South Africa’s best engineering projects and professionals celebrated at the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026
South Africa's best engineering projects and professionals celebrated at the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026 21 August 2026:
Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), in partnership with Aon South Africa, celebrated the country's leading engineering talent at the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026.
The evening brought together CESA member firms, clients, contractors, government representatives, judges and media to recognise projects and individuals who have set the standard for technical excellence, innovation and integrity in South Africa's built environment.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, held at Vodacom World, in Midrand, CESA CEO Chris Campbell noted, "The projects that were shortlisted demonstrated the extraordinary breadth and capability of South Africa's consulting engineering profession. From essential public infrastructure and transportation systems to water, energy, healthcare and industrial developments, each project reflects the ingenuity, technical expertise and professionalism that define our industry.”
Recognising far more than technical achievement, the awards celebrated partnerships built on trust between consulting engineers, clients, contractors, specialist teams and the many professionals whose collective expertise transforms ambitious ideas into infrastructure that serves society.
Campbell added: “Behind every recognised project and every honoured individual is a simple truth: when engineering is done well, it improves lives. It delivers water where there is scarcity, connects communities through reliable roads, strengthens energy systems, and creates the conditions for dignity, opportunity and growth."
Recipients of the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2026
- Lifetime Industry Achievement Award: Louis Joubert from Zutari
- Projects with a Value Less than R50 million
- Winner: Bigen Africa Services for the Pressure Network Zone Management Project for Sol Plaatje Municipality
- Commendation: Zutari for the Bethlehem Hydro Modernisation Project for Bethlehem Hydro - Serengeti Energy
- Commendation: Naidu Consulting for the Phase 1 Emergency Repairs to the Mbokodweni River Bridge - B1176B on the N2 for SANRAL
- Projects Ranging from R50 million to less than R250 million
- Winner: SMEC South Africa for the Clarence Drive Rehabilitation Works for the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure
- Commendation: Bosch Projects for the Nelson Mandela University Science Centre and Digital Planetarium
- Commendation: SMEC South Africa for the Thembalethu East Reservoir, Elevated Tower and Pumpstation for George Municipality
- Projects Ranging from R250 million to Less than R1-billion
- Winner: WSP Africa for the K73 & Allandale Road Project for the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
- Commendation: AECOM for the R573 Moloto Road Section 2 Upgrade for SANRAL
- Commendation: Atana for the Toyota South Africa Motors’ Parts Warehouse
- Mega Projects – Projects with a value equal to or greater than R1-billion
- Winner: Zutari for the Koruson Main Transmission Substation’s Detailed Design for NTCSA / EDF Power Solutions
- Commendation: Knight Piesold for the Kareer and Tailings Dam Extension for Harmony Gold
- Best International Project
- Winner: Zutari for the Polihali Major Bridges - Senqu Bridge - Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II, for Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, in Lesotho
- Commendation: Knight Piesold for the Cricket Namibia High-Performance Stadium Project, in Namibia
- Commendation: AECOM for the Polihali Western Access Road for Lesotho Highlands Development Authority in Lesotho
- Engineering Technology and Innovation: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):
- Winner - Bigen Africa Services for the Emergency Refurbishment and Reinstatement of the Klipgat Wastewater Treatment Works for the City of Tshwane
- Business Excellence of the Year
- Winner: Bigen Africa Services o Commendation: Knight Piesold
- Mentoring Company of the Year
- Winner: Makhaotse, Narasimulu and Associates
- Commendation: Bigen Africa Services
- Mentor of the Year:
- Winner - Magdeleen Rabé from SMEC South Africa
- Young Engineer of the Year
- Winner: Sachin Ravjee from Zutari
- Commendation: Uzair Muhammed Osman from Bosch Projects
- Commendation: Marizel Pienaar from Bigen Africa Services
- Publisher of the Year – Trade Publications: Creamer Media
- Publisher of the Year – Daily News: Independent Online (IOL)
- Visionary Client of the Year: Western Cape Government: Department of Infrastructure - Transport Infrastructure
Aon South Africa CEO Dr. Nolwandle Mgoqi congratulated all the winners and finalists: “We celebrate more than outstanding projects. We celebrate the people, teams, and visionaries whose work is helping to shape South Africa’s future. You are raising the bar for our industry, inspiring future generations, and helping to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable South Africa.
She added that engineering is often at the heart of progress. “It enables communities to thrive, strengthens critical infrastructure, and helps solve some of our most complex challenges. The excellence we have seen through this year’s finalists is a powerful reminder of the talent, innovation, and commitment that exists within our profession.”
Campbell also acknowledged the challenges still facing the profession and the country. "We must also be honest about the challenges we face. South Africa needs to rebuild technical capability, strengthen maintenance, and invest in the next generation of engineers and artisans. That work takes time, commitment and partnership. But it is work that must be done if we are to secure a better future."
He closed with a message to this year's winners: "Your work matters, and it has a real impact on the country we are building together. Thank you for raising the standard and for showing what is possible when expertise and purpose come together."