GIBB made their mark at the coveted CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards held at Vodacom World, Midrand when they walked away with one trophy and three commendations. The largest South African black-owned engineering consulting firm was up against several multinational powerhouses and won the Mentor of the Year category with Vernon Joubert scooping top honours. The event was a celebration of innovation, quality, outstanding workmanship and professionalism. GIBB also received commendations for its involvement in the Cape Town Backyard Essential Services Improvement Programme, the Kalagadi Manganese railway siding project and Job Shadow Day.

Importantly, the Facreton Informal Sector Electrification for the City of Cape Town came second among nine formidable entries. “We are proud to have our people recognised for their contributions to the much-needed development of the engineering sector. At GIBB, we continuously aim to nurture the skills of the industry starting at our own offices by harnessing top talent and developing future leaders in engineering,” said Muzi Siyaya, Group Business Development Executive at GIBB. As the General Manager of the firm’s Dams, Hydropower and Underground Works sector, Joubert was recognised for his passion and ability to support and guide young engineering professionals to develop and grow holistically.

He mentored many people during his 30-plus career in the consulting engineering industry and his decades of experience and industry insight that he imparts to others has allowed them to hold leadership roles for major infrastructure development projects. According to Joubert, university training alone cannot prepare one for the complexities of the engineering environment. “This can only come through experience, which is why mentorship and training is needed to expose candidates to as many aspects of the industry as possible. This stands them in good stead as they progress through the industry and take on more elevated positions in the years ahead.”

GIBB has formalised mentorship in a three-year programme that lasts until the mentee is registered as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Beyond this, day-to-day mentorship is an ongoing process aimed at creating a sustainable business and encouraging people to reach their full potential.

The firm also provides knowledge sharing to the industry by encouraging its experienced professionals to conduct workshops and presentations to academics on an ongoing basis.