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Business Day Insights CESA AON ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Friday 28 August 2026
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Engineering talent takes centre stage Awards are recognition for professionals building a better South Africa, writes Lynette Dicey Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa), in partnership with Aon South Africa, honoured the country’s top engineering projects and professionals at the Cesa Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026, held at Vodacom World in Midrand. The evening brought together Cesa member firms, clients, contractors, government representatives, judges and media to celebrate the technical excellence, innovation and integrity shaping South Africa’s built environment. Louis Joubert from Zutari received the Lifetime Industry Achievement Award, recognising a career defined by outstanding contribution to the consulting engineering profession. In the Best International Project category, Zutari took the top honour for the Polihali Major Bridges — Senqu Bridge, part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. Commendations went to Knight Piésold for the Cricket Namibia HighPerformance Stadium Project and AECOM for the Polihali Western Access Road, also in Lesotho. In the mega projects category, for work valued at R1bn or more, Zutari won for the design of the Koruson Main Transmission Substation for NTCSA/ EDF Power Solutions, with a commendation going
Winners at this year’s awards ceremony.
to Knight Piésold for the Kareerand Tailings Dam Extension for Harmony Gold. In the R250m to under R1bn category, WSP Africa was the winner for the K73 and Allandale Road Project for the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. Commendations went to AECOM for the R573 Moloto Road Section 2 Upgrade for Sanral and Atana for Toyota South Africa Motors’ parts warehouse. In the R50m to under R250m category, SMEC South Africa won for the Clarence Drive Rehabilitation Works for the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure. Commendations went to Bosch Projects for the Nelson Mandela University Science Centre and Digital Planetarium, and SMEC South Africa for the Thembalethu East Reservoir, Elevated Tower and Pumpstation for George Municipality. In the category for projects valued at less than R50m, Bigen Africa Services won for the Pressure Network and Zone Management Project for Sol Plaatje Municipality. Commendations went to
Zutari for the Bethlehem Hydro Modernisation Project for Bethlehem Hydro — Serengeti Energy and Naidu Consulting for the Phase 1 Emergency Repairs to the Mbokodweni River Bridge — B1176B on the N2 for Sanral. In the Engineering Technology and Innovation category for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Bigen Africa Services won for the Emergency Refurbishment and Reinstatement of the Klipgat Wastewater Treatment Works for the City of Tshwane. Bigen Africa Services also won Business Excellence of the Year, with a commendation to Knight Piésold. The Mentoring Company of the Year award went to Makhaotse, Narasimulu and Associates, with a commendation to Bigen Africa Services. Magdeleen Rabé from SMEC South Africa was named Mentor of the Year. The Young Engineer of the Year award went to Sachin Ravjee from Zutari, with commendations for Uzair Muhammed Osman from Bosch Projects and Marizel Pienaar from Bigen Africa Services.
Creamer Media took Publisher of the Year in the trade publications category; Independent Online won in the daily news category. The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure: Transport Infrastructure was recognised as Visionary Client of the Year. Cesa CEO Chris Campbell said the calibre of entries reflected the depth of talent within the profession. “The projects that were shortlisted demonstrated the extraordinary breadth and capability of South Africa’s consulting engineering profession. From essential public infrastructure and transportation systems to water, energy, healthcare and industrial developments, each project reflects the ingenuity, technical expertise and professionalism that define our industry.” The awards recognise more than technical merit alone, he said. “Behind every recognised project and every honoured individual is a simple truth: when engineering is done well, it improves lives. It delivers water where there is scarcity, connects communities through reliable roads, strengthens energy systems and creates the conditions for dignity, opportunity and growth.” He added: “South Africa needs to rebuild technical capability, strengthen maintenance and invest in the next generation of engineers and artisans. That work takes time, commitment and partnership. But it is work that must be done if we are to secure a better future.” Aon South Africa CEO Dr Nolwandle Mgoqi said the winners are raising the bar for the industry, inspiring future generations and helping to build a more sustainable South Africa.