Overstrand Municipality and the engineering industry paid tribute to David Benjamin “Dawie” Botha, a former Overstrand councillor and Mayco member, and former Executive Director of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), who died earlier this week.
From the tributes it is clear Botha left a lasting impression on the people he came into contact with during his career as civil engineer and serving the community for seven years as Ward 7 councillor.
Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane (Pr.Eng), CEO of SAICE, said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our esteemed colleague, mentor and friend Mr Dawie Botha. This is a profound loss to SAICE and to the broader civil engineering community. In 1990, he joined SAICE, where he served as Executive Director for 20 years. During this time he played a pivotal role in shaping SAICE into the respected institution it is today.
“Under his leadership SAICE expanded its influence both nationally and internationally. Mr Botha was instrumental in establishing the Africa Engineers Forum, fostering stronger ties with engineering institutions across the globe. His efforts contributed to SAICE’s active participation in international engineering dialogues and collaborations.”
On 1 August 2025 Botha was honoured with the prestigious Ukhozi Award at the NSTF-South32 Awards, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and lifetime contribution to the SET sector in South Africa. The award, symbolised by the eagle, celebrates those whose vision and influence have had a lasting national impact.
Botha began his career with the South African Railways and Harbours (SAR&H), after which he contributed his expertise at the Potchefstroom and Richards Bay municipalities and the South African Housing Trust. He joined SAICE in 1990 and is credited with playing an instrumental role in establishing the Africa Engineers Forum, fostering stronger ties with engineering institutions across the globe.
“Beyond SAICE Mr Botha was a prominent leader in South Africa’s science, engineering, and technology community,” Phayane-Shakhane stated. “He was the first chairperson of the NSTF proSET (Professionals in Science, Engineering, and Technology) sector, representing more than 50 professional societies, and received the prestigious Ukhozi Award for his lifetime contributions. His commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring young engineers left an enduring legacy. Mr Botha was admired not only for his achievements but also for his integrity, fairness and unwavering dedication to others.”
Overstrand Executive Mayor Archie Klaas said: “It is with deep sadness that the Overstrand Municipality announces the passing of former councillor David Benjamin “Dawie” Botha.
“He served the Sandbaai community and the broader Overstrand area with dedication and integrity for seven years, including as Ward 7 councillor and a member of the Mayoral Committee (Mayco). In addition to his public service, Mr Botha was a respected civil engineer, nationally recognised for his contributions to infrastructure development and youth advancement in the fields of science, engineering and technology (SET).
“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Ria, their children and grandchildren. His contribution to the municipality will be remembered with respect and appreciation.”
Alliance of Citizens for Change president Masizole Mnqasela also paid tribute to Botha, with whom he had worked closely during his tenure as head of the DA Overstrand Constituency.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Ria, her children, grandchildren and the entire Botha family. His warm heart and smile transcended the traditional sense of a proverbial public representative.
“His commitment to the service of Sandbaai people in particular and the greater Overstrand community in general will be greatly remembered. His energy exhibited an honourable man who truly loved South Africa and her people. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts and thoughts are with Ria and his family at this difficult time. We pray they find solace in the love of the Lord. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
