CICES’ first black president marks clear milestone

A commercial director at Costain has become the first black President of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), and he aims to "add value through collaboration".

Batsetswe Motsumi (pictured) was appointed president of CICES last month and clearly outlined his vision for the organisation under his leadership.

Having taken over as president from Dr Andrew Evans, who had served the previous 18 months, Batsetswe, said:

"CICES has been around for more than 50 years and has continued to evolve throughout its history – I’m looking forward to introducing a new focus.

"During my year as president, I want to help the institution develop into an even more visible, more approachable and more welcoming organisation.

"As a Council of Management member for several years, I’ve seen what can be achieved when people with different backgrounds work towards a common goal.

"I believe that my focus on adding value through collaboration will help our members achieve more for CICES, their own organisations and wider society."

Echoing these sentiments, CICES CEO, Simon Hamlyn, added: "While it’s a clear milestone that the institution has voted in its first non-white president since 1969, the real story is how we can continue to progress.

"In his 20 years as a CICES member, Batsetswe’s support of people working together to achieve more has always been apparent.

"But applying this alongside his extensive commercial experience, I’m confident he’ll help us deliver greater value for our members, their projects and processes.  

"Under Batsetswe’s stewardship, our Council of Management, regional committees and colleagues are looking forward to this new era."