Rachoene Hails Engineers as Limpopo’s Growth Partners, Vows Stronger Gov-Private Collaboration on Infrastructure

Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Tonny Rachoene addresses the Consulting Engineers South Africa gala dinner in Polokwane, calling for stronger partnership between government and the engineering sector to accelerate infrastructure delivery.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.  

POLOKWANE – Limpopo’s MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Tonny Rachoene, has positioned the province’s engineering sector as the engine room of service delivery and economic growth, praising consulting engineers for turning government plans into tangible infrastructure that changes lives.  

Addressing the Consulting Engineers South Africa [CESA] gala dinner in Polokwane on behalf of Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Rachoene struck a tone of partnership and respect, emphasizing that government cannot deliver alone and that technical expertise is non-negotiable for development.  

“Professional services offered by the engineering sector are playing a vital role in infrastructure delivery and economic development,” Rachoene told a room of industry leaders, contractors and academics.  

His remarks come at a time when Limpopo is ramping up road upgrades, bridge construction and public building projects across all five districts. The province has faced pressure over potholes, aging infrastructure and project delays, but Rachoene’s message was clear: progress depends on a strong, ethical and innovative engineering profession working hand-in-hand with government.  

Rachoene reminded guests that service delivery is not just a policy priority, but a constitutional obligation.  

“We carry the constitutional responsibility to deliver services and improve the lives of citizens,” he said. “The engineering profession carries the technical expertise, innovation and professional capacity required to transform plans into reality.”  

He singled out CESA for its role in shaping South Africa’s infrastructure landscape, noting that the organization’s members bring international standards and local knowledge to projects that connect communities, move goods and create jobs.  

“As government, we value the important role played by Consulting Engineers South Africa in shaping the infrastructure landscape of our country,” Rachoene said.  

The MEC stressed that infrastructure delivery in Limpopo will only accelerate if government and the private engineering sector deepen collaboration, improve project planning and uphold professional standards. He urged engineers to bring forward solutions that are cost-effective, climate-resilient and responsive to rural communities that have historically been left behind.  

Rachoene also highlighted that quality infrastructure is directly tied to economic development, from opening up agricultural zones to supporting mining and tourism corridors that define Limpopo’s economy. By investing in roads, schools and clinics, the province is laying the foundation for investment and job creation.  

His address was received as a vote of confidence in the sector, with industry leaders noting that political leadership that recognizes technical input early in the project cycle reduces delays and cost overruns.  

Standing in for Premier Ramathuba, Rachoene carried the message that Limpopo’s government is committed to professionalizing infrastructure delivery and holding itself accountable to communities. He called on engineers to remain partners in oversight, innovation and skills transfer to young professionals in the province.  

The gala dinner brought together some of the country’s top consulting firms, many of which are already involved in Limpopo’s road rehabilitation and public works programs. With the province preparing its infrastructure budget for the next financial year, the engagement signals an intent to keep the sector close to the decision-making table.  

For Rachoene, the evening was both recognition and a challenge: acknowledge the sector’s contribution, then work together to ensure every rand spent translates into roads that last, bridges that connect and public buildings that serve.  

Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Tonny Rachoene with dignitaries and stakeholders at the Consulting Engineers South Africa gala dinner in Polokwane, calling for stronger partnership between government and the engineering sector to accelerate infrastructure delivery.