Architect institute elects new president
Newly-appointed president, Sikhumbuzo Mtembu establish Striation Architects and later Simarc.
ARCHITECT, Sikhumbuzo Mtembu recently became the first African president of the South African Institute of Architects KwaZulu-Natal (SAIA KZN) in its 120 year history.
Founded in 1901, SAIA KZN is one of the oldest architectural institutes in South Africa. Its aim is to connect and enrich the local architectural community, and provide professional support.
Mtembu’s inauguration took place on October 19 at the KZNSA Art Gallery against the backdrop of artist Georgina Gratrix’s exhibition, This must be the place. The event was sponsored by Corobrik.
The Berea Mail caught up with Mtembu this week to find out more about his plans as president.
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“There is a palpable sense of expectation and responsibility, it spells growth and change to the organisation,” said Mtembu of his new role.
Aged 40, Mtembu is one of the youngest presidents to hold this office, a role he takes in his stride. He was the longest serving vice president with a six-year term under his belt. As he takes on the role of president, Mtembu shares his unique perspective to make architecture relevant to the broader community.
“My goal is to bring architecture awareness to the regular person and, within reach, as a career choice to young people who may have never heard of it before,” he said.
Commenting on Durban’s architecture, Mtembu said, “Architecture reflects the times and thinking of a people over the years. Heritage can be a 60-year-old building, it is also rock art in the Drakensberg. They are both protected by law. The institute upholds the rule of law. We should educate ourselves on many sites and artefacts that carry the history of the province.”
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Reflecting on his previous work, Mtembu said Bridge City Underground Railway station was one of his favourite projects. Following a Corobrik award-winning thesis on railway stations in his final year of study, Mtembu became the project architect at the station.
“It was a collaboration between firms, Architects Collaborative and ADA. Rail, as a means of transport, is vital in making a city more functional,” said Mtembu.
Listed among the Mail and Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans in 2014, Mtembu went on to establish Striation Architects and later Simarc. He has been UIA young architect’s representative for Africa and champion at the UIA 2014 Durban Congress. As a board member of Saia, Mtembu represents South Africa on the council of the Africa Union of Architects as the green building director.
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