MinMEC endorsed the Built Environment Professionalisation and Skills Development Strategy for the Built Environment. The strategy is equipped with 12 strategic interventions for the projectisation of the professionalisation of the built environment sector.

As part of implementing the strategy, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Internal Audit Branch, is implementing a three-year Infrastructure Audit Capacity Building programme. The programme is a response to critical skill gaps in the Built Environment sector, supporting candidate development and mentor training.

The graduates participating in the programme were sourced through the Built Environment National Logbook (BENL) platform, underscoring its pivotal role in facilitating employment, professional growth, and mentorship.

The capacity building programme also seeks to elevate the quality and efficiency of South Africa’s infrastructure projects, ultimately enhancing service delivery and contributing to national development goals. Furthermore, the programme fosters a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation within the sector. It aims to equip participants with audit and technical skills to tackle project delays, quality defects, and inefficiencies flagged by the Auditor General – South Africa (AGSA) in past audits.

Central to the success of this initiative is a critical platform for tracking candidate progress and ensuring alignment with industry standards. The CBE, in partnership with the DPWI, successfully concluded its three-day Infrastructure Audit Capacity Building Programme Onboarding Workshop on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, at the CBE Offices in Pretoria.

The workshop served as an orientation for graduates, candidates, and mentors, providing practical and in-depth understanding of the structured candidacy framework, professional registration processes, and internal audit methodologies and featured participants from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), and SACPVP – South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession. Additionally, it included the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), and the South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV).

“The Built Environment is more than just buildings and infrastructure; it is the canvas upon which our collective humanity is expressed. This is a calling, one that requires dedication, professionalism, and ubuntu. It is a lifelong commitment to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. I want to assure you that you made the right decision in furthering your education in this sector; it is a fulfilling career. Strive for excellence, stay hungry for knowledge, and make us, your loved ones, and the nation proud,” said Dr. Msizi Myeza, CEO of the CBE.

Aspiring Built Environment professionals, mentors, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to register themselves on the BENL platform for access to resources, industry connections, and mentorship, accelerating career growth while contributing to South Africa’s infrastructure.