The year in REVIEW

The year 2022 was an interesting one. Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, we were all a little nervous to meet face to face, navigating the awkwardness of having to shake hands, nevermind giving each other a hug. As we slowly got used to our old ways of interacting, we were shocked by the war in Ukraine, which marked the first fighting on European soil since World War II. Besides the human suffering, I watched in horror as infrastructure was slowly but surely destroyed. If that was not enough to wake us up after our Covid-19 hibernation, the floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape did. Over 250 lives were lost, and the area is still suffering as a result of the damage to infrastructure and businesses.

Presidential Visits

The effect of the pre-2022 hibernation was felt most in the various institutions of higher learning that I visited during my tenure as President of SAICE. Students suffered because of the lack of interaction and were eager to hear what

SAICE is doing, and how they could better connect with the Institution.

SAICE Connect was welcomed by the students and industry partners we visited. Although frightening, the students also enjoyed the fact that I alerted them to the need for engineering professionals in South Africa, as infrastructure is aging while the population is growing. Personally, I was humbled by the warm welcome I received from staff and students at the institutions of higher learning. Thank you all for the care you took in planning the many events I attended, especially the SAICE student chapters involved. To the students, thank you for choosing this honourable profession and I cannot wait to see you in the industry making your mark.

Every stop I made during the year – and there were many – I interacted with various industry partners. I have heard your challenges about the lack of investment in civil infrastructure, the slow pace of tender awarding, and professional registration issues, among others. SAICE National Office is interacting with various stakeholders and we will continue to support you. From my side, thank you all for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Although it comes as a result of the horrifying floods, one of my highlights was visiting the site in Durban where a large part of a slope had washed away. The way the engineering team was rebuilding and reinforcing the slope, stabilising structures, and planning the reclamation of a block of residential apartments was fascinating. It was a prime example of excellence in engineering – these are the unsung heroes of our country. To the team that is making this happen, thank you for sharing the marvellous work you are doing.

Of course, I cannot write a reflection on my year, without mentioning the SAICE branches and divisions. Thank you all for the work you do during the year, in the various corners of the country. It has been fascinating spending time with members, unpacking challenges and discussing solutions. What we need now is for government and private funders to make budget available to implement pipeline projects and initiatives. To all the SAICE volunteers out there, thank you for the never-ending contributions you make to South Africa and the Institution.

Public Engagement

Over the past year SAICE was in the media several times, commenting on the State of the Nation Address, the National Budget and various other topics, such as tender issues and crime in the construction industry. We have realised that we need to find ways to share this with members too. In this regard, we ask you, our members, to ensure that you follow us on all social media platforms in order to stay engaged with developments in the industry.

Reflection

on South Africa’s civil engineering

highlights and lowlights is captured best in SAICE’s latest Infrastructure Report Card. It makes me very proud that in 2022 SAICE collectively produced the fourth edition of this document. Thank you to all volunteers involved, especially Sam Amod and Prof. Kevin Wall.

Giving Back

Finally, I want to mention the incredible calculator drive that was organised in 2022. Funding was raised to purchase and distribute close to 350 scientific calculators to learners in KwaZuluNatal, Free State, Gauteng and Western Cape. Thank you to all the funders and volunteers who assisted in this initiative. May the legacy last long.

As I look back on my tenure, I have realised the need to start interacting with scholars at an early stage. Various ideas to reach primary school learners are circling in my mind and these will hopefully be developed soon. Thank you to the various people who have already offered to assist. To the rest of the membership, watch this space.

Yours,

Prof. Marianne Vanderschuren 2022 SAICE President