MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Attendees at the breakfast hosted by the Southern Cape branch of the South African Institution Of Civil Engineering (SAICE) left both enlightened and inspired.
Firstly, thanks to an insightful presentation by Carel Venter, Director of Planning and Integrated Services at the Mossel Bay Municipality, offering perspectives on development within the greater Mossel Bay area.
This president's breakfast and networking event was hosted at Ilita Lodge last Friday, 29 March.
Mossel Bay on the move
One of the biggest challenges highlighted by Venter is management of the ever expanding informal settlements within the greater Mossel Bay area.
Currently, there 23 informal settlements in the Mossel Bay area under the Upgrade of Informal Settlements Project. Venter pointed out that this is however not a problem unique to Mossel Bay, but other municipalities in the Western Cape are facing similar challenges.
Venter also referred to other housing developments like the Aalwyndal Precint Plan, where higher density housing is planned, as well as the Mountain View Housing Project. The contract for the latter, which includes 1300 units, was awarded last week.
As for the development of the special economic zone with regards to the petrochemical industry and ocean economy, Venter mentioned that pending botanical studies will likely affect the urban development. As for the much discussed development of the port of Mossel Bay and adjacent areas, pending the Brulpadda gas find, Venter said that there are no further decisions made public regarding development prospects.
He said that it is imperative that the municipality understands what might be required in terms of the onshore operations, should Mossel Bay be chosen as the suitable base.
Venter also touched on the establishment of a youth business park as part of the development of the Mayixhale Corridor similar to the set-up at the D'Almeida Beehives on Mossel Street.
As far as the topic of green energy goes, Venter said that the municipality is not aware of any new initiatives presented.
A new world
Brian Downie, SAICE president for 2019 and 116th president of the organisation paid his first visit to the local branch to introduce his theme for the year - It's a new world.
Downie is adamant that young people in South Africa have to be given the knowledge and skills allowing them to manage a rapidly changing world. "We are facing tough times, but this means that we have to prepare for better times."
Downie said that the emerging technologies that cannot be ignored are 3D printing, artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and autonomous vehicles.
He said that the successful implementation of these could threaten jobs like those of factory workers, truck drivers and even some in other professions like radiology and law.
Downie entertained the audience with interesting scenarios and examples regarding the implementation of such technologies.
"As engineers though, we don't focus on problems, we find solutions." According to Downie, education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and employment may hold a solution. Passionate about education, Downie referred to SAICE's involvement, alongside CESA with the Young Einsteins Saturday school programme run in Durban, which has delivered sterling results.
He also introduced the audience to Khan Education, an online education concept used by 59 million in 190 countries, supported by the Gates Foundation among others. The organisation produces short lessons in the form of YouTube videos.
As for developing entrepreneurship, Downie specifically referred to how 3D printing and allied technologies using advanced materials have begun to carve a niche for themselves in the world of manufacturing. "SAICE can assist in this initiative - enabling skills and enterprise development through promoting awareness of the opportunities available."
Employment, Downie pointed out, should be driven by a process of mentoring and he believes that SAICE can play a pivotal role here. Downie referred to empowerment being a process giving new entrants to the job market support in life skills, communication and management, as well as a new approach to mentorship.
"I believe we have 10 vital years to embrace emerging technologies, before it changes our life irrevocably. I do not want anyone to say: 'We had the chance to embrace the new world and we threw it away.'"
RoyalHaskoning DHV's CEO (South Africa) Anke Mastenbroek and Shayla de Carvalho, director of the Advisory Group, Water (South Africa) and colleague Jannie Koegelenberg with SAICE president Brian Downie and Adrian van Molendorff, SAICE chair: Southern Cape at Ilita Lodge last Friday. INSET: SIACE president Robert Downie thanks Carel Venter, Director of Planning and Integrated Services at the Mossel Bay Municipality after his presentation. With them is Adrian van Molendorff, SAICE chair, Southern
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