Bafikile Bonke Simelane has been elected as the first black president of Master Builders South Africa (MBSA). His appointment was announced at the annual MBSA Congress in Durban.
Of his election, Simelane says, “It is a significant personal and professional milestone for me, but more importantly it is a clear and unequivocal indication that MBSA is serious about transformation at all levels. I hope that my election advances ‘meritocracy’, dispels some negative perceptions of the industry and breaks down barriers preventing black professionals and executives from being elected into such leadership positions.”
He hopes his appointment will be an inspiration to aspirant black students, graduates and professionals.
“They need to know that all you have to do is dream, believe in yourself, be resilient and surround yourself with people who affirm and validate you irrespective of your socio-economic profile or circumstances. I hope this milestone can find resonance amongst young black youths, both male and female, from all of South Africa’s townships so that they can be attracted to a career in construction management in particular and the built environment in general.”
After matriculating from Davey High School, Daveyton, Simelane obtained a National Diploma in Building from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology followed by a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Managemen at the University of Johannesburg.
He began his career at Murray and Roberts in 1995 followed by a short stint at Abcon Construction. In 2001, he joined Development & Engineering Consultants (DEC) as a project manager and subsequently became a Director. In 2009 he was appointed as a director of Focus Project Management. Today he is the group corporate services director for the NMC Construction Group which he joined in 2012.
He is a member of the SACPCMP Council and other subcommittees and a Member of Western Cape CIOB. He was also Vice-President of the Association of Construction Project Managers and his experience in the industry spans over 18 years.
During his term as MBSA President, he hopes to continue the MBSA’s focus on transformation and skills development.
“I commit to working with other like-minded industry bodies to tackle some of our industry and country’s most pressing challenges,” concludes the new MBSA President.
