08 April 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe | Photo: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Student Chapter at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) successfully hosted an engaging information session for Civil Engineering students on 28 March 2025. This event formed part of broader initiatives led by CIOB, operating under the Building and Construction Student Society Organisation (BCESSO), alongside the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).
The session began with an opening and prayer led by the programme director, Ms Tumi Mogano, a CIOB student member, setting a formal yet welcoming tone for the gathering. Shortly after, the Chairperson of CIOB, Mr Mpumelelo Khumalo, welcomed the students and highlighted the core purpose of these structures: to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. He emphasised that civil engineering is a broad field with numerous career pathways, and CIOB focuses specifically on the building and construction sectors.
Mr Khumalo introduced his executive committee, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the leadership team driving CIOB’s initiatives throughout the year. Following this, the Chairpersons of SAICE and IStructE, Ms Katleho Sigasa and Mr Strat Shongo respectively, briefly introduced their own executive committees.
A key highlight of the session was the unveiling of CIOB’s year plan, presented by Mr Khumalo. He outlined a series of upcoming events designed to benefit students interested in affiliating with CIOB. These include a professional development session in May, a Civil Engineering competition in June, a community service initiative in July, an industry event in September, and the election of the next committee in October.
In closing, the Deputy Chairperson of CIOB, Mr Bokamoso Radebe, emphasised the many benefits of CIOB affiliation. He noted that students could gain valuable career development opportunities, build strong professional networks, and access a range of learning experiences that could offer them a competitive advantage in the industry.
VUT students can look forward to engaging with CIOB and its associated structures through a variety of activities aimed at fostering professional growth and industry readiness.
