Esteemed Delegates,

It is with immense pleasure and anticipation that I extend my warmest invitation to each of you.

Join us for the 14th Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa (CAPSA 2027), to be convened at Sun City under the theme, “Circularity and Resilience in African Roads: Engineering Practical Pathways to Sustainability.” This gathering of experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, suppliers and industry leaders from Africa and around the world promises to be an exciting forum for exchanging knowledge, strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of road infrastructure.

CAPSA’s bold vision is to remain a leading platform for advancing flexible pavement engineering and sustainable road provision. Its mission extends beyond hosting a conference. CAPSA seeks to connect research with practice, promote technical excellence, stimulate innovation, develop professional skills and transform knowledge into practical solutions for diverse conditions. It aims to inspire young engineers and equip future leaders to serve the industry with competence, integrity and purpose.

As Africa and the wider world confront climate change, rising temperatures, flooding, severe storms and pressure on limited resources, circular and resilient road infrastructure has never been more critical. We must engineer roads that reduce carbon emissions, conserve materials, withstand harsher climates and recover effectively from floods, severe heat damage and other disruptions. “The road to progress is not merely travelled; it is imagined, engineered and built with resilience.”

The CAPSA 2027 technical programme will bring together eight dynamic focus areas spanning the full life cycle of flexible road pavements: Pavement Design, Asphalt Mix Technology, Stabilised Materials, Surface Treatments, New Generation Binders, Digitalisation and Smart Technologies, Manufacturing, Construction and Operations, and Policy, Finance and Skills. Together, these focus areas will challenge conventional thinking, showcase breakthrough technologies and transform bold ideas into practical solutions for stronger, smarter and more sustainable roads in Africa and around the world.

CAPSA is not only about presentations and technical sessions. It is also about forging meaningful professional relationships. I encourage you to take full advantage of the numerous networking opportunities that will be on offer at the planned social events. Engage in discussions, share your experiences and establish connections that may lead to new research, stronger industry partnerships and practical breakthroughs.

Sun City, set against the spectacular landscapes of the North West Province, will provide an inspiring and unforgettable setting for CAPSA 2027. Beyond the conference programme, I encourage you to look forward to experiencing the region’s warm hospitality, vibrant culture, distinctive cuisine, magnificent wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Technical Advisory Committee, the organising team, referees, authors, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors for making CAPSA 2027 possible.

Let us prepare to challenge conventional thinking, exchange knowledge and convert innovation into action. “The roads we build today must preserve tomorrow’s resources, withstand tomorrow’s challenges and connect future generations to opportunity.”

We look forward to welcoming you to CAPSA 2027 at Sun City “where the sun never sets and the road towards a circular, resilient and sustainable future continues”.

Yours sincerely,
M Manicum