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Above: Jacques as a young civil engineer working on a pipeline bridge rehabilitation contract in 1999
Who I Am
I was born in South Africa in the 1970s and grew up in the Cape winelands during the height of apartheid. My childhood memories are ones of sharp contrast between a fortunate upbringing and the turmoil caused by racial segregation across the country.
Today, I can draw on the positives from those stormy times. Growing up in South Africa has taught me about cultural diversity, resilience, fortitude and has gifted me with an ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
After finishing high school in 1993, I enrolled to study towards a National Diploma in Civil Engineering at what’s now known as the Nelson Mandela University. After completing my diploma, I started working in the consulting engineering industry in 1997.
In 2000, I decided to advance my education by enrolling to a 2-year part-time B.Tech degree in Water Engineering. This course allowed me to pursue my passion for water engineering projects.
I relocated to Ireland in 2002, shortly after completing my degree, and have been working as a consulting engineer across Ireland, the UK and Africa ever since then.
These days I’m based in Dublin, where I support a diverse range of clients across multiple industry sectors.
In 2023, I commenced my journey towards an MSc in Project Management (part time) from the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School in Dublin. This decision to advance my knowledge through further academic study and research underlines my passion for Project Management. It also demonstrates my commitment towards continuous professional development and staying abreast with the latest advances in the industry.
Above: Jacques at his graduation ceremony in 1997