(Second row centre from left to right) Hon Deputy Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, and CBE Chief Executive, Dr Msizi Myeza. Image credit: CBE

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) hosted the second Built Environment Recognition Awards (BERA) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. 

This prestigious event, themed “Road to professional registration”, underscores the ongoing efforts to promote career advancement and transformation within the built environment sector. The CBE, in collaboration with CETA, extended its deepest gratitude to everyone who made BERA 2024 a resounding success. 

Ministerial directive 

Driven by the Public Works and Infrastructure Ministry’s directive to address the industry’s transformation challenges, BERA aims to implement a skills strategy that streamlines professional registration processes, enhances career pathways for the youth and promotes diversity within the sector.  

The Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dean Macpherson (MP), delivered a virtual address at the event, with invaluable insights into the transformation and sustainability of South Africa’s built environment.  

Speaking to the award winners and nominees, Macpherson said: “Your remarkable achievements embody the professionalism and dedication we need to advance South Africa’s built environment, and achieve our shared vision for turning South Africa into a construction site.” Watch the virtual address here. 

The deputy-minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the significance of professional development in the sector.  

Hon. Sihle Zikalala, speaking at the event, said: “We applaud the CBE swiftly after the policy directive in the 2023 Budget Vote; it established a Built Environment National Logbook to track progress, standardize recognition processes, and strengthen relationships with tertiary institutions and councils.” Image credit: CBE

Annual report 

Despite modest increases in registration numbers, the industry still grapples with racial imbalances, as highlighted in the CBE Annual Report for 2023/24.  

With 62% of professionals identifying as white and only 38% from African, Indian and coloured backgrounds, there is a pressing need for greater representation and diversity within the sector. Additionally, the gender profile reveals an 86% male-dominated membership, underscoring the need for increased female representation and gender parity. 

Collaboration 

The collaboration between the CBE and CETA underscores a strategic partnership committed to advancing transformation and professionalisation within the built environment sector.  

Initiatives like BERA, which aims to recognise outstanding achievements, promote innovation and sustainability. It showcases exemplary projects and individuals, and raises public awareness about the sector’s impact on the quality of life, driving excellence and best practices in the industry. 

See the winners of BERA 2024 across all categories here.  

“The contributions of the CBE and initiatives like this provide the skilled professionals we need to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of public trust,” said Macpherson. 

Closing statements 

The event was closed by CBE chief executive officer, Dr. Msizi Myeza, who congratulated young professionals for obtaining their professional registration status and indicated the CBE’s commitment to supporting the professionalization of the built environment sector. 

The CBE, in collaboration with CETA, welcomed 300 attendees, industry leaders and professionals, academics and stakeholders to BERA 2024, to celebrate the excellence of the built environment sector. 

Full thanks and acknowledgement go to www.cbe.org.za for the information in this article.