The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has signed a partnership agreement with industry regulator the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) to professionalise the Mother City's municipal built environment staff.

The initiative marks a concrete step towards strengthening good governance and improving service delivery by construction professionals entrusted with shaping the future of South Africa’s cities, the city says.

“This partnership ensures a workforce of professionals who are equipped with the highest standards of competency, ethical conduct and technical expertise,” says SACPCMP registrar Butcher Matutle.

Skilled, accredited and continuously developed professionals play important roles in the built environment. This partnership sets a precedent for other municipalities and government entities to follow, and showcases how collaboration can lead to improved governance, development and service excellence, he says.

“We are confident that this will serve as a model for other public and private institutions throughout the country that are seeking to elevate their built environment professionals and drive sustainable urban development,” he emphasises.

The key objectives and benefits of the partnership include driving sustainable development and best practices; enhancing professionalisation in South Africa with a view to creating pathways for graduates and candidates to contribute meaningfully to industry; and ensuring alignment in policies, standards and practices between the SACPCMP and the CoCT.

Additionally, the partnership will provide guidance and support in terms of structured mentorship and training programmes and support an alignment with international best practices to support municipalities and municipal projects in executing the highest standards of safety, efficiency and sustainability.

“As a regulatory authority, we have pledged the necessary guidance to empower municipal staff to perform their duties with excellence and efficiency. The success of this partnership is in its implementation. We must remain diligent in ensuring that the agreed frameworks, policies and initiatives are carried out effectively,” Matutle adds.

Municipalities bear significant responsibility in ensuring sustainable development, safe construction practices and infrastructure resilience, he noted, while commending the CoCT on its continued progressive approach to professionalising municipal staff.

“This memorandum of understanding must be a living document that translates into real and measurable progress for our cities, our built environment professionals and the communities we serve.

“Together, we will not only build structures, but also a legacy of excellence, integrity and innovation in the project and construction management professions,” Matutle says.