It has been two months since I first walked into the EWB-SA office at Tshimolong Precinct, excited for my next chapter as CEO. These past few weeks were spent interacting with the team, connecting with the board members, meeting some of the student chapter chairs and representatives of partner organisations, as well as those we hope to forge new connections with. Each meeting, conversation and challenge confirmed that I am honored to lead this organization dedicated to harnessing the power of engineering to create positive change in our communities.
Scaling Infrastructure for Lasting Impact
One of our primary goals is to make a tangible and lasting impact on the communities we serve. To achieve this, we are focusing on scaling our existing infrastructure projects. By connecting with our existing members and broadening our volunteer base, we aim to leverage our available expertise and partnerships to address more challenges and touch more lives as we extend the reach of our projects. With a collaborative and solution-driven approach, we are committed to ensuring that our projects have a far-reaching impact, creating sustainable improvements for those in need.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Engineers
Student chapters are the lifeblood of our organisation. They are the incubators of innovation and the training grounds for future leaders. Our commitment to supporting student chapters is unwavering. We are dedicated to providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities that enable students to explore their passions, develop their skills, and contribute meaningfully to engineering solutions that make a difference. I have met several student chapter chairs and their committees, to understand the unique dynamics in each university campus and promote open communication for two-way learning between the students and the organisational team.
Engineering for People Design Challenge
We are excited to continue working with EWB-UK in the planning for the annual flagship Engineering for People Design Challenge. This challenge aligns perfectly with our mission, as it encourages engineering students to think beyond technical solutions and consider the broader social, economic, and environmental contexts of their work. By actively engaging in this challenge, we’re fostering a culture of empathy-driven design and innovation, ensuring that our engineering endeavors truly serve the needs of people. With each year, the collaboration with EWB-UK has improved and we hope to see this and other EWB partnerships thrive in the coming years.
Reviving the Annual Leadership Summit
Pre-COVID, the Annual Leadership Summit for student engineers was a cornerstone of our efforts to cultivate leadership skills and inspire young minds. We are thrilled to have started efforts to re-establish this summit to provide a platform for students across South Africa to come together, share their experiences, learn from industry experts, and network with like-minded peers at the beginning of the 2024 academic year. This summit will empower the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to drive change in our society.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to each and every member, partner, and supporter of EWB-SA. Your dedication to our mission is what fuels our progress and success. Together, we can create a future where engineering is a force for positive transformation, lifting communities and changing lives.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
