Governance

The governance of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) is based on a structured organisational framework designed to ensure integrity, professionalism, and quality management within the consulting engineering industry.

Key elements of CESA governance include:

• Leadership and Decision-Making: CESA is led by a President and a Board of Directors, who are elected every two years. The governance structure includes a Council, Board committees, and a Management Committee that meet regularly to oversee the organisation's policies and quality management system.
• Administration: Day-to-day operations are managed by a full-time Directorate based in Johannesburg, consisting of approximately 15 staff members.
• Regional Representation: There are twelve active Branch Committees operating in nine provinces throughout South Africa. CESA also has a Young Professionals Forum to nurture emerging engineering talent and promote the profession among younger generations.
• Mandates for Members: Member firms are required to adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance, and implement management systems such as Quality Management System (QMS), Project Sustainability Management System (PSM), and FIDIC Integrity Management System (FIMS).
• Strategic Focus: CESA’s governance emphasises sustainable transformation, upholding professionalism, supporting members and clients (particularly in procurement), and building partnerships with government and stakeholders.
• External Relations: CESA is the sixth largest member of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and participates actively in regional committees such as FIDIC Africa.
• Membership Requirements: Firms must meet certain standards including standing/experience, adherence to ethical practices, and professional indemnity coverage to obtain and retain membership.
• Role in the Industry: CESA acts as a voice for consulting engineering firms, providing a platform for addressing industry concerns, sharing information, and optimising infrastructure project delivery in both public and private sectors.

This governance framework ensures that CESA plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the consulting engineering profession in South Africa, supporting its members, and engaging with broader industry and governmental stakeholders.