Civil Engineering March 2021 | Vol 29 No 2

Civil Engineering March 2021 9 now become the biggest investor in the civil construction industry, surpassing general government and public entity investments for the first time. This is abnormal and is indicative of the ability and willingness of the public sector to prioritise its mandate. In parallel, much work also needs to be done in the private sector. Financial gains, greed, unethical behaviours and posi- tioning, conscious opting to give poor advice, client manipulation, poor or overdesigned infrastructure, misunderstanding and interpretation of the need for transformation, exploitation of legal avenues, as well as very highly discounted bidding are just some of the areas that need introspection. A new dawn is required that finds the private and public sector having true regard, respect and trust, with a balanced understanding of the business of infrastructure provision. In all cases, solutions have to be optimal or they lead to sys- temic inflation in the cost of doing business in the country, thereby compromising resilience and sustainability. The private sector has to refocus on ethics and how it has regard for the long-term sus- tainability of the public sector. Respect and trust have to become the order of the day. SAICE’S STANCE It is the opinion of SAICE that the professionalisation of the public service will take many years as many will initially be unsupportive and sceptical. SAICE therefore suggests that joint initiatives be developed for implementation in the short term. To support these initiatives at the individual and collective level, the construction industry’s main stakeholders must be involved. This should include Voluntary Associations, the Engineering Council of South Africa and the Council for the Built Environment, at a minimum. Transforming human behaviour is a difficult task as change is not easy to accept and embrace. Typically, strong leadership is re- quired to achieve behavioural change. Should leaders in the sector embrace the concept of professionalism in leading by example, we will certainly create our economic success story as a country with a brighter future for the next generation to inherit. A public sector committed to good governance improves the quality of service, and creates an empowering environment for its society and the satisfaction thereof. SAICE is well-positioned to provide a meaningful contribution to the professionalisation of the public service as we have been part of an ongoing initiative to support professionals in the industry. SAICE is therefore well-aware of what it takes to become professional, and re-affirms its call for going back to basics. Accelerated and efficient infrastructure procurement and roll- out, addressing the current fiscal imbalance in the economy, and achieving the objectives of the NDP require a strategic focus not only on the short-term, but also the medium- to long-term delivery of basic services in South Africa. It is an economic imperative that stakeholders gain a mean- ingful appreciation for the need to professionalise the public service in so far as infrastructure is concerned. As postulated by the PSC, the proposed professionalisation initiative has encapsulated many objectives which all seek to assist in the economic recovery process by giving greater certainty that we will prevail.  Vishaal Lutchman Pr Eng, PMP vishaal@saice.org.za BRAVE/6737/MOM/E Think of it as life cover for your income. Income protection covers a key element of your success – earning power. Momentum’s innovative income protection covers it better than any other – by being flexible enough to meet your unique, changing needs. Terms and conditions apply. Momentum is part of Momentum Metropolitan Life Limited, an authorised financial services and registered credit provider. Reg. No. 1904/002186/06. By adding our Permanent Disability Enhancer, you can choose between a monthly income, lump-sum payout or a combination of both when you have a qualifying claim. If you choose a monthly payout, but pass away before the end of the benefit term, the remaining payouts will be paid to your beneficiaries. Get the most comprehensive, flexible income cover available. Contact your Financial Adviser and move to momentum.co.za Here for your journey to success