MINISTER DEAN MACPHERSON ENGAGES CLOETESVILLE COMMUNITY IN COMMEMORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Article by Andile Xulu, and Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

25 March 2026

Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala delivered a keynote address at the Inaugural Engineering Symposium held at the Galleria in Sandton on 25 March 2026, under the theme “Empowering Innovation, Inclusion and Impact.”

Opening his address, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting that the platform not only promotes public-private partnerships but also advances dialogue on engineering’s role in sustainable development and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The symposium brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government leaders, academia, industry professionals, and students, creating a platform for engagement, knowledge sharing, and decision-making within the engineering sector.

In his address, Deputy Minister Zikalala underscored the critical role of infrastructure in driving development. He highlighted the need for infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive, stating that it must respond to climate challenges, resource constraints, and rapid urbanisation.

He further outlined the role of the engineering profession in driving innovation, promoting inclusive infrastructure, and contributing to economic growth through the delivery of safe and reliable services.

The Deputy Minister also noted that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is conducting a feasibility study on establishing the Office of the Engineer-General of South Africa, with ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the sector and positioning engineering as a cornerstone of the country’s development.

Concluding his address, he called for transformative and ethical engineering practices that integrate social, environmental, and cultural considerations, urging the profession to lead in building both infrastructure and opportunities for a more equitable future.

The symposium also featured a panel discussion on “Reframing Engineering Education for Resilience, Relevance and Sustainability,” where industry leaders explored the impact of digital innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the role of professional bodies in strengthening the engineering profession.

The event reaffirmed its value as a platform for collaboration, learning, and advancing the future of engineering in South Africa.