Consultative Session with Young Professionals in the Built Environment, 25 June 2021

The Department of Public Works in collaboration with Department of Human Settlements convened a meaningful consultative engagement with young professionals in the Built Environment on Friday, 25 June 2021 at Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville. The objectives of the engagement were to identify challenges that continue to confront young people in the built environment sector and identify existing opportunities (both employment and economic) for youth development.

The MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements, Honourable NM ‘Jomo’ Sibiya acknowledged and thanked young professionals from both departments for responding positively to a call and he indicated that “We would have wished there were many more young people among us, however because of Covid 19 National State of Disaster Declarations regulations under Level 3 and the rising numbers of infections, we dare not take that risk.”

MEC Sibiya emphasized that the hastening of the tempo will not apply to service delivery only but would extend to the creation of an enabling and conducive environment for young people to venture into sectors like infrastructure development and construction. He further mentioned that “Today’s consultative workshop is the genesis towards the ultimate objective of ensuring that not a single sector of our economy will remain untouched by the winds of change.”



The day’s programme was directed by Ms Luyanda Kafile from Department of Human Settlements and Ms Nikiwe Mvuyani from Department of Public Works. The programme was well – packed with speaker line – up. Amongst them was Dr Hangwelani Magidimisha who is an academic in the Department of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She encouraged young professionals to continue looking for opportunities that will bring change to their lives. Mr Khetha Zulu who works for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality as Head of Department: Development Planning Services delivered a detailed presentation on processes of registration to Professional Bodies. Lastly, Ms Londeka Zuma; a Property Valuer Intern within KZN Department of Public Works spoke about her journey in attaining her qualification in Property Development and the opportunities available in this sector.

Professionals had a chance to interact with the MEC, opportunities and challenges in the built environment and construction sector were identified and addressed. What became evident was that young professionals within the built environment from both departments were committed in bringing in ground-breaking ideas that will ensure broadening of frontiers for young people in the built environment.

Message from the MEC


 

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