South Africa must not only build more infrastructure, but must also ensure that it creates the skills, experience and opportunities needed to sustain the country’s future in the process, says industry organisation Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) president Dr Vishal Haripersad.
“Infrastructure investment should deliberately incorporate skills transfer, local content, artisan development and mentorship so that projects build people alongside the physical assets they deliver,” he adds.
For young graduates, including engineers, the absence of opportunities, mentorship and practical experience can become a barrier between completing their studies and becoming active contributors to the economy, he points out.
“South Africa cannot afford to leave a generation of young professionals on the sidelines while the country grapples with a deepening unemployment crisis and a shortage of engineering skills,” he emphasises.
South Africa’s planned infrastructure investment presents an opportunity to tackle the challenges of unemployment and a shortage of engineering skills at once.
