Eastern Cape hosts successful ASAQS Presidential Tour and AGM in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Eastern Cape Chapter of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) recently hosted a successful Presidential Tour and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Kelway Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay. The event brought together quantity surveyors, built environment professionals and business leaders for an evening of insight, recognition and strategic discussion.

In her welcome address, Eastern Cape Chairperson Janita Stroebel emphasised the value of collaboration, stating that growth does not happen in silence. Drawing inspiration from a recent Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber event, she highlighted the importance of open dialogue and community engagement, particularly in a region with both significant potential and complex challenges.

The Chapter was honoured to welcome ASAQS President Ms Mosha Senyolo, Executive Director Mrs Nolubabalo Tsolo and SACQSP President Mr Arthur Quphe. Their attendance demonstrated the shared commitment of both organisations to supporting the growth of the profession.

President Senyolo provided updates on ASAQS’s national strategy and reaffirmed her focus on increasing value for members. She noted that she is first and foremost a fee-paying member before being the President, a statement that underlined her commitment to transparency and local chapter development. The ASAQS leadership commended the Eastern Cape Chapter for its active presence and its meaningful contributions over the past two years.

Mrs Tsolo facilitated the programme, which included a compelling keynote address by Ms Paola Horak, Board Director at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and Director at Grindstone Property Management and Development. Horak shared a candid yet hopeful perspective on the future of the city, stressing the importance of civic participation and professional involvement. She encouraged quantity surveyors and other built environment professionals to volunteer their expertise in support of local infrastructure and city improvement initiatives. She stated that projects involving a quantity surveyor are always better off than those that do not.

A key feature of the evening was a panel discussion that explored both the opportunities and the challenges in the region’s infrastructure sector. The discussion was moderated by Dr Tirivavi Moyo from Nelson Mandela University and featured panellists including Mr Martin Meiring from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Bekani Madyibi from the Coega Development Corporation, Ms Maartje Weyers from Route2EC, Ms Senyolo from ASAQS and Mr Mfezeko Gwazube from SACQSP. The panel offered practical insights into improving professional collaboration and unlocking value in public infrastructure.

The evening also celebrated the career of Mr Trevor Kay, who was awarded ASAQS Honorary Membership following a nomination by the Eastern Cape Chapter. His decades of service and contribution to the profession were recognised with deep appreciation. Chairperson Stroebel paid tribute to him as a true gentleman whose eloquence and graciousness have made a lasting impression on the quantity surveying community.

Looking ahead, the Chapter is encouraging greater participation from local professionals in its activities and initiatives. Plans are under way to strengthen collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and other regional stakeholders. By fostering these partnerships, the Chapter aims to support infrastructure development, promote professional growth and build investor confidence across the Bay and beyond.