Engenius is a nationally coordinated campaign which aims to promote engineering to school learners through collaboration of engineering related organisations such as ECSA and engineering voluntary associations such as SAICE.
If you are interested in studying engineering or would like to assist others in deciding to study engineering then click on the logo to visit the Engenius website for more information!
Once again the SAICE WC Branch Annual Dinner was an evening of exquisite entertainment put together by Marianne Vanderschuren and her team from the WC Branch Committee. John Gilmour the founder, past-principal and Executive Director of LEAP Science and Maths Schools entertained the WC Branch with a very interesting account of his history leading to his involvement with the programme and challenged the audience to take accountability and ask themselves how they can assist too. In a time when any engineer in the country is concerned about South Africa’s schooling system and potential to carry out capacity building, it is great to know that initiatives such as the LEAP Schools exist and are expanding their presence. The WC Branch Committee challenges individuals to take up John’s call and get involved in assisting too.
The SAICE WC Branch Regional Award winners, notably VelaVKE, were also at hand to collect plaques for their entries ‘Buitengragt Pedestrian Bridge’ and ‘Reconstruction of MR 172’ which won the Technical and Community Based categories respectively.
Attendance at the dinner was slightly lower than in previous years, perhaps an indication of the economic outlook we are currently facing in the construction industry, despite this a great time was had by everyone who attended. The WC Branch always appreciates member feedback, so please add your comments below.
All members are invited to nominate members to the SAICE WC Branch Committee for 2012. All grades of membership are eligible for election. The WC Branch Committee comprises of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and sixteen additional committee members to fill various portfolios needed to keep the WC Branch active.
Nominations can be made by completing a Nomination Form and returning to:
SAICE Western Cape Branch Secretary 
Heath Webb
c/o Aurecon
P.O. Box 494, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Email: heath.webb@aurecongroup.com
Fax: +27 (0)86 723 1862
Nominations must arrive no later than 02 November 2011. The Annual General Meeting will take place on 16 November 2011 at the Athenaeum, Newlands, where the 2012 Branch Committee will be elected.
Students interested in getting involved in a SAICE Student Chapter Committee should inquire with the Student Chapter Chairperson at their respective Academic Institutions or via the Contact Page
Alice Chang the SAICE Western Cape Branch Young Members Panel (YMP) Representative is attending the Africa-UK Engineering for Development Partnership, Young Professionals’ Workshop hosted at the University of Botswana Main Campus. The event runs from the 14-16 September 2011. The workshop will focus on the challenges faced by professional engineers in the early stage of their careers across the SADC region. It will also explore ways in which institutions can best attract and harness the energy and enthusiasm of their young members, and how young engineers can make their voices heard. Alice is attending along with several other SAICE Young Members from around South Africa.
For more information regarding the event you can visit the Africa Engineers Forum website and also the SAICE Young Members Panel website.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA & DP) in collaboration with the Western Cape Branch of International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) have decided to present a one day workshop on NEMA and the EIA Regulations. The workshop will be presented in George on the 7th of October. Click to download the notice for more information regarding this event.
Notes from the last Provincial Planning and Development Forum Meeting can be downloaded here in pdf format. If SAICE members have any issues they would like the Forum to deal with, they are welcome to forward these to Steve Fanner.
This article has been adapted from an article originally written by Marie Ashpole published in the June 2011 edition of the SAICE Civil Engineering Magazine.
This book by Tony Murray succeeds in giving a delightful account of a great South African civil engineer and the practice he founded. Anybody interested in civil engineering will find this beautiful publication, with its many photos of dams, hydroelectric, water and waste water schemes, pumped storage schemes, bridges, road projects and many wellknown characters and legends fascinating. This book deals both with the history of Ninham Shand the man, and Ninham Shand the firm he founded.
Publisher: Ninham Shand (Pty) Ltd
ISBN: 978-0-620-47691-1
For more information contact: Suzette.DosSantos@aurecongroup.com
This branch lecture saw William Dachs present a very interesting account of the Gautrain project and Kevin Owen from Upat a very informative and hands-on presentation about the basics of fixing and anchoring technology. The evening was sponsored by Fischer Fixings.
The Provincial Planning and Development Forum has been set up to discuss planning and environmental matters with Minister Bredell and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA & DP), and to explore ways of shortening some of the approval processes. It meets quarterly under the chairmanship of Alwyn Laubscher. Apart from the Minister and representatives from the DEA & DP, the following organisations attended the most recent meeting of the forum: Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF), International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), South African Geomatics Institute (SAGI), South African Association of Professional Planners (SAACPP), South African Planning Institute and (SAPI), South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).
Notes from the last meeting can be downloaded here in pdf format. If SAICE members have any issues they would like the Forum to deal with, they are welcome to forward these to Steve Fanner.
Article written by Alice Chang.
The SAICE UCT Student Chapter hosted its second annual networking cocktail evening on Thursday 4 August in Jameson Hall. Civil engineering students, lecturers and young professionals were all invited. The evening provided a great opportunity for students to meet prospective employees. It also allowed students to learn more about the various companies and what they have to offer in the civil engineering field.
Chairperson of the UCT Chapter, Vafa Naraghi, started off the evening by welcoming all who attended. The students were fortunate to be addressed by Seetella Makhetha, 2011 SAICE President, who gave an inspiring speech to instil pride in the hearts of the young future engineers present. Justin Coetzee from Aurecon, the main sponsor of the event, urged students to maximise their potential, and encourage them to be leading, vibrant and global. Thanks to the sponsors Aurecon, H&I and HHO Africa. Without their support, this event would not have been possible.
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