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Having trouble viewing this email? View online | September 2026 Edition
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IPET ENGINEERING CONNECT
September 2026 · Institute of Professional Engineering Technologists
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Inside This Issue
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Heritage
Month
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DoD
Conference
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Insights:
Constr. Regs 2014
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Membership
& AGM
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Engineering
in Focus
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Heritage Month: Honouring the Past, Engineering the Future
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Heritage is not only what we inherit — it is what we build, protect, and pass forward. For engineering technologists, that legacy is visible in every structure, system, and community we help shape.
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September is Heritage Month in South Africa — a time to reflect on where we come from, what we have built, and the responsibility we carry toward future generations. For engineering technologists, this reflection is not abstract. It is embedded in the work we do every day: the infrastructure that connects communities, the systems that sustain industries, and the technical solutions that improve lives across the country.
IPET’s own heritage spans 32 years of representing, advancing, and advocating for the engineering technologist profession. That history is a foundation, not a ceiling. Our work in 2026 — growing membership, engaging government, and building the next generation of registered professionals — is part of that continuing story.
This month, we also take a moment to acknowledge the women in engineering whose contributions have shaped the profession and continue to do so. Although Women’s Month was celebrated in August, their impact on engineering technology deserves recognition beyond a single month. Their expertise, leadership, and dedication continue to strengthen the profession and inspire the next generation.
Happy Heritage Month. Let us carry it forward with pride and purpose.
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IPET at the Department of Defence Engineering Science and Technology Conference
IPET was invited to attend and present at the Department of Defence Engineering Science and Technology Conference, held at the Saint George Hotel, Irene, Pretoria, from 18 to 21 August 2026. IPET was represented in its capacity as an ECSA Voluntary Association, with the opportunity to present on both the Institute’s purpose and an alternative route for professional registration.
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20 August 2026
IPET Presentation — Mr. M. Bodika, Council Member
Mr. M. Bodika attended the conference on 20 August 2026 and delivered a PowerPoint presentation covering the origins, purpose, and current objectives of IPET. The presentation was well received by the audience. Mr. Bodika also engaged in productive networking with attendees from across the engineering and defence sectors, and received a token of appreciation from the conference organisers.
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Electronic Presentation
“Registration — Where Do I Start?” — Mr. WCC Mynhardt
Mr. WCC Mynhardt, personally invited by Maj FT Timbane of the SANDF, delivered a presentation via electronic media under the IPET banner on the subject of professional registration and where to begin. The presentation was well received and generated meaningful engagement from the audience in attendance.
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IPET has been extended an invitation to attend and present at the next Department of Defence Engineering Science and Technology Conference.
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What Are the Duties of a Client Under the Construction Regulations 2014?
By WCC Mynhardt, PrTechEng, PrTechniEng, Hon FIPET, MSAT, MSAICE | Professional Practice & Compliance
As engineering technologists, we are well aware of our duties as designers under the Construction Regulations 2014 (R 84, 7 February 2014). However, we must equally understand the duties of the client — because in practice, we sometimes take on work that is the client’s statutory responsibility. A client may appoint the engineer or technologist to perform these duties, but this must be clearly and explicitly stated in the service level agreement. Without that, the responsibility remains with the client.
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Definition — Clause 1
“Client” means any person for whom construction work is being performed.
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The duties of a client are set out in Clause 5(1) of the Construction Regulations 2014. A client must:
| ►Prepare a baseline risk assessment for the intended construction work project. |
| ►Prepare a suitable, sufficient, documented, and coherent site-specific health and safety specification based on the baseline risk assessment. |
| ►Provide the designer with the health and safety specification and ensure it is considered during the design stage. |
| ►Ensure the designer carries out all responsibilities under Regulation 6, and include the health and safety specification in tender documents. |
| ►Ensure potential principal contractors have made adequate provision for the cost of health and safety measures during tender. |
| ►Ensure the appointed principal contractor has the necessary competencies and resources, is registered with the compensation fund, and is appointed in writing. |
| ►Discuss, negotiate, and finally approve the principal contractor’s health and safety plan, and ensure it is implemented and maintained. |
| ►Ensure periodic health and safety audits at least once every 30 days, with audit reports provided to the principal contractor within seven days. |
| ►Stop any contractor from executing a construction activity that poses a threat to health and safety and is not in accordance with the specifications or plan. |
| ►Where design or construction changes are introduced, make sufficient health and safety information and resources available to the principal contractor. |
| ►Ensure that the health and safety file is kept and maintained by the principal contractor throughout the project. |
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Know where your responsibility ends and the client’s begins — and ensure your service level agreement reflects this clearly.
If you are appointed by the client to perform any of the above duties, that appointment must be explicit, documented, and agreed upon in writing before work commences. Assumed responsibility is not protected responsibility.
Reference: Construction Regulations 2014 (R 84, 7 February 2014), issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).
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Finance & Membership Desk — Section 04
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Membership Fees, Account Queries & Council Applications
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The closing date for outstanding membership fees was 30 June 2026. Members who have not settled their fees will be removed from the IPET paid membership register. Outstanding fees may still be paid to avoid removal.
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Account Queries
For all account-related queries, a dedicated inbox is available at accounts@ipet.org.za.
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Becoming an IPET Council Member
Members interested in joining the Council or submitting membership suggestions and comments are encouraged to engage. To request an application form to become a Council Member, email membership@ipet.org.za and the form will be forwarded to you.
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Annual General Meeting — Save the Date
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The IPET Annual General Meeting is approaching. The date, time, and venue will be communicated to all members in due course, in accordance with the IPET By-Laws 2021 (as amended).
Members are encouraged to ensure their membership is in good standing ahead of the AGM. We look forward to the IPET community coming together. Further details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.
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Engineering in Focus — Section 06
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What It Means to Be an Engineering Technologist
Four principles that define the profession this month.
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Mentorship: Building More Than Projects
Technical knowledge becomes even more valuable when it is shared. Experienced professionals have an opportunity to guide emerging talent, share lessons learned, and help develop the confidence that only comes with real-world insight. Mentorship helps turn education into understanding and experience into knowledge that can be carried forward. A strong engineering community is one where professionals do not only advance themselves — they help others advance too.
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Integrity: The Foundation of Professional Engineering
Technical expertise is essential, but integrity is what earns lasting trust. Engineering technologists make decisions that influence infrastructure, industry, communities, and the lives of countless people. Acting honestly, taking responsibility for your work, maintaining high professional standards, and putting safety and quality first are not aspirational values — they are professional requirements.
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Precision: The Mark of a Committed Professional
Every measurement, calculation, inspection, and decision contributes to the quality, safety, and reliability of the final outcome. Precision is more than getting the numbers right — it reflects discipline, accountability, and pride in delivering work that stands the test of time. Excellence begins with precision, and precision begins with professionals who care.
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Problem-Solving: Engineering a Better Solution
Engineering is more than applying technical knowledge — it is about solving real-world problems with creativity, precision, and purpose. Effective problem-solving requires critical thinking, innovation, technical expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate, improve, and make a lasting impact. Great engineers do not just solve problems — they create possibilities.
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Member Resources — Quick Access
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Together in Technology — Stronger in Innovation
ECSA Voluntary Association | Licence No. LB_035/2023
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