Civil Engineering May 2021 | Vol 29 No 4

Civil Engineering May 2021 7 accommodate those that do not have jobs or cannot work. Our current status of state institutions that have not fulfilled their developmental mandate, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, will yield even greater inequality with the decline in society’s well-being. Our social compact has to address wage and income inequality if we hope to create an egalitarian society. Due to a lack of equitable wages, we have a society with many that are vulnerable due to inconsistent or unstable work. South Africa does provide welfare to those that are vulnerable, which assists to close the inequality gap, but such welfare remains insufficient. In a disparate society such as ours we will not be able to progress equality should we deregulate labour. The opportunity lies in growing and maintaining strong institu- tions that create employment opportunities, thus requiring less redistribution. Should we be able to progress wage and income inequality, I think we have a chance of improving social cohesion and resilience. Social cohesion allows for us to collectively deal with risks caused by future pandemics, for example. The government response to the current pandemic suggests a lack of social cohesion, which distracts from effective implementa- tion due to the breakdown of trust. Parties that embrace amicable relationship building in the spirit of social compacts will see a reduction in conflict, crisis and maleficence, which appear to be the order of the day. At a strategic level, the benefits of creating meaningful rela- tionships with the government specifically lead to the proactive and positive mindset in soliciting private sector participation in infrastructure projects. Integrity and professionalism go a long way in attracting the private sector to opportunities. As it applies to our ERRP, it is confirmed that policy certainty is a prerequisite to such funding mechanisms that make for suc- cessful public-private partnerships, among others. SAICE’s COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENT SAICE has always cooperated and supported partnerships with the government in the past, and we have a successful track record in this regard. However, as of late, an appreciation for such relationships has waned. Should there be the will from the government to generally accept the need and benefits of social compacting, we remain prepared to unreservedly recommence our contributions to such a relationship. SAICE will continue to engage with the government departments responsible for infrastructure development with our members’ needs in mind. There are many issues currently plaguing our members on the back of a low growth economy and the pandemic, which are common to business, labour and civil society. We will endeavour to sign MOUs (social compacts) that enable solutions to come to the fore to progress issues into fruitful initiatives. In conclusion, I recommend that members take care to continue to build positive relationships with our colleagues, organisations and clients in support of the greater good to build our country in the way we would like to see it. While we may not achieve all our goals within this generation, I am sure that we will create a legacy that we can leave for young engineers to carry forward in their journeys to make a great South Africa that we can all be proud of.  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