MEDIA STATEMENT

Date: 27 June 2024
To: All media
Embargo: For Immediate Release

CBE LAUNCHED THE COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT YOUTH ASSEMBLY

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) successfully launched the Council for the Built Environment Youth Assembly on June 21, 2024, at the Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria-West Campus.

The event attracted over 200 students, academics, and industry stakeholders who convened to promote the empowerment, engagement, and advancement of students and young professionals in the Built Environment field.

The Youth Assembly is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, encouraging active involvement among young people, and providing chances to interact with industry leaders. Its objectives include developing leadership abilities, enhancing personal growth, and motivating youths to be conscientious and active members of society. The Assembly will serve as a forum for expressing issues, exchanging stories, and suggesting solutions to address diverse social, environmental, and economic issues..

Through this initiative, the CBE hopes to bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing the next generation of professionals for successful careers in the field, while capacitating them own their voice in offering innovative solutions to the challenges the youth encounters. With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, the Youth Assembly is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment for all young people interested in pursuing a career in the Built Environment. This is achieved by conducting workshops and seminars that provide them with the essential skills and knowledge for professional and personal growth.

The event showcased presentations from key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), the South African Institute of Architectural Technologists (SAIAT), the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), and the National School of Government (NSG). These presentations shed light on the various opportunities and challenges that young people encounter in the sector, emphasising the significance of professional registration, financial support, and ethical governance. Additionally, the event featured a panel discussion with industry experts who shared their experiences and provided guidance for successfully navigating the industry. Participants were invited to pose questions and interact with the speakers, enhancing their understanding of the diverse career options within the Built Environment. In summary, the launch provided invaluable insights and resources for youths aspiring to pursue a career in the Built Environment.

The event also featured a panel discussion highlighting the significance of professional registration for the youth and recent graduates. The discussion was led by the Student Forum Chairperson from the TUT Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, with participation from representatives of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), the South African Council for Project and Construction Managers Professions (SACPCMP), and the South African Geomatic Council (SAGC). The panel underscored the advantages of professional registration, including enhanced credibility and industry recognition. Council representatives shared insights from their experiences and motivated emerging professionals to seek registration as a means to distinguish themselves in the competitive job market. The event presented an invaluable chance for the youth to gain knowledge about the diverse routes and prerequisites for achievement in the Built Environment field.

Ms Thembakazi Moya , the Chief Transformation Officer of the CBE, highlighted the significance of empowering youth to spearhead innovation, stimulate economic growth, and foster sustainable development within South Africa’s infrastructure and built environment.

1. Establishing a strong support system for young professionals via partnerships among government, private sector, and industry stakeholders.
2. Empowering young people to contribute to programs and solutions within their sectors.
3. Promoting social inclusion and community development through the participation of youth.
4. Encouraging active engagement in the Youth Assembly by signing up for the Built Environment National Logbook (BENL)

Ms. Moya, affirmed the CBE’s commitment to the success of the Youth Assembly and unlocking the potential of youth in the built environment sector.

Students, graduates, and anyone in the built environment are encouraged to register on the Built Environment National Logbook (BENL) to access a wide range of opportunities. !Link (CBE) The Built Environment National Logbook

ENDS

About the CBE:

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is a Schedule 3A Public Entity that reports to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. It is a regulatory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act 43 of 2000 (the CBE Act) that coordinates the following six Councils for the Built Environment Professions – Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Property Valuers, Project and Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying – and through memoranda of understanding these include Town and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, and Environmental Assessment.

The CBE was established for the purpose of instilling good conduct within the Built Environment Professions, mobilising transformation in the Built Environment Professions, protecting the interest of the public in the Built Environment and advising the South African Government on Built Environment related issues. For more information visit: www.cbe.org.za

Issued by:
Dr Msizi Myeza
Chief Executive Officer
Council for the Built Environment
Tel: 012 346 3985
www.cbe.org.za

Enquiries:
Ms Nosizwe Mokoena
Strategic Support and Engagement Specialist
Mobile : 078 415 9211
Email : nosizwe@cbe.org.za

Ms Sinah Ndala
Communications Associate
Mobile : 078 423 1942
Email : sinah@cbe.org.za