OVERVIEW
Engineering Training new engineers is a national priority.
SECTOR INSIGHT Murray & Roberts strengthened its mining orders by R10.4-billion.
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study jointly commissioned by the Water Research Commission and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) found that the country’s four-in-amillion ratio of engineers is a long way from the required 50-per-million. In 2015 there were are 16 423 registered professional engineers in South Africa. One response at national level was the importation of Cuban engineers. Several partnerships between the public and private sectors are trying to address the skills deficit. One example is the partnership that Wits’ National Aerospace Centre has with Boeing and Airbus. The Skills Development Amendment Act is intended to improve the situation. Universities, universities of technology and companies are increasing their focus on the training of engineers. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has a programme where trainees can earn certificates in specific disciplines from a range of institutions. The qualifications are in line with the council’s Exit Level SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2020
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outcomes. Six of South Africa’s biggest construction companies have established a R1.25-billion skills fund. The consulting engineering industry celebrates its best work on an annual basis through the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards. In 2018 the winners were: Projects with a value in excess of R250-million: Winner: AECOM, Construction of the Cape Flats 3 Bulk Sewer – Phase 2. Projects with a value between R50-million and R250-million: Winner: Aurecon, Sol Plaatje University Library and Student Resource Centre (pictured). The building on South Africa’s newest university campus in Kimberley also won a Fulton Concrete Award. It was designed by designworkshop: sa, the construction work was done by Murray and Dickson and Aurecon provided structural, civil, electrical, fire and wet services design for the project. Projects with a value of less than R50-million: Winner: Hatch Africa, Tugela River Pedestrian Bridge. A good sign for the engineering sector came in the news that the Boksburg site where DCD Rolling Stock used to make rail wagons and fix locomotives is up and running again, courtesy
