ECSA to host a Fundraising Golf Day to Stop the bleeding engineering skills pipeline

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will host its inaugural Fundraising Golf Day at the Country Golf Club Woodmead on March 26.

The first of its kind by the engineering regulator, this initiative is aimed at raising funds to support women in engineering programmes, establishing a fund to assist engineering students with financial constraints as well as support ongoing initiatives to increase the uptake of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) subjects.

Also read: The Flagship Open FootGolf Tournament showcases the growth of footgolf in SA

Speaking on the significance of the Golf Day, ECSA CEO Dr Bridget Ssamula noted that each year the engineering fraternity faced a bleed in the skills pipeline, which could be attributed to several factors, including financial constraints, female engineers leaving the profession, and, among others, the low uptake of Stem subjects to contribute to students studying towards qualifications in engineering.

These factors are supported by research findings documented in an article titled Universities Face Decline In Engineering Graduates by Ryan Cloete, noting that South African universities have recorded a decline in the number of engineering graduates.

According to Cloete, of the 208 299 students who entered university for the first time during the 2023 academic year, 69 000 enrolments were within scarce skills areas. Some of these enrolments were recorded in Stem qualifications.

Also read: Footgolf South Africa kicks off 2025 with a bang at Punters Paradise

Ssamula said further research noted that engineering students in South Africa faced notable financial challenges impacting their education and ability to complete their qualifications in record time.

“This is particularly alarming since Stem degrees hold significant impact in addressing global challenges, fostering economic growth, and leading in innovation.”

It is for this reason that the ECSA seeks to address this gap through strategic partnerships with government, academia, the private sector as well as industry by raising funds that will go towards stopping the bleeding skills pipeline.

Read more: Midrand Striders’ Ntshengedzeni Masupa wins in Balwin Sport Jeppe Marathon

“The Fundraising Golf Day is therefore more than just an event, it provides an opportunity for stakeholders to partner with the council to stop the bleeding skills pipeline, increase the number of engineering practitioners who can professionally register with the council and contribute to the overall public health and safety,” Ssamula concluded.

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.