gather.

"Engineering the future we want is within our grasp. Let's build it together – one project, one innovation, one collaboration at a time!" he concluded.