On September 28, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) in partnership with multinational financial services firm Aon South Africa returned to an in-person awards ceremony for the first time since August 2019.

The awards celebrated innovation, quality, outstanding workmanship and professionalism which was evident in the entries for the different categories.

“This year, we are proud to be celebrating 50 years of hosting this prestigious event with a focus on consulting engineers and their clients who participate in or initiate projects that promote the advancement of our nation and the people of the continent,” says CESA CEO Chris Campbell.

In her speech at the awards, Aon Professional Risks business unit manager Clarissa Rizzo mentioned that, as a longstanding sponsor of the CESA awards, Aon had come to experience and appreciate the contribution that the engineering industry makes to the economy and society. “Through all the many challenges and risks, this industry remains a hallmark of a modern, progressive society.”

On the night, Tim Ter Haar was recognised for his contribution to the development and promotion of the consulting engineering industry with the Lifetime Industry Achievement Award, which was presented to him posthumously, while the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, Roads Branch was recognised as the Visionary Client of the Year for fully following the key commitments of their service delivery charter.

In the category Projects with a Value Between R250-Million and R1-Billion, engineering consulting firm Zutari was named the winner for the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone ‘Cluster 2’ Ford Frame project while engineering consulting firm AECOM received a commendation for the rehabilitation of Trunk Road between Ashton and Montagu for the Western Cape Government’s Department of Transport & Public Works, Roads Branch.

Zutari was named winner in the Projects with a Value Between R50-Million and R250-Million category for the upgrading of 8 Merchant Place for Rand Merchant Bank. Two commendations were awarded in the category with Merchelles Collective receiving a commendation for Coca-Cola’s Polokwane Manufacturing Facility Infrastructure upgrade. Engineering company Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers received a commendation for the upgrading of Dipaleseng Local Municipality’s Balfour Wastewater Treatment Works (Phases 2 and 3).

In the category Projects with a Value Less Than R50-Million, multinational consulting firm Royal HaskoningDHV was the winner for the Brandwacht Pedestrian Bridge for Mossel Bay Municipality. Naidu Consulting received a commendation for the Design and Management of a Labour-Intensive Capacity Building Programme for MISA.

The winner of Best International Project was Zutari for the Golomoti Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage project in Malawi while engineering firm Bigen Africa received a commendation for the Palapye Water Treatment Works Expansion Project in Botswana.

In the category Engineering Technology and Innovation - HVAC Building Systems Design Excellence, engineering company Maninga Engineering was the winner for the Commerce, Law, and Management (building development for Wits University.

In the category Engineering Technology and Innovation - Renewable Energy Systems Design Excellence, Zutari received a commendation the Golomoti Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage project of JCM Solar Corporation Limited.

Naidu Consulting won the Business Excellence Award, while Maninga Engineering received a commendation for the Small/Medium Company of the Year. The Mentoring Company of the Year award went to Nyeleti Consulting.

Winner of the Mentor of the Year Award was Gengan Govender who’s commitment in consistently finding ways to assist and mentor his coworkers contributed towards receiving the accolade.

Each year, CESA recognises the contribution young engineers make to the profession. In the much-anticipated Young Engineer of the Year category, Saiuree Nayager was named winner while Swesha Machere received a commendation.

Publishing Excellence in the Trade Publications category went to Creamer Media, publisher of Engineering News & Mining Weekly, while the Daily Newspaper category was awarded to Arena Holdings.