Our Impact
Discover some of the impactful projects SAICE-PDP has undertaken
Pr Tech Eng Civil, HOD Civil & Structural Engineering, 2BLN (Pty) Ltd
The Candidate Academy’s Road to Registration course facilitators go out of their way to support delegates on their journey towards professional registration.
Caroline Shilubane attended the Road to Registration for Candidates course in March 2023 and received detailed feedback from Allyson Lawless on the draft documentation she submitted for the course.
She recently registered as a Pr Tech Eng Civil. Here is her success story:
“Good day, Allyson and Lizélle,
I’m excited to share some wonderful news with you — today, I am proud to say that I am officially registered as a Professional Civil Engineering Technologist.
Your support and encouragement through my application journey played a significant role in this achievement, and I’m truly grateful.
I still recall one of the “Road to Registration for Professionals” training sessions, where you challenged us to build a tower using any reusable material. That seemingly simple exercise left a lasting impression on me. It taught me valuable lessons about resilience and vision — that even when we build and fall, we must continue striving and never give up.
Please continue to be a guiding force in our profession, uplifting and inspiring us as young engineers. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed; your trainings have been instrumental in helping us understand our direction and purpose in this industry.
I sincerely thank God for your presence and impact in our field.
Caroline Shilubane”
Congratulations, Caroline!
- Focus on demonstrating competence
- Work proactively to meet the registration outcomes
- Leverage structured guidance to navigate the process with clarity
– Pr Eng Stefanutti Stocks Africa
“I once believed that consulting experience was necessary for ECSA registration, particularly in responding to Group A outcomes Engineering problem solving. However, attending the SAICE-PDP Candidate Academy’s Road to Registration course in September 2023 changed my perspective.
Guided by Dr. Allyson Lawless, I gained clarity on the registration process and realized that competence—not job title—determines success.
The course helped me identify and address Group A outcomes from my own experience on various sites, focusing on problem identification and solving complex engineering challenges. Working on-site, I developed practical solutions in dynamic environments, demonstrating professional competence outside of traditional consulting roles.
From March 2024, I refined my reports using the guidance of Dr. Allyson Lawless, ensuring each ECSA outcome was met. Stewart Gibson further reviewed my reports before submission, providing valuable feedback that strengthened my application. By June 2024, I submitted my application with confidence, leading to a successful registration outcome.
This achievement would not have been possible without the encouragement of my wife, Molebogeng, whose unwavering support motivated me to start this journey.
My experience reinforced that professional registration is achievable across different disciplines—whether in consulting, construction, or government. The Road to Registration course was instrumental in demystifying the process, replacing uncertainty with confidence.”
Congratulations, Nduvho!
ENERGYS: Igniting Change in Local Government
The ENERGYS program, launched in 2006/2007, deployed over 200 engineers, graduates, and students to 72 municipalities across the country. These young professionals tackled critical service delivery challenges in underperforming areas, while simultaneously honing their own skills.
The program proved a resounding success. Many ENERGYS participants have since advanced to leadership roles within local government, having completed their BTechs and taken on greater responsibilities.
The impact was significant: new infrastructure was built, essential maintenance was carried out, communities were empowered through training, and robust systems were put in place to ensure long-term sustainability.
Empowering Municipalities: A Decade of Impact
From 2006 to 2011, a team of talented civil and electrical engineers, town planners, graduates, and students were deployed to Gauteng municipalities. This initiative facilitated the drafting of nearly R4 billion worth of work scopes, paving the way for crucial infrastructure development and addressing the critical backlog of service delivery.
Beyond infrastructure development, this program focused on mentorship and skills transfer. Senior engineers guided and coached in-house staff, students, and graduates, enabling many to graduate and achieve professional registration.
This successful model was re-launched in late 2020 with a renewed focus on addressing critical challenges such as water and electricity losses. The program now actively supports the expansion of bulk services to accommodate growing housing and industrial developments.
CETA Candidacy Phase Support Programme
A Landmark Achievement:
Paving the Way for Candidate Development
SAICE-PDP experienced a significant milestone in 2012 with the award of funding for the inaugural CETA Candidacy program. This marked a turning point, as it was the first time the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) directly funded candidate development – a goal SAICE-PDP had long championed. Since then, SAICE-PDP has leveraged CETA funding to empower consultants, contractors, and municipalities to develop and implement robust training plans for their aspiring engineers. Our role has extended beyond funding, encompassing the training of in-house supervisors and mentors to effectively guide candidates and ensure they gain the necessary experience. To date, we have supported over 150 candidates across approximately 30 companies. Witnessing the first candidate achieve professional registration in July 2014 was a momentous occasion, and this success story continues to unfold as more candidates successfully navigate the path to registration. Recently, our scope has expanded to include support for metros and civil engineering staff within parastatals, further solidifying our commitment to developing a highly skilled and competent engineering workforce.
LGSETA BTech Bursary Scheme
Cultivating Future Leaders in Local Government
SAICE-PDP boasts a long history of success in managing bursary programs. In 2005, we were entrusted with the administration of the LGSETA BTech bursary scheme. For a decade, we played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of civil and electrical engineers within local government. This program not only provided financial support but also fostered a commitment to public service. Bursary recipients signed an agreement to serve their respective municipalities for three years after graduation, fostering a sense of loyalty and dedication. The impact has been significant. Over 103 municipal employees successfully completed their BTech degrees, many of whom now hold key positions within their respective municipalities. This program has not only strengthened the engineering capacity of local government but also cultivated a new generation of committed and skilled professionals.
Young Professionals Programme
Pioneering Professional Development
SAICE-PDP, as a co-leader in the DBSA Young Professionals Programme, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of public sector engineering. From 2008 to 2011, over 100 ambitious graduates in civil engineering and town planning embarked on a transformative journey towards professional registration.
This innovative program went beyond traditional training. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, it focused on both technical skills and crucial soft skills. Mentors, sourced from diverse locations across the country – from bustling cities to the serene Drakensberg – guided these young professionals.
To ensure comprehensive development, the program facilitated secondments to professional service providers, water boards, and soil laboratories when in-house opportunities were limited. This hands-on experience, coupled with rigorous training and dedicated mentorship, empowered these graduates to thrive.
The results speak for themselves. 28 graduates achieved professional registration during the program, and many more have since joined their ranks. Today, these graduates are leaders in their fields, holding key positions within local government.
Professionalisation in the Eastern Cape
Empowering Engineers
Recognizing the need to enhance professional standards in the Eastern Cape, SAICE-PDP was entrusted with a crucial mission. From 2013 to 2015, we assembled a team of seasoned engineers to develop tailored professionalization programs for provincial departments, municipalities, and the Coega Development Corporation.
Our approach was multi-faceted:
Comprehensive Assessments: We began by carefully assessing the skills and experience of each individual engineer.
Personalized Development Plans: Based on these assessments, we created customized training and development plans to address individual needs and bridge any gaps.
Dedicated Mentorship: Our team provided ongoing mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job supervision to guide engineers on their professional journey.
The results speak for themselves. Over 40 engineers successfully achieved professional registration, and many more have followed in their footsteps. This initiative not only empowered individual engineers but also strengthened the engineering capacity within the Eastern Cape.
Gauteng CoGTA Professionalisation Programme
Bridging the Gap: Empowering Experienced Engineers in Gauteng
In 2015, SAICE-PDP embarked on a critical mission: to help experienced engineers in Gauteng municipalities achieve professional registration with ECSA.
A concerning decline in registered professionals, attributed to a wave of retirements, demanded urgent action.
Our program aimed to empower these seasoned engineers by:
Comprehensive Assessments:
Conducting thorough assessments to evaluate each candidate’s readiness for registration.
Personalized Guidance:
Providing personalized guidance and support, including career advice and access to relevant training courses.
Streamlining the Registration Process:
Assisting candidates with navigating the often-complex registration procedures.
The results were impressive. We exceeded our initial target, receiving 46 applications. Fred Fryer from Ekurhuleni Metro, one of the first to achieve registration, shared, “With the support and guidance provided, I was able to successfully navigate the registration process with ease.” Kenneth Masiagwala from the City of Tshwane echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for seizing this valuable opportunity.
This initiative not only boosted the number of registered professionals in Gauteng but also revitalized the careers of many experienced engineers.
LGSETA Candidate Support Programmes
Empowering the Future of Local Government: SAICE-PDP and the LGSETA Candidacy Program
The program’s initial cohort comprised 133 ambitious individuals. Over the years, we have expanded our reach, supporting well over 200 candidates on their professional development journeys.
We understand that balancing professional development with demanding day-to-day responsibilities can be challenging. To address this, we have implemented innovative mentorship strategies to support candidates in their studies and guide them through the ECSA registration process.
The impact of this program has been significant. By addressing critical challenges in areas such as electrical reticulation, water and wastewater treatment, road maintenance, and waste management, these professionals are better equipped to serve their communities.
Beyond direct mentorship, SAICE-PDP played a vital role in advising LGSETA on the selection and support of other professional bodies, further expanding the program’s reach to include GIS, construction, and planning professionals. An additional 150 professionals from these disciplines have benefited from this collaborative effort.
National Treasury ISDG Support
Guiding the Future: Developing a Quality Assurance Framework for the ISDG
Our Academies offers cutting edge, hands on training and expert Mentorships
SAICE-PDP is a non-profit championing engineering excellence, empowering engineers. Empower engineers in South Africa and beyond with targeted training and development programs.
SAICE-PDP adapted to the “New Normal” by adding new courses to address contractual and project challenges.
Our online courses are now accessible on SAICE and CESA websites, catering to individual and company needs.
You can join facilitator-led courses from anywhere!
