CONSULTING Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Chris Campbell says that 2024 was a pivotal year for global leadership dynamics. With over 64 elections occurring worldwide, according to Time Magazine, representing nearly half of the global population, and the historic establishment of a Government of National Unity in South Africa (GNU), Campbell stresses that these events signal a profound need for leadership grounded in ethics and transparency.
“These developments are not just political milestones; they are a clarion call for responsible leadership that prioritises economic growth and improved service delivery. As we close the chapter on this year, we find ourselves navigating the complexities of South Africa’s GNU. While the post-election period brought its share of challenges, it also sparked a renewed focus on service delivery –a commitment that resonates with many of the new ministers,” he says.
Looking ahead to 2025, Campbell says CESA remains hopeful that the intentions expressed by the GNU will translate into tangible outcomes that uplift service delivery and drive meaningful change. “This is a pivotal moment to sustain the momentum we’ve built, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency and ensuring we don’t retreat into the silos of the past. Now is the time for collaborative, ethical and decisive action as we collectively strive for progress.”
“As South Africa navigates its economic landscape, forecasted to grow at an average of only 1.8% over the next three years, Campbell underscored the pressing challenges facing the construction sector, particularly the pervasive influence of the so-called “construction mafia.”
Referring to the recent Construction Summit hosted by key stakeholders including the Construction Industry Development Board and the South African Police Services, “This initiative is crucial as it highlights the seriousness of corruption and its impact on our sector,” he says.
However, he cautions that “the time for action is now,” urging immediate measures to combat extortion and crime in construction. Campbell pointed out that many infrastructure projects are currently facing delays due to inadequate procurement processes.
“We can no longer stand by as our industry is adversely affected by procurement processes that are ill-suited for infrastructure development,” he remarks calling for proactive measures to prevent further infrastructure failures while also stressing the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure.
He emphasises CESA’s call for engineers to have a voice in shaping policies that affect their profession and the broader economy. “Our call to government has always been that ‘engineers deserve a seat at the table’, and we will continue to advocate for this,” he says.
Campbell’s remarks highlight the critical intersection of leadership and collaboration necessary to address systemic issues within the industry. He pointed out that effective leadership is essential not only at executive levels but also among everyday citizens to foster an environment free from corruption. He urged stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts to combat corruption and enhance service delivery across the sector.
Campbell reinforces CESA’s commitment to championing consulting engineering in South Africa. “Leadership rooted in integrity and collaboration remains the cornerstone of progress. As South Africa navigates its path forward, CESA aims to foster partnerships that advance infrastructure development while ensuring public confidence in safety and quality,” he concludes.