The University of Johannesburg’s Postgraduate School of Engineering Management (PSEM) hosted a high-level colloquium on 22 July 2025 at the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus. Titled “Leading Sustainable Engineering in South Africa: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities”, the event convened distinguished leaders, academics, and professionals from the engineering and utility sectors to address pressing national sustainability challenges.
Chaired by Professor Paul Mativenga, the panel featured Ms Refilwe Buthelezi (President, Federation of African Engineering Organisations), Dr Nalini Pillay (President, South African System Dynamics Chapter; Eskom), and Mr Mpheteng Mokubung (Chief Operating Officer, Midvaal Water Company).
Discussions explored how demographic growth, infrastructure demands, and the urgent need for innovative multi-sector partnerships are reshaping the engineering profession in South Africa.
Engaging conversations on sustainable solutions
The colloquium attracted a diverse audience, including postgraduate students, academics, industry experts, and practitioners. Following an insightful panel discussion on infrastructure resilience, governance, ethical leadership, and collaborative strategies, participants engaged in an interactive Q&A session that encouraged open dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The event concluded with a poster exhibition showcasing pioneering research by UJ postgraduate students. These projects highlighted emerging innovations in sustainable engineering, from water and energy solutions to systems thinking approaches for complex infrastructure challenges.
Inspiring the next generation of engineers
For students and young professionals, the colloquium provided an eye-opening experience. It demonstrated how engineering intersects with community impact, policy, and ethics — urging future engineers to integrate systems thinking, policy awareness, and cross-sector collaboration into their practice.
One postgraduate participant reflected:
“The panel discussion about South Africa’s water and electricity challenges was very informative. It motivated me to explore innovative projects with real-world impact. Remote sensing satellite data, for example, could help address our water and energy crises by enabling research-driven solutions to pollution, resource management, and infrastructure security.”
For industry leaders and policymakers, the symposium offered strategic insights into infrastructure planning, research partnerships, and the future of engineering education. As Anele Msomi, H2.SA Technical Advisor at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, noted:
“The urgent call for integrated thinking and collaboration across academia, industry, and public institutions is critical to driving innovation and sustainability — particularly in water, energy, and hydrogen sectors.”
Throughout the day, one message resonated: sustainable engineering success depends on meaningful collaboration. In the words of attendees:
“Colloquium – Where experts of theory and practice meet to shape the success of the future.” – Philip van Rensburg (PhD Student)
“Without collaboration, most efforts will not reach their full potential.” – Thato Wilson (PhD Student)
“Innovative individuals are coming together to make an impact on our communities and future generations.” – Mutshutshu Nephiphidi (Senior Systems Technician, Hartebeesthoek)
Shaping a sustainable future through engineering
The 2025 PSEM Colloquium was more than an academic gathering — it was a call to action. It reinforced that engineering is not only about building systems, but also about building futures.
By fostering dialogue, inspiring innovation, and strengthening partnerships between academia, industry, and professional bodies, UJ’s Postgraduate School of Engineering Management continues to position itself as a leader in shaping sustainable engineering solutions for South Africa’s development agenda.
