Mott MacDonald’s Neresh Pather has been named president of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) for the next two years, succeeding Lynne Pretorius. CESA is a voluntary organisation that represents the 540 consulting engineering firms which employ nearly 23,000 professional engineers practicing in the country.
Neresh has almost 25 years’ experience in the infrastructure sector and has led many of South Africa’s landmark transport projects. He is currently transportation account leader for Mott MacDonald’s Africa business, with a specific focus on strategic transport planning. Prior to its acquisition by Mott MacDonald, Neresh was chief executive of PD Naidoo & Associates Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd for 12 years. He originally joined the company in 1997, holding many senior positions and leading public-private partnership schemes relating to prisons, buildings and toll roads. Neresh also led on commercial projects such shopping centres, offices and residential developments.
Commenting on his appointment, Neresh said: “I am truly humbled by the privilege bestowed upon me to lead our industry. I hope that CESA will be able to renew and reinvent itself to increase our relevance to both our clients and young professionals, who will ultimately take over the leadership of the industry. We will seek to broaden our scope as the industry transforms over the coming years to make sure that CESA becomes more inclusive and relevant and is able to put the industry at the forefront of its mind through effective ethical leadership.”
Neresh also paid tribute to outgoing CESA president Lynne Pretorius, adding: “I wish to thank Lynne for her commitment, sacrifice and hard work during her tenure as CESA president, especially in dealing with some hard-hitting issues. CESA has been on a trajectory to answer some of the challenges our industry currently faces and she has led us ably from the front. I’d also like to thank Lynne’s company, ITS Engineers, as well as her family for allowing her to serve the industry for the past two years.”