The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (UCT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 29 September 2025, that will redefine the relationship between academia, government, and the built environment sector.

The MoU with UCT and other academic institutions establishes a framework to:

  • Elevate knowledge into impact: turning cutting-edge research into evidence-based policy and practice through CBE’s coordination of the professional councils.
  • Strengthening the skills pipeline: creating pathways for students and young professionals into work-integrated learning, candidate programmes, and ultimately professional registration.
  • Champion transformation: supporting historically underprivileged institutions and designated groups, ensuring that the built environment becomes a driver of equity and opportunity.
  • Lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: embedding indigenous knowledge, digital innovation, alternative building materials, and climate resilience at the heart of professional training and practice.

Dr Msizi Myeza, CEO of the CBE, described the agreement as “a partnership that embodies the spirit of the Ministerial Dialogue with Deans and Heads of schools of built environment faculties who committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice.  Therefore, the signing of this MOU is more than an agreement, it is a commitment for joint implementation of tangible programmes transform South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.”

UCT’s Dean, Professor Aubrey Mainza, added: “Our faculty is committed not only to academic excellence but to shaping solutions for the real challenges facing our country and continent. This collaboration with the CBE ensures that our students and researchers are directly contributing to national priorities and global goals.”

As the ink dries on this MoU, one thing is clear: the future of South Africa’s infrastructure is not just being built; it is being reimagined.

 

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

Manager – Marketing, Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Mobile: 078 415 9211

Email: nosizwe@cbe.org.za

 

Ms Sinah Ndala

Communications Practitioner

Email: sinah@cbe.org.za