ASAQS WITS Student Chapter Launches 2025 Campaign

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) WITS Student Chapter officially launched its 2025 campaign on Thursday, 13 March, at the WITS School of Construction Economics and Management. The event brought together an enthusiastic mix of students and seasoned industry professionals, all committed to shaping the future of the Quantity Surveying profession.

The Student Chapter aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional practice. It promotes professionalism, fosters industry engagement, and strengthens the relationship between ASAQS and the next generation of Quantity Surveyors. The launch also featured the official introduction of the newly elected student committee, who will lead the chapter’s activities throughout the year. Planned initiatives include skills workshops, networking events, and industry talks.

Christine Mutanda, Stakeholder Relations Manager at ASAQS, opened the event by highlighting the critical role that Quantity Surveyors play in the built environment. She outlined the benefits of ASAQS student membership—such as CPD opportunities and access to resources that support academic and professional development. Mutanda addressed the misconception that artificial intelligence could render the profession redundant, encouraging students instead to embrace knowledge that would set them apart. She emphasised the value of agility, noting the versatility of the Quantity Surveying qualification, which enables graduates to pursue a wide range of career paths with minimal further study.

Dr Josephine Llale, senior lecturer and Deputy President of the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), offered an academic perspective on the profession. She discussed the pathway to professional registration, inspiring students to commit to the journey. She also stressed the importance of ethical conduct, given the Quantity Surveyor’s unique position between client and contractor.

Zamageda Zungu, currently a contract law specialist, showcased the diversity within the profession through her own career journey across several non-traditional roles. She demonstrated that Quantity Surveyors are more than cost managers—they are procurement experts, financial strategists, and legal professionals. Zungu underscored the power of continuous learning and professional curiosity as key factors that can differentiate candidates in a competitive job market.

Kgomotso Chiloane shared her experience of achieving professional registration, emphasising the importance of professionalism, personal branding, and making a lasting impression. She has also diversified her career into the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) space—an increasingly relevant area where Quantity Surveyors can add significant value.

Each speaker’s presentation concluded with an interactive Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insight into the path from graduate to professional, industry diversification, and the evolving role of Quantity Surveyors.

The launch reinforced ASAQS’s commitment to empowering future professionals who are ready to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in South Africa’s construction industry.

Zamageda Zungu,  Kgomotso Chiloane, Dr Josephine Llale and Christine Mutanda