Civil Engineering October 2021 | Vol 29 No 9

Civil Engineering October 2021 7 those firms and individuals that make the investment of time and effort to do so. As we now participate in a constantly evolving work environment, institutions that take advantage of technology en- hancements will ensure practitioners are up to speed with the latest technologies as well as skills that are relevant in the current era. Notwithstanding the many opportunities that exist to promote the deployment of technology, we do not really have a choice but to advance. If we don’t, we risk obsolescence, being slow in delivery of infrastructure, and delivering relatively higher-cost infrastructure with unnecessary impacts on inflation in tariffs. It is therefore vital that we keep abreast of the latest technologies while seeking to constantly integrate them within our businesses in a calculated manner. SUPPORTING GRADUATES SAICE is committed to aiding graduates through support to professional registration, mentorship support, and assistance with employment opportunities. Such support is legitimised by ECSA’s recognition of SAICE as a voluntary association. While SAICE supports civil engineering practitioners in preparation for professional registration, ECSA is responsible for ensuring that practitioners are competent to continue practicing independently. The recent promulgation of the Identification of Engineering Work gives some insights into the type of work cat- egories applicable to graduates. Effective implementation of the Identification of Engineering Work will transform how and what we practice. In collaboration with ECSA, SAICE will converge on the methodology to be adopted to implement regulations. Furthermore, SAICE, in conjunction with ECSA, has developed the Overarching Code of Practice and the Discipline Code of Practice in the relevant civil engineering disciplines. CONCLUSION The topic of professionalism is not only a SAICE responsibility nor only an ECSA responsibility. As a community of civil engi- neering practitioners, it is our joint responsibility as citizens of South Africa. No number of regulations will convert us into pro- fessional, ethical beings. It is a choice we make to walk the talk we choose. As much as it may hurt to see others choosing differently, our resolve to manufacture an improved future for our fellow South Africans must keep us headstrong and unwavering in our belief that being a professional matters. Vishaal Lutchman SAICE CEO vishaal@saice.org.za Mafule Moswane is passionate about youth activism and development, as well as facilitating access, retention, and success of young people in higher education institutions. He is a social activist and youth leader as well as a writer, researcher and avid reader ( mafule12@gmail.com ) . AutoCAD ® World-Leading CAD Software WaterMate Water Reticulation Design SurfMate Survey & Digital Terrain Modelling AeroTURN Aircraft Movement & Space Analysis RebarMate Reinforced Concrete Detailing & Scheduling Autodesk Civil 3D ® Site Development & Transportation AutoTURN Vehicle Manoeuvre Simulation & Analysis DatumMate Datum Conversion of Drawings RoadMate Urban & Rural Road Design ParkCAD Automated Parking Area Layouts Architecture Engineering & Construction Collection PipeMate Sewer & Stormwater Design and Analysis