Moves are afoot to help as many promising young quantity surveyors as possible make a smooth transition from university to professional practice and full professional accreditation.
The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) is visiting institutions of higher education as part of its leadership fellowship programme. Through the initiative, it supports young people as they move from university into professional practice and, ultimately, towards professional accreditation.
The SACQSP’s Registrar and CEO, Mfezeko Gwazube, said the need to transform the sector had prompted the initiative.
“Firstly, we need to understand that many previously disadvantaged students in the quantity surveying profession are generally the first in their families to enter the field. They need access to social capital and connections with those who are already established. So, the first priority is to build that bridge.
“In terms of our status, when we look at gender, for example, we are probably the best-performing of all the professional councils or professions in the country. About a third of all registered professionals are women. We have even won an award in recognition of this progress. However, it is obviously not enough, because our demographics tell us that there should be a 50-50 split between men and women. We are continuing to work towards achieving parity.
“When it comes to the racial dimension of the demographic picture, we are making significant progress among our candidates. We believe we have reached an inflexion point, with more candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in the pipeline to become professionals and enter the field. However, when we look at the profession as a whole, we are not where we need to be. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs that we are moving towards a profession that reflects the make-up of society,” Gwazube said.
Although South African quantity surveyors are respected internationally, the authorities believe that more professionals are needed to support the country’s infrastructure development plans.
“If you consider South Africa’s investment in infrastructure and what is required along the value chain, quantity surveyors are needed for price design, cost engineering, contract management and the lifecycle management of the country’s assets. There is a significant need for them.
“In fact, we have an initiative aimed at ensuring that no infrastructure development project in South Africa proceeds without a quantity surveyor. Without their involvement, efforts to ensure value for money from contracts and projects that deliver value to clients and society could be undermined.
“So, there is a great need. In fact, we have a shortage,” he said.
According to Gwazube, the initiative is intended to benefit students who demonstrate strong potential.
Through the programme, the Council aims to bridge the leadership gap that can arise during the transition from student to professional. The fellowship specifically targets high-potential final-year quantity surveying students.
“The fellowship is designed to equip them with career development, personal development and leadership skills. It also provides them with tools to help them build financial resilience when they qualify as professionals and begin to benefit from the financial rewards of professional practice.
“Ultimately, we aim to build social capital within the profession by connecting emerging professionals with mentors and established leaders who have already gained experience in practice. This will help ensure that the pipeline remains strong.
“These connections are about giving back, so to speak, and building a legacy that strengthens the profession for the future,” the CEO said.