The Royal Academy of Engineering named Trueman Goba, chair of Hatch Africa, an honorary fellow of the academy, recognizing him for his exceptional contributions, innovative leadership, and remarkable achievements.
Goba was born in Durban, South Africa. He began his career as a survey technician and went on to graduate with a BSc Eng from University of Natal and an MEng (Civil) from Cornell University. In 2001, Goba’s company GMA merged with Keeve Steyn to form GOBA (Pty) Ltd, which merged into the Hatch Group in 2013.
In 2014, Goba was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Engineering at the South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA). He also held a position as the president of the SA Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) in 2002 and was president of the engineering council (ECSA) from 2007 to 2009. In 2010 he was appointed by South Africa’s president to the first National Planning Commission and was awarded a Gold Medal by the SAICE in 2013.
He has been recognized through various awards and three doctoral degrees in Engineering.
“The Fellows named this year are the first to reflect the Academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026”, announced the Royal Academy of Engineering. “This initiative will see the Academy strive for increased representation from women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, non-traditional education pathways and emerging industries, and those who have achieved excellence at an earlier career stage than normal”.
In a statement, the Royal Academy of Engineering says the fellows named this year are the first to reflect the academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its fiftieth anniversary in 2026. In addition, the initiative also aims to propel engineers who have achieved excellence at an earlier stage in their careers than normal.
