Latest news with #InfrastructureSouthAfrica
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Committee Raises Alarm Over Staffing at Public Works and Infrastructure Department
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has expressed grave concern over the worsening human resource challenges at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE). During a briefing by the department on its recruitment, vacancy filling and staff retention strategies, the committee noted with alarm that the current vacancy rate stands at 14%, significantly above the acceptable 10% threshold, and continues to rise. The committee said if this situation continues, it could undermine service delivery, delay infrastructure projects, and contribute to low staff morale. The committee noted the continued failure to fill critical senior management positions, including deputy directors-general, head of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and executive for supply chain management. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Carol Phiri said, 'This prolonged leadership vacuum is stalling crucial decision-making processes and weakening the strategic direction of the department, and this ongoing trend poses a serious threat to the department's operational capability'. The DPWI informed the committee that, despite completing key recruitment steps, such as advertising, shortlisting and interviews, final appointments remain stalled due to pending Cabinet and ministerial approvals. The committee said it is equally troubling that 56 of the 129 current vacancies are unfunded, due largely to unbudgeted cost-of-living adjustments. the DPWI cited cost-containment measures imposed by the Department of Public Service and Administration as a major impediment to recruitment. Furthermore, the committee expressed disappointment that it was not invited to attend or contribute to the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa recently hosted by Infrastructure South Africa. The committee believes that parliamentary oversight bodies must be included in such important national engagements to ensure alignment with legislative priorities and transparency. The committee will continue to monitor the situation closely and expects decisive action to address these longstanding human resource and governance issues. In addition, going forward the department must clarify its acting policy with the portfolio committee. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Will Ramaphosa's R1. 3 trillion infrastructure investment transform South Africa's economy?
With 250 projects worth R238 billion, Ramaphosa says infrastructure is the 'flywheel' for growth, pledging faster approvals and streamlined partnerships to boost public and private sector collaboration nationwide. Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to infrastructure development as a central pillar of economic growth and social upliftment. During his address at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) on Tuesday, Ramaphosa emphasised the nation's achievements and outlined strategic plans to enhance infrastructure investment, aiming to unlock South Africa's full development potential. Ramaphosa pointed to the growing pipeline of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), stating: 'The capital value of the Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from an initial R340 billion in 2020 to over R1.3 trillion in 2025.' He said this massive pipeline is driven by strong public and private investment, aimed at stimulating inclusive growth, reducing inequality, and preparing the country for the African Continental Free Trade Area. 'Infrastructure is the flywheel that our economy needs to boost growth and to create jobs,' Ramaphosa said, highlighting the central role infrastructure plays in the country's economic recovery. He noted that public infrastructure investment over the next three years will exceed R1 trillion. The 2024/2025 Construction Book, released by Infrastructure South Africa, includes 'around 250 construction projects with an estimated value of more than R238 billion,' marking the largest ever investment of this kind in South Africa. These projects encompass various sectors, including roads, energy, water, logistics, and social infrastructure. Ramaphosa stressed the need to mobilise private capital through improved public-private partnerships. He said: 'Some of the reforms we are focusing on will make it easier for public-private partnerships under the value of R2 billion to gain approval.' He said these reforms are designed to reduce procedural complexity, make infrastructure delivery faster and more predictable, and provide investors with long-term certainty. Highlighting the role of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), Ramaphosa said: 'Over the last five years, more than three-quarters of all requests to Infrastructure South Africa to unlock permits, authorisations and licences were successfully resolved.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'When Infrastructure South Africa is involved, it takes just 85 days on average for permits, licences and approvals to be issued by regulatory entities.' Ramaphosa cited successful completed projects such as 'the Hazelmere Dam wall raising project in KwaZulu-Natal', which has increased water security, and 'the 100 MW Redstone Concentrated Solar Power Plant near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape,' which he said 'now supplies clean energy to more than 400,000 people a day and to over 100,000 households each year.' He also highlighted the Infrastructure Fund, stating: 'Since its inception, the fund has packaged around 26 blended finance projects across several sectors, with a capital value of approximately R102 billion.' 'Through this model, we are de-risking projects and unlocking capital from pension funds, commercial banks and international financiers.' Turning to continental cooperation, he praised the work of the SIDSSA Leaders Forum, saying: 'By bringing together our collective expertise and political will, we strengthen the foundations for inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa.' He urged continued focus on infrastructure-led development, stating: 'We must place infrastructure at the heart of our development agenda, not only as a tool for economic growth and social development, but as a symbol of our great ambition and our hope for a better future.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ramaphosa heralds a new era of infrastructure development in South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the keynote address at the Century City Conference Centre during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa. Image: Supplied President Cyril Ramaphosa heralded a new era of infrastructure development in South Africa, describing it as the "flywheel" of economic growth and job creation during his address at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town on Monday. Ramaphosa outlined ambitious plans to leverage infrastructure to drive economic progress, reduce inequality, and position South Africa as a prime investment destination. "Infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country," Ramaphosa said, saying it served as the backbone of economic growth and social progress. "Good infrastructure will boost trade and will reduce the cost of doing business. This is essential as we open up to the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This will enable us to trade with ease with our sister countries on the continent, representing a market of 1.3 billion people." he said. He referred to the recently released Construction Book 2024/2025 by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), which details 250 fully funded projects valued at over R238 billion. He said this marked a record for public investment in roads, energy, water, logistics, and social infrastructure, reversing a prolonged decline exacerbated by the Covis-19 pandemic. The symposium, held at Century City, showcased South Africa's commitment to transforming infrastructure development from plans to reality. Ramaphosa noted that public infrastructure spending is projected to exceed R1 trillion over the next three years, making it the fastest-growing budget item. However, he acknowledged the government's financial constraints, stressing the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to mobilise domestic and international capital. Reforms are underway to streamline PPP approvals for projects under R2 billion, reducing regulatory hurdles and enhancing investor confidence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa underscored ISA's role as a "centre of excellence," expediting project approvals and mobilising financing. Since 2020, ISA has grown the capital value of Strategic Integrated Projects from R340bn to over R1.3 trillion, with projects spanning energy, water, transport, and digital infrastructure. Notable completions include the Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal and the 100 MW Redstone Concentrated Solar Power Plant in the Northern Cape, which powers over 100,000 households annually. The president also highlighted the Infrastructure Fund's impact, packaging 26 blended finance projects worth R102 billion, de-risking investments for pension funds and banks. Additionally, the Leaders Forum at SIDSSA fosters collaboration among African infrastructure ministers, aligning policies to support the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional integration. Ramaphosa called for infrastructure to be placed at the heart of South Africa's development agenda. "We are moving from great ideas to executable plans and implementation," he said, expressing optimism for SIDSSA 2025's outcomes in driving sustainable growth across the continent. Visit: BUSINESS REPORT
eNCA
10-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Govt launches municipal support plan
CAPE TOWN - South African cities are crumbling, and local authorities are swamped with a whole host of problems to resolve. But help is on the way, with a new government plan to support infrastructure delivery at local level. The initiative will link experts with local authorities to improve planning and execution. "What we are attempting to do is to show that local government really has lost capacity and capability to implement infrastructure projects," said Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. "So, we need a laser-like target approach where we bring in the technical skills that we have as an entity like Infrastructure South Africa with external partners that we have and package these projects so that we are able to fund and finance them either through the fiscus or through development finance institutions."
eNCA
09-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Adopt-a-municipality pilot phase begins
JOHANNESBURG - The Adopt-a-Municipality initiative was announced by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council in November last year READ: Gauteng service delivery | Law enforcers collaborate to fight crime The program aims to see Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) work with municipalities to introduce rapid infrastructure interventions. The national government has signed a memoranda of understanding with three local government municipalities to improve infrastructure delivery. The Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson discussed the progress of this initiative with eNCA.
