Engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa has officially rebranded as Atana, effective from 1 July 2025, marking a new chapter for one of the country’s oldest independent engineering firms.

The change reflects Atana’s sharpened focus on Africa and its transformation in February 2024 into an independent, majority locally owned company, with ownership now held by management and employees.

“We’re building on more than 100 years of engineering excellence while stepping into a future characterised by local ownership, deep regional insight and global partnerships,” says Atana CEO Anke Mastenbroek.

Atana’s independence gives it greater agility across the continent, enabling faster, more tailored responses to local market needs. The company also holds level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE)  status, enhancing its competitiveness in local partnerships and public-sector opportunities.

“Atana is filled with talented people committed to doing work that matters – to South Africa, Africa and the world. We want a world that is better, fairer and greener, so that everyone enjoys a more resilient society,” says Mastenbroek.

With a team of approximately 300 professionals and offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Umhlanga and George, Atana maintains a strong national presence.

The rebrand is not just cosmetic. It signifies Atana’s long-term ambition: to engineer a more connected, sustainable and digitally enabled Africa. The firm continues to deliver multidisciplinary solutions in smart mobility, aviation, data centres, light industry, climate resilience and water technology, with digital innovation and sustainability embedded across its services.

Atana also maintains a strategic alliance with Haskoning (formerly Royal HaskoningDHV), which retains a 26% shareholding. The partnership allows clients to benefit from the Netherlands-based global consultancy’s scale and experience, while gaining from Atana’s local knowledge and increased agility.

“Through our collaboration with Haskoning, we continue to deliver on pan-African and global projects in sectors such as climate resilience, aviation, light industry and data centres,” adds Mastenbroek.

Founded in 1922 as Stewart Scott International, Atana gained international capabilities in 2006 following the DHV Group’s investment, and operated as Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa after the 2012 merger of DHV and Royal Haskoning. On 29 February 2024, the South African entity became fully independent, majority-owned by local management and employees.

“Now, as Atana, we are enthusiastically returning to our African roots,” says Mastenbroek.

The name Atana is inspired by the Shona word zvakabatana, which means “closely connected”, and reflects a philosophy of integration, cohesion and success.

Atana’s level 1 B-BBEE status demonstrates its commitment to fostering genuine transformation throughout its operations, says Mastenbroek.

“Transformation at Atana is not symbolic – it’s measurable, meaningful and mission-led. We are building a company defined by empowerment, inclusion and real participation in South Africa’s and Africa’s economic future.”

Atana believes its new ownership structure will help it attract and retain African and South African talent committed to growing and developing the company.