Congratulating the SAICE 2026 Young Technologist of the Year are from left: SAICE CEO, Mrs Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane PrEng, Mr Boiki Mokobori, awards recipient and Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering and Prof. Chris Roth PrEng, 2026 SAICE President.

Congratulations to Mr Boiki Mokobori, Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, on being named the SAICE 2026 Young Technologist of the Year, a prestigious national recognition of his growing contribution to civil engineering, academia and the development of the next generation of engineering professionals.

As a CUT alumnus who has returned to the university as an academic, Boiki has built his career around a simple conviction that engineering is not only about solving technical problems, but about serving people, developing others and creating lasting value for society.

A lecturer primarily in Transportation Engineering, Boiki holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and brings valuable industry experience in basic sanitation and water supply, housing, and road construction into the classroom. This practical grounding shapes his teaching philosophy, enabling him to connect engineering theory with the realities and complexities of professional practice.

His commitment to the profession extends well beyond the lecture room. Since joining the SAICE Bloemfontein Branch committee in 2024, he has contributed to initiatives that support both the profession and the broader community, including the Water and Bridge Competition, Mathematics and Science Saturday School programmes and continuing professional development lectures.

Boiki is particularly passionate about developing young people. Through his mentorship of the SAICE CUT Student Chapter, he works to equip students with the technical, professional and leadership capabilities needed to transition confidently into the engineering profession. Seeing the chapter receive a 2026 SAICE National Award as a Highly Commended Student Chapter for Universities of Technology was a meaningful reflection of that collective effort.

His commitment to youth development also extends into the wider community. In 2026, where he served as an Eskom Expo adjudicator, contributing his expertise to the development and encouragement of young innovators and future STEM professionals.

For Boiki, professional excellence is closely connected to his Christian faith and understanding of purpose. His approach to engineering is grounded in service, stewardship and a desire to use his skills and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. He is also passionate about mentoring young men through Godly Kingdom principles and believes strongly in continuous learning, personal growth and investing in others. “Engineering is more than a career; it is an opportunity to serve, develop people and leave a meaningful impact on the profession and society.”

Beyond engineering, Boiki values his faith and family and remains committed to expanding his knowledge through reading and lifelong learning. His recognition as the SAICE 2026 Young Technologist of the Year is therefore more than an individual achievement. It reflects a growing body of work at the intersection of engineering, education, professional leadership and service, and signals the impact that young academics can make when technical expertise is matched with a commitment to developing people and strengthening the profession.

In her congratulatory message, Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean of the Faculty said “it is wonderful to see our young colleagues making their mark beyond CUT and receiving recognition from their professional bodies. Congratulations Boiki, we are proud of you! Achievements such as these continue to strengthen our Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology’s (FEBIT) reputation within the engineering profession.”