Welcome from the Local Organising Committee

The last 18 months have been extraordinary, and forced us into a new type of reality. Not only have our perspectives on family, friendship and health changed, but so have the ways in which we communicate, do business and secure our future.

Most of us have lost someone or something along the line – from close family members, friends and colleagues to valuable time, business opportunities and income as a direct impact of the pandemic on our lives, livelihoods and the economy.

Our annual IMESA Conference scheduled for 2020 also took a back seat to the pandemic, as we were compelled to cancel the event for the first time in our history.

We have, however, evolved and adapted – and are now ready to welcome all our sponsors, local and international delegates, special and invited guests to our first Virtual Joint International Conference. This event is hosted in collaboration with the International Association of Water, Environment, Energy and Society (IAWEES) and endorsed by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The conference will kick off with our Opening Function and bi-annual Excellence Awards on Thursday, 11 November 2021 at the beautiful Cape Town Marriot Hotel, Crystal Towers, Century City. A total of 24 projects were entered in the three categories: Engineering Excellence in Structure Civils, Community Upliftment & Job Creation, and Environment & Climate Change. In compliance with Covid protocols, this event will be open to invited guests only.

Our Virtual Conference proceedings will start on Wednesday, 17 November 2021. Staying true to this year’s theme of ‘Synergy Through Engineering’, you will enjoy a variety of papers presented by local and international colleagues on various municipal-oriented disciplines.

The opening day will be a historical event, with the first ever IMESA Presidential Address done by a woman – Mrs Bhavna Soni, IMESA President Elect 2020. This will be followed by the IAWEES Presidential Address by Professor Vijay Singh, as well as the Executive Keynote Address by Mr Michael Webster, Executive Director: Water and Waste, City of Cape Town.

Although virtual, ample opportunity will be made available to sustain the platform where questions can be asked, opinions raised and discussions held. To ensure a technically sound and interactive conference, specialised audio and virtual experts will run the system, while MC (and commercial pop DJ) David Yapp will ensure continued interaction and a lively atmosphere. As delegates will not be able to rub shoulders with colleagues, enjoy our notorious Social Evening, Technical Tours and/or Golf Day, we will make up with generous spot prizes and lucky draws to keep the momentum going. As the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and IMESA Western Cape branch, we wish to recognise the IMESA Conference staff – Debbie Anderson and Melanie Stemmer – for their dedication and forward-thinking in making this event happen.

May this conference be an inspiring event where new professional friendships are made and revolutionary ideas are formulated.

Jeanine du Preez 2021 LOC Chair, IMESA Western Cape branch

LOC Team:

Johan Basson (Finance) Kobus du Plessis (International liaison and technical advisor)

Emmarentia Stipp (Technical advisor) Christo Swart (Technical advisor)