South Africa, represented by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), has been officially inaugurated into the presidency of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) for 2025-2026. The FAEO presidency was conferred on 4 March 2025 at Boipuso Hall in Gaborone, Botswana, with ECSA 6th Term Council President Eng. Refilwe Buthelezi Pr. Eng taking on the role of the 7th FAEO President.
A milestone for South Africa and African engineering
The event was attended by the government of Botswana, including the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and the Minister of Water and Human Settlement, along with Assistant Ministers, presidents and representatives of African engineering regulatory bodies, and delegates from across the continent. ECSA says the presidency marks a milestone for the country and the engineering fraternity in Africa, envisioning a future where engineering is used to achieve sustainable development and improve quality of life across the continent.
Handover from the outgoing president
Handing over the reins, outgoing FAEO President Eng. Papias Dedeki said, Our journey as FAEO has not been without challenges – policy misalignment, disparities in accreditation, and infrastructure, financing gaps. But through innovation, strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment, we turned these obstacles into stepping stones for progress.
He added that Africa`s engineering solutions must be homegrown, yet globally competitive,
and expressed confidence that under the new leadership FAEO would continue to soar to greater heights.
Eng. Buthelezi on the road ahead
Reflecting on her appointment, Eng. Buthelezi said she stood with immense gratitude, yet a deep awareness of the responsibility entrusted to me as I lead the Federation of African Engineering Organisations into its next chapter.
She added that she had always sought to create impactful change, particularly in the areas of water, infrastructure development and management, power and energy solutions, and capacity building for young engineering professionals and women in the field,
committing to champion engineering as the driving force behind Africa’s sustainable development.
Her appointment underscores the progress made in transforming a traditionally male-dominated profession, advancing gender diversity and inspiring future generations of female engineering practitioners. The FAEO presidency rotates among member countries every two years, with each serving a total of six years as President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President. FAEO unites Africa’s engineering organisations to address challenges in infrastructure, water and sanitation, energy and ICT, and represents over 500,000 engineering professionals across Africa.
Original Press Release
About ECSA
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is the statutory body established under the Engineering Profession Act, 46 of 2000, mandated to regulate the engineering profession in South Africa. ECSA is responsible for the accreditation of engineering programmes, the registration of engineering practitioners, and upholding professional and ethical standards across the profession.
Issued by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
ECSA Media Contact
Sybil Dlamini, Manager: Marketing and Communication
Email: sybil@ecsa.co.za | Tel: 073 623 8275
Website: www.ecsa.co.za
This article is based on an official ECSA press release. Read the original statement.
