The history of the Certificated Engineer

In 1893 the “Association of Engineers and Architects” petitioned for the statutory recognition of engineers and architects. The “Volksraad” rejected this.

In 1903 an ordinance was passed requiring the appointment of engineers to take charge of machinery. The term “Engineer” was not defined, nor were the qualifications prescribed.

It was in 1906 that the Ordinance was amended giving birth to the “Engineers Certificate of Competency”.

The responsibilities of the engineer were defined by the promulgation of the Mines and Works Act in 1911, which recognized only holders of certificates of competency. The first Certificate issues by examination, after the enactment of the SA Mines and Works Act of 1911, has pride of place on the wall of the Institution head office in Johannesburg. This was issued to mechanical engineer, Mr. Wesley Ernest John and is dated 2nd February 1912. It was designated as Mining Machinery. The late WE John was a life member of this Institution and President in 1939.

In 1912, with the increasing use of mechanical and electrical machinery on the Witwatersrand, it was decided to establish the “Association of Certificated Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. The aim of this Association was to establish a body, to care for and control the interests of engineers responsible for the installation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment.

In the years following the formation of the Association, the dynamic growth of municipal, mining and industrial undertakings accentuated the use of and need for such an Engineering Body. The growth of the association rapidly exceeded the expectations of the founders, reaching over 450 members.

After careful deliberation it was decided to introduce various membership grades and to alter the name of the Association. In 1936 the name was changed to “Institute of Certificated Engineers, South Africa”

The required qualification for membership was raised in 1948 and again in 1957. It was in 1957 that another name change was made. This was to the now-familiar “The Institution of Certificated Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, South Africa.”

In 1996 the constitution was amended to allow for additional grades of membership of Senior Member and Associate Member.

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) accepted the use of the title of Professional Certificated Engineer, which is now formally promulgated in law through the Engineering Profession Act of 2000 (Act No 46, 2000).

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