Engineering and development outlook in SA

South Africa's economic climate has been a topic of concern for many businesses, including engineering and development firms. Andy Goodwin, CEO of SMEC in South Africa, recently discussed the effects of the current economic situation on the company's operations and the industry as a whole. With SMEC's long-standing presence in South Africa for 70 years, Goodwin shed light on the company's history and its resilience through various political and economic cycles. Initially established as one of the pioneering engineering consultants in the region, SMEC has evolved into a premier consultancy firm, specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and bridges. The company's ongoing projects in South Africa, including the construction of the new bridge in the Trans-Cai area, reflect the country's continuous development and the demand for consulting services. Despite the visible construction activities across the country, Goodwin expressed concerns about the current investment climate, attributing the slow progress in new projects to the lack of investor confidence. He emphasized the importance of political stability in driving economic growth and attracting investments, stating that the uncertain political landscape in South Africa has deterred potential investors and hindered overall sector growth.