Aurecon strengthens focus on South African defence

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Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has announced plans to expand advisory services in the South African defence market following increased demand for optimisation and management of assets in a budget-constrained environment.

Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has announced plans to expand advisory services in the South African defence market following increased demand for optimisation and management of assets in a budget-constrained environment.

Two employees have also attained Certified Senior Asset Manager (CSAM) professional designations by The South African Asset Management Association (SAAMA) – the first of five in South Africa’s history.

The company’s new strategy builds on the collaboration efforts between market leaders in South Africa and Australia. As a proudly South African company and Level 2 B-BBEE contributor with strong-rooted origins in Africa, Aurecon have built partnerships with many public, private and donor organisations across the continent. As one of the largest engineering firms, it remains deeply committed to Africa’s development agenda.

“CSAM certification demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best value, and highest quality service possible for our clients. It’s exciting to offer the market holistic advisory services that will enable our clients to respond to the challenges unique to South Africa and broader Africa, including asset management, digital advisory, environmental planning and programme advisory,” said Lizelle Botha, Defence Client Manager, Africa.

The SAAMA was approved by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) in 2016 to register the CSAM designation. The formalisation of asset management designations aims to raise professional standards and systems for maintenance and asset management practitioners in the industry.

Aurecon’s strategy for the defence market builds on the company’s long heritage of designing and executing many defence infrastructure projects as partner of choice for public and private sector companies, including the likes of air force aircraft hangars, air force base runway upgrades and refuelling systems, special forces training facilities, navy bases and ports, as well as the construction of army barracks and logistics facilities.

On 14 June, the company hosted the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa’s (AMD) annual meeting at its Tshwane office. The AMD promotes collaboration and integration of government and industry’s efforts by acting as a bridging partner between government institutions and corporate companies who supply defence materials, products and services.

“What sets our defence solutions apart is Afrikan Design Innovation – Aurecon’s pioneering design-led approach, which recognises that creativity, technical expertise and innovation is needed to create African solutions that are sustainable and aligned to each country’s development agenda, and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Botha.

“Our focus on defence in South Africa is further strengthened by our established defence business in Australia, and diverse experts around the globe,” Botha concluded.