Civil Engineering July 2022 | Vol 30 No 6

48 July 2022 Civil Engineering Sinothi Ndlovu Pr CPM, Pr Tech Eng Portfolio: Awards Sinothi is the CEO of Dlamindlovu Consulting Engineers and Project Managers. He is involved in planning and designing various programmes and proactively monitoring their progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective action. One of the highlights of his career was being a project manager for the construction of the Bizana Dam, a project worth over R1 bil- lion, and leading a multi-disciplinary team. He enjoys seeing a plan he’s developed come together. Sinothi says seeing the team plan work out is a luxury for project managers. The sense of realisation that everything goes as initially planned gives a good bounce and an increase in mo- tivation. “The best part of the job is the self-satisfaction at the end of the project when looking back at the final product of your hard work and giving yourself and the team a pat on the back for a job well done.” Pfarelo Leonard Raluswinga Pr CPM Leonard is senior construction project manager for the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, where he is responsible for taking projects from initial stage to completion, understanding all aspects of the project lifecycle and delivery mechanisms in line with the client’s and agreed operational parameters. Leonard is responsible for project delivery in terms of leader- ship and management, and oversees project operations with all key personnel reporting to him. He supports his team as the project team leader by providing mentorship and guidance, while strategically and tactically leading all aspects of operation. In this regard he supports and represents the Department and is responsible for governance and adherence to client and employer procedures. He is also responsible for interfacing with and representing external stakeholders and building solid relationships for project success. One of the highlights of his career was being part of the infrastructure development team for the construction of Sol Platjie University in Kimberley. Leonard says that being a project manager is always chal- lenging, as every project has its own dynamics and requires its own unique solution. “This makes it exciting as you learn new things every day.” Taka Sande PMP Portfolios: Marketing and communication, and education and training Taka is a director of Fasford SA, as well as a non-executive director and advisor for various other organisations. He has extensive leadership experience in execu- tive management and corporate govern- ance, offering advisory services to private sector organisations, state-owned enterprises and government departments. Taka has been involved in many infrastructure projects from feasibility study to financial planning, designing, construction supervision and maintenance of infrastructure assets. This includes project preparation and packaging, project management, infrastructure asset management, infrastructure finance and professional assistance to local governments. Project management delivers value and creates impact, making it an integral part of economic growth and develop- ment. “Through good project management practices within the infrastructure space, we can turn around the economy of South Africa.” Sharon Shunmugam Pr Tech Eng, Pr CPM, PMP, FSAICE Portfolio: Marketing and communications, and awards Sharon is a registered professional technologist, professional construction project manager and project management professional with 17 years of experience and holds a master’s in business leader- ship. Her extensive experience includes project management, programme management, and civil and structural engineering in both the public and the private sectors in many provinces across South Africa. Her involvement on projects and programmes has been from the pre-feasibility stage to feasibility, conceptual design, detailed design, construction supervision and close out. Sharon is a strong proponent of empowerment and mentor- ship. Her empowerment goals are delivered through the initia- tives she leads at the SAICE Durban Branch as the chairperson. The Durban Branch was since awarded Branch of the Year 2021. She has attained Fellow status at SAICE and was elected onto the Executive Board. Sharon enjoys the interaction with people and that there is always room for surprises, challenges and rewards on each new day on a project. She also likes to align different ideas and mind- sets to eventually achieve a common goal. Debbie Besseling Debbie has worked as a consultant to SAICE for nine years and is the technical divisions administrator for a number of SAICE’s divisions. With her extensive experience in public relations, com- munications, events management and publishing, Debbie specialises in the more technical fields of engineering and mining. For the SAICE Project Management & Construction Division specifically, she works on a number of portfolios including marketing and communications, as well as events and site visits. She constantly strives to raise the bar for the divisions whose aim is serve the members of SAICE, as well as the civil engineering sector. Other committee members: Tsebo Koena