While the post-election period brought its share of challenges, and with South Africa navigating the complexities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), it also sparked a renewed focus on service delivery, which is a commitment that resonates with many of the new Ministers, says industry organisation Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) CEO Chris Campbell.

“The intentions expressed by the GNU must translate into tangible outcomes that improve service delivery and drive meaningful change.

“This is a pivotal moment to sustain the momentum built while avoiding the pitfalls of complacency. Now is the time for collaborative, ethical and decisive action as we collectively strive for progress,” he said.

South Africa is projected to grow at only 1.8% over the next three years, and pressing challenges facing the construction sector must be addressed, particularly the pervasive influence of the so-called construction mafia.

Campbell, therefore, urged immediate measures to combat extortion and crime in construction.

Further, many infrastructure projects are currently facing delays owing to inadequate procurement processes.

"We cannot afford for our industry to be adversely affected by procurement processes that are ill-suited for infrastructure development. Proactive measures to prevent further infrastructure failures are needed, while also stressing the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure," he said.

CESA also continued calling on government to ensure that engineers have a voice in shaping policies that affect their profession and the broader economy, he added.

The critical intersection of leadership, grounded in ethics and transparency, and collaboration is necessary to address systemic issues within the industry, he emphasised.

"Effective leadership is essential not only at executive levels but also among everyday citizens to foster an environment free from corruption. Stakeholder must engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts to combat corruption and enhance service delivery across the sector.

"Leadership rooted in integrity and collaboration is 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 said.