Civil Engineering December 2022 | Vol 30 No 11

Civil Engineering December 2022 37 WRC (Water Research Commission) The WRC operates in terms of the Water Research Act (No. 34 of 1791). This Act mandates the WRC to, among other tasks: Q Q Promote coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research and development. Q Q Stimulate and fund water research according to priority. Q Q Promote effective transfer of informa- tion and technology. Q Q Enhance knowledge and capacity building within the water sector. WRC Private Bag X03, Gezina, 0031 T: +27 12 761 9300 E: info@wrc.org.za , W: www.wrc.org.za Bloukrans Building, Lynnwood Bridge Office Park, 4 Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions) SACNASP is the registration and regulatory authority for natural science professionals in South Africa. SACNASP was established in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act (No. 27 of 2003) (hereafter referred to as the NSP Act) as amended by the Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act (No. 7 of 2014). The Council is mandated as the accounting authority to implement the pro- visions of the NSP Act, under the oversight of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. Vision Leading the development and advance- ment of the natural science professions in South Africa. Mission To provide an efficient statutory council for the recruitment, registration, regula- tion and advancement of the natural scientific professionals to ensure high- quality services for economic growth and societal benefit. The strategic objectives of SACNASP are to: Q Q Proactively advise Government and relevant stakeholders on the contribu- tions and role of the natural scientific professions in South Africa. Q Q Enforce high professional and ethical standards for the natural scientific workforce. Q Q Promote the natural science professions and science engagement in South Africa. Q Q Promote the professional development and transformation of the natural sci- ence sector in South Africa. Q Q Foster a culture of good corporate governance. SACNASP Private Bag X540, Silverton, 0127 T: +27 12 748 6500 E: reception@sacnasp.org.za W: www.sacnasp.org.za Suite L4 and U13 Enterprise Building, The Innovation Hub, Mark Shuttleworth Street, Pretoria, 0087 GOVERNMENT AND OTHER STRUCTURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SAICE has a unique position in the sense that it represents individual members of the civil engineering profession while many other bodies represent a focused vocational or industry-specific sector and often have only company membership. This means that SAICE is seen mostly as an organisation that has a broad and independent constituency and can operate from a particular viewpoint and/or independent basis. In order to promote the profession, create understanding and facilitate cred- ible and trustworthy relationships and support systems, SAICE has since 1994 engaged extensively with government structures on a scale that has never been seen before in the long history of the Institution. Regular meetings with Ministers and Departments have been a feature of the SAICE annual calendar since the mid 1990s. SAICE liaises mainly with the following government departments: Q Q Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Q Q Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Q Q Department of Transport Q Q Department of Water and Sanitation Q Q Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Q Q Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Q Q Department of Human Settlements Q Q Department of Basic Education Q Q Department of Higher Education and Training Q Q Department of Science and Innovation SAICE representatives have also made meaningful presentations to the Portfolio Committees of a number of these govern- ment departments, not only to explain the contribution that the civil engineering profession can make, but also to alert the various Committees to the current state of conditions within those particular government sectors, as seen from an engi- neering perspective. SAICE’s liaison with government departments is of extreme importance to the future of the profession and the country alike. NPC (National Planning Commission of South Africa) The NPC was tasked with developing a vision for South Africa in 2030, and a road map to take the country there. They produced the National Development Plan (NDP), adopted in 2012. A third Commission was appointed in 2021 with a broad mandate to promote and advance the implementation of the NDP across different sectors of society. The Commission is currently chaired by the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Mondli Gungubele. NPC Union Buildings, Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001 T: +27 12 312 0234/5 , F: +27 86 683 5479 E: ellen@dpme.gov.za W: www.nationalplanningcommission.org.za : @NPC_RSA : https://www.facebook.com/NDP2030 HRDC (Human Resource Development Council) The HRDC is a national, multi- stakeholder advisory body chaired by the Deputy President of South Africa and managed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. Membership is based on a five-year term and is constituted by a number of govern- ment ministers, senior business leaders, representatives from organised labour and academia as well as civil society who serve on the HRD Council. Vision: Partnering to innovatively develop South Africa’s human potential. Mission: Q Q Advise the government on the HRD Strategy and its priorities. Q Q Identify blockages, provide solutions to unblock them and monitor implemen- tation thereof.