Blog

At the IMESA CESA Excellence Awards, our President David Leukes highlighted the vital role of municipal engineers and officials in shaping South Africa’s cities and communities. This prestigious event, recognises innovation, integrity, and impact across infrastructure projects focused on structures and civils, community upliftment, job creation and environment and climate change. 

Acknowledging the impact of challenges on SA’s infrastructure, such as ageing infrastructure, budget constraints, skills shortages, and climate impacts, David emphasised the importance of integrated, lifecycle-focused infrastructure development that delivers lasting value. The awards highlighted how South African engineers lead not only in technical excellence but also in innovation tailored to local needs. 

Key to success is collaboration – across government levels, sectors, and communities – where partnerships enable transformative infrastructure outcomes. David reaffirmed CESA’s commitment to investing in members through skills development and mentorship programmes, fostering the next generation of professionals and artisans who uphold engineering excellence. 

Integrity and good governance remain foundational, with strong advocacy for transparent procurement and merit-based appointments to build trust and ensure project success. David concluded by inviting all municipal engineering colleagues and partners to participate in the upcoming Infrastructure Indaba from 18-19 March 2026 to deepen collaboration and innovation. 

Throughout, members were recognised as the driving force behind engineering excellence, community service, and sustainable development – core to successfully engineering the future South Africa needs.