Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) hosted the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2025, last week at Vodacom World, in Midrand. This is part one of a two-part series.
The various award winners. Supplied by CESA
This prestigious annual ceremony recognises the projects, people and partnerships that are shaping South Africa’s infrastructure landscape, while underscoring the fundamental role of consulting engineers in driving sustainable economic and social development.
Now in its 53rd year, the awards remain the pinnacle of recognition in the engineering industry, highlighting not only technical excellence but also the collaborative spirit and innovation that underpin long-term development.
Speaking at the awards, Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA, noted that the event was about more than infrastructure: “Tonight, we gather to honour excellence – not just in infrastructure, but in the people, partnerships and purpose that power our industry. The projects we celebrate remind us that when engineers are enabled to lead, when collaboration is prioritised, and when excellence is the standard, we see meaningful impact.”
He emphasised that: “Each project is a catalyst for jobs, investment and opportunity. The 2025 awards highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in engineering. As our industry embraces integrated lifecycle approaches and sustainable design, this year’s finalists and winners showcase those who are not only building infrastructure but embracing a forward-thinking vision that will drive South Africa’s infrastructure transformation.”
Nolwandle Mgoqi, CEO of Aon South Africa – which has been a platinum sponsor for the awards for over three decades – stated: “Congratulations to distinguished recipients of the 2025 CESA Engineering Excellence Awards. These accolades serve to acknowledge the visionary individuals shaping our built environment and infrastructure, contributing to the advancement of our economy.”
“Our longstanding partnership with CESA is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting the engineering sector and to celebrating excellence in the accomplishments of every awardee and finalist. These awards underscore the profound impact of engineering excellence and the fundamental role that consulting engineers play in driving societal progress and economic growth,” Mgoqi added.
Recipients of the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2025
The CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards 2025 honoured winners across multiple categories – from groundbreaking mega-projects to young engineers – recognising the vision, skill and teamwork of consulting engineers across the country.
Lifetime Industry Achievement Award
- Ralph Heath from WSP.
Best International Project
- Winner: BIGEN for upgrading of the railway line between Walvis Bay and Kranzberg in Namibia for the Ministry of Works and Transport Namibia.
- Commendation: Knight Piésold for the Karowe Diamond Mine Fine Residue Deposit Project in Botswana for Lucara Botswana.
- Commendation: SMEC South Africa for the upgrading of Ha Mpiti to Sehlaba-Thebe Road in Lesotho for the Lesotho Roads Directorate.
Source: Supplied by CESA
