Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has welcomed the recently announced changes to the National Executive.

In a statement released after the cabinet reshuffle, the industry body said it particularly happy with the reappointment of highly respected and competent ministers to the critical portfolios of Public Enterprises and Finance.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the cabinet reshuffle on Monday evening with the news that Nhlanhla Nene would once again assume the role of Minister of Finance while Pravin Gordhan would be returning to a cabinet position as Minister of Public Enterprises.

“Both Minister Gordhan and Nene have a challenging task ahead of them to get both South Africa’s State Owned Enterprises as well our economy on an upward curve again. CESA is confident however that under the stewardship of both these ministers, positive international sentiment and hence investment will begin to flow once again,” CESA explained.

Expediting NDP goals

The organisation further noted the reappointment of Minister Thulas Nxesi to the Ministry of Public Works and said it is critical that service delivery through infrastructure investment and rollout is expedited to ensure that the goals of the National Development Plan are achieved in as short a time as possible.

“We expect to see this actioned with more vigour than was the case when he previously held this portfolio,” the organisation added.

Prioritising service delivery

CESA also welcomed the President’s intention to review the number and size of cabinet and said it was encouraged by the commitment shown to streamlining the executive in order to prioritize service delivery and accountability to the people.

“CESA remains committed to the same ideals as espoused by the President in the most recent state of the nation address.  CESA comprises over 540-member firms, who employ more than 22000 staff in the engineering sector and the organisation stands willing and able to take up the challenge posed by the president,”the organisation concluded.