As Built Environment Professionals—architects, town planners, engineers, quantity surveyors, land surveyors, environmental practitioners, construction and project managers and more—our role and responsibility extend far beyond the realms of mere bricks and mortar, artistic designs, or infrastructural layouts. The depth and gravity of our work bury themselves within the very fabric of society, acting as the backbone upon which communities can thrive. The Constitution of the Republic bounds us like a contractual oath.

Recognising the historical injustices and prevailing social inequalities isn’t where our duty ends. Our calling is to unravel this tightly knitted historical narrative, meticulously picking apart these threads of disparity and reconstructing a tale that echoes, ‘𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏’.

Our work stands as a physical testament to resilience and hope, a beacon illuminating the future’s path. We plant the seeds of possibility, allowing each citizen to bloom and contribute to the glorious tapestry of our Rainbow Nation.

We are entrusted with the task to rebuild, reconstruct, and reimagine. Indeed, we are crafting the landscapes of dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Through every beam we install and every city structure we plan, we consistently strive towards unshackling the latent potential in every individual.

As we intertwine the threads of unity, imbibe democratic principles, and mould an inclusive society, it is crucial to remember that we aren’t mere constructors. We are the builders of a nation.

Treading through challenging terrains, we remain undeterred, for our philosophy extends beyond just erecting structures. We are crafting an inclusive, integrated, and forward-looking society, resilient in the face of adversities.
Let us use our collective expertise to shape a South Africa that respects its past and uses lessons derived from it to steer towards a future that resonates with potential and prosperity.

About the Author:

Dr. Msizi Myeza is a Town Planner by profession and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Built Environment. He writes here as a serving public sector official

Issued by:
Dr Msizi Myeza
Chief Executive Officer
Council for the Built Environment
Tel: 012 346 3985

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