Latest news with #NationalInfrastructurePlan2050
Eyewitness News
04-08-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
The fate of South Africa's infrastructure vision hangs in the balance
Anda Bici 4 August 2025 | 12:45 Picture: The National Infrastructure Plan 2050 is South Africa's most ambitious attempt to re-anchor its developmental future through coordinated, long-term investment in economic and social infrastructure. It is a foundational framework intended to unify fragmented infrastructure priorities across energy, water, digital, transport and municipal systems. Endorsed by Cabinet and formally linked to the National Development Plan, NIP 2050 is conceptually sound, structurally necessary, and strategically overdue. It is, in essence, the architecture of a capable, inclusive, and just state. But a plan, no matter how rational, does not build roads, power grids, or water pipelines. Execution does. And therein lies the risk. South Africa has spent over two decades in a cycle of policy clarity and implementation paralysis. NIP 2050 threatens to join a growing graveyard of well-crafted but undelivered strategies - unless urgent reforms convert intent into impact. Despite its alignment with Operation Vulindlela, the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, and various sectoral masterplans (such as the IRP 2019, National Water Resource Strategy, and Digital Economy Strategy), the plan lacks a central ingredient, an executable, capitalised delivery mechanism. There is no sovereign-backed funding strategy, no credible project pipeline, and no institutional architecture for end-to-end delivery. Most projects remain aspirational because they are not technically scoped, financially structured, or institutionally sponsored. The crisis is not of vision, but of execution. At least R2.15 trillion worth of infrastructure backlogs persist across South Africa, including nearly R89 billion in water and sanitation, R200 billion in freight logistics, and over R75 billion in school and clinic maintenance. Municipalities, which are responsible for over 40% of the infrastructure mandate, are collapsing under the weight of fiscal mismanagement, political instability, and technical incapacity. According to the Auditor-General's 2023 report, only 38 out of 257 municipalities received clean audits, while R25 billion in infrastructure grants went unspent or was irregularly spent. No national plan can be realised on a broken local foundation. Investor confidence, meanwhile, remains low. Although the Infrastructure Fund and Green Infrastructure Facility offer some hope, South Africa lacks an investor-grade pipeline of shovel-ready projects with proper risk allocation, governance safeguards, and bankability criteria. Unlike Kenya's PPP Directorate or Egypt's Sovereign Infrastructure Vehicle, there is no single-window interface to package and market infrastructure to global capital. While public-private partnerships are mentioned in NIP 2050, there is no enforceable PPP framework or project preparation facility to structure transactions. This leaves international investors navigating a slow, fragmented, and policy-uncertain landscape, particularly amid Eskom restructuring, cost recovery delays, and SOE instability. Moreover, the NIP 2050 does not yet reflect a climate-resilient, green industrial, or energy transition-aligned infrastructure vision. Despite South Africa's commitments under the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions, the plan makes limited provision for grid upgrades to integrate renewables, water-smart agricultural logistics, or EV-ready transport corridors. It misses the opportunity to connect infrastructure delivery with green jobs, climate financing, and ESG-compliant investment. All NIP projects above R100 million should be accompanied by a Climate Impact Assessment, ESG-compliance matrix, and be registered where possible with international climate finance platforms such as the Green Climate Fund. These shortcomings are not only technical but constitutional. Section 152 of the Constitution obliges local government to ensure the provision of sustainable infrastructure and services. Section 195 demands professional, accountable, and development-oriented public administration. Section 217 mandates procurement that is fair, transparent, and effective. The failure to deliver infrastructure, particularly in rural and poor communities, is a breach of the social contract. It is not a bureaucratic delay; it is a denial of dignity. And yet, the path forward is clear. The NIP 2050 can still be saved and, in fact, made transformative if five urgent reforms are implemented without delay: 1. Establish a Presidential Infrastructure Delivery Agency (PIDA): Situated in the Presidency and reporting to the Deputy President, this agency should integrate Infrastructure South Africa, the Infrastructure Fund (DBSA), and project-preparation arms of SOEs into one delivery unit. Its mandate: pipeline design, financial packaging, intergovernmental coordination, and cross-sector execution. To ensure full accountability, a Presidential Instruction Note must give PIDA the authority to compel compliance from provincial and municipal implementers. 2. Capitalise and De-risk the Infrastructure Fund: Treasury must ring-fence at least R100 billion over five years, matched by DFI, pension fund, and concessional finance. Guarantee instruments and blended finance facilities must be built into the fund to de-risk municipal and energy-linked projects. DFIs should be incentivised to co-invest in projects aligned with JET-IP and industrial corridors. 3. Launch a National Infrastructure Dashboard and Scorecard: Using DPME and Infrastructure SA, a digital, real-time dashboard must be publicly accessible—tracking project milestones, delays, financing flows, and delivery agents. A Presidential Infrastructure Scorecard must be tabled to Parliament annually, identifying successes and bottlenecks. A National Infrastructure Integrity Unit, reporting jointly to the Auditor-General and DPME, should track contract compliance, cost escalations, and conflict of interest disclosures. 4. Localise Delivery Through Regional Infrastructure Corridors: Prioritise spatial corridors such as the N2 Wild Coast Corridor, Gauteng-Durban Freight Belt, and Mzimvubu Catchment—to ensure equitable investment and regional integration. Each corridor must ringfence 20% of subcontracting for youth and women-owned enterprises. Community works programmes and public employment schemes must be tied to infrastructure rollout in rural districts. 5. Green the Infrastructure Vision: Integrate climate resilience into all new infrastructure through mandatory ESG criteria, and prioritise green industrial value chains—hydrogen-ready ports, low-carbon cement, e-bus corridors, and solar-linked water pumping schemes. This enables NIP 2050 to unlock climate finance and position South Africa for JET-IP implementation. Infrastructure must be environmentally sustainable and economically redistributive. To deliver on these reforms, the Presidency should propose a dedicated National Infrastructure Act, legislated by Parliament to give NIP 2050 binding effect. The Act must mandate the publication of an Annual National Infrastructure Investment Plan, establish a National Infrastructure Register, and define the delivery responsibilities of the Presidency, PICC, Treasury, DBSA, and municipalities. This creates certainty, legal standing, and protection from political disruption post-2026. Globally, South Africa is falling behind. India's Gati Shakti Infrastructure Master Plan integrates logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure with spatial mapping, project tracking, and sovereign-level coordination. Indonesia uses a sovereign wealth fund to co-invest in infrastructure with Japan and China. Kenya has fast-tracked over 200 projects via PPPs in the last decade, driven by a centralised PPP Directorate under the Ministry of Finance. South Africa must stop designing and start building. And to build, it must govern differently. It is equally important to root the infrastructure rollout in real economy impact. According to DBSA and CSIR modelling, every R1 billion in infrastructure spend in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure yields: • 7,600–11,000 jobs• 0.8% local GDP growth • Over R1.3 billion in downstream enterprise activity By aligning procurement to domestic production, NIP 2050 can revitalise our industrial base. Construction materials, engineering services, ICT components, renewable infrastructure, cement, steel, and pipes must be locally sourced wherever possible—anchoring the plan to the country's reindustrialisation effort. To make NIP 2050 fiscally and institutionally implementable, the Presidency must prioritise R480–R600 billion in high-impact infrastructure over the next five years. This should target logistics (R150bn), energy transmission (R120bn), water and sanitation (R110bn), and commuter rail (R70bn). These must be drawn from Infrastructure SA's gazetted SIPs and updated annually as part of a published investment plan, modelled on Kenya's Vision 2030 or India's Gati Shakti dashboard. And nowhere is infrastructure more urgent than in South Africa's neglected rural landscapes. It is unconscionable that after 30 years of democracy, former Bantustans still lack piped water, drainage, feeder roads, or sanitation. NIP 2050 must address agrarian infrastructure justice, focusing on rural roads, irrigation canals, bridges, pack houses, and electrification to connect emerging farmers to markets. This is not rural charity rather a structural redress. Over 35% of new infrastructure allocations should be prioritised for under-served provinces such as Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Northern Cape. The rollout of NIP 2050 must also be linked to the Presidential Jobs Summit Framework Agreement and anchored within the NEDLAC social compact. Labour must be consulted. Local employment, skills training, and public sector works should be embedded in every project's performance contract. Infrastructure must serve people, not just contractors. To ensure strategic coherence, a National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) must be constituted under Presidential leadership, comprising the state, business, labour, DFIs, professional engineers, and spatial economists. This Council should meet quarterly to review bottlenecks, mobilise co-investment, and evaluate progress. It should issue public communiqués to ensure accountability and public confidence. Equally, South Africa must not repeat the historical failure of building without maintaining. A minimum 10–15% of the capital expenditure envelope must be ringfenced for ongoing Preventative Maintenance Plans (PMPs) across sectors - particularly for roads, schools, water treatment plants, and public health facilities. This will improve asset lifecycles, protect public value, and reduce long-term costs. The time has come to treat infrastructure not as a policy ideal but as a political and moral obligation. It is the clearest instrument we must close spatial inequality, unlock youth employment, decongest cities, electrify clinics, irrigate farmlands, and digitise townships. Infrastructure is not a capital budget line but a constitutional instrument of justice. If the Reconstruction and Development Programme once promised that development would 'lead to the reconstruction of our economy and society,' then the NIP 2050 must be its modern-day implementation arm. If the Freedom Charter declared that 'there shall be houses, security and comfort,' then the NIP 2050 is the means to fulfil that promise, town by town, bridge by bridge, clinic by clinic. Let this be the Presidency that ended planning without delivery and rebuilt the nation, brick by brick, in the name of justice. The future demands nothing less.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How collaboration and knowledge-sharing are reshaping South Africa's infrastructure?
South Africa's infrastructure and construction sectors stand at a crucial turning point — where bold policy commitments, private-sector momentum, and cross-sector collaboration are converging to drive real, measurable transformation. Far more than just a trade showcase, Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo have evolved into dynamic platforms for catalysing progress across the built environment. Taking place from Wednesday, 18 June 2025 to Friday, 20 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, these co-located events bring together key decision-makers, technical experts and industry trailblazers to align on the country's infrastructure priorities, explore innovative delivery models, and close the gap between planning and implementation. Backed by over $50bn in government investment over the next decade and supported by initiatives like the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Transmission Development Plan, the 2025 programme responds directly to the urgent need for practical solutions, resilient systems and inclusive growth. Unlocking knowledge to accelerate impact The events' technical programmes and CPD-accredited knowledge platforms will feature more than 30 sessions across four thematic streams, designed to provide actionable insights for public and private stakeholders committed to advancing South Africa's infrastructure, water and construction goals. 'Our content programme has been developed to reflect the full scale of transformation underway in South Africa's infrastructure, water and construction sectors,' said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. 'With government-led development driving renewed momentum and private-sector contribution growing, these sessions will provide professionals with tangible insights into overcoming obstacles and unlocking opportunities.' Forum for policy, delivery and resilience One of the key knowledge platforms in 2025 will be the two-day South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum, hosted alongside the Expo for the first time. Designed for senior public and private decision-makers, the forum will focus on policy alignment, sustainable delivery models, and practical funding strategies to accelerate national development goals. Backed by the government's $54bn (R1tn) infrastructure commitment and initiatives like the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Transmission Development Plan, the first day of the forum will offer attendees insights and focused conversations on infrastructure priorities such as power, logistics, and public-private partnerships. Day two will focus on water-sector challenges and solutions, including South Africa's high water loss rates, upcoming reforms like the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, and the $8.44bn (R156.3bn) investment to expand dams and bulk supply systems. Among the key speakers who will be making an appearance are Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head: Infrastructure South Africa; Johnson Kilangi, Founder & CEO: Miundo Misingi Hub (Kenya); Wynand Dreyer, Director: Dreyer Project Dynamics; Hendrik Malan, Partner & Africa CEO: Frost & Sullivan; Shabari Shaily-Gerber, Head: Urban Economic Development, British High Commission and Mike Salawou, Director, Infrastructure and Urban Development Department: African Development Bank. Practical tools for sustainable delivery The Infra360 and Water360 knowledge streams will offer free-to-attend CPD-certified sessions for registered visitors, diving into the practical and strategic issues that impact infrastructure and water-system performance. Infra360 will cover such topics as digital infrastructure and BIM; 5D planning and digital twin technology; ethics and governance and the building blocks of a future-ready construction workforce. It will showcase a key session by Sindi Kwenaite, Operations Executive, SACPCMP, on professional registration and its importance in a VUCA environment. Water360, on the other hand, will spotlight water-system resilience and decentralised solutions; smart water grids, efficient wastewater reuse and sustainable product design. To this end, there will be presentations by David Crawley, Head: Product Line at Kwikot, and Heinrich Ueckermann, Business Development Manager: Freudenberg Performance Materials. Upskilling for the future The CPD-accredited Big 5 Talks will return as a platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussions and the professional development of construction professionals. A not-to-be missed highlight includes a talk by Tyrelle Correa of Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists, who will be unpacking how to close liability gaps in project coverage. Sanjay Munnoo, President: Saiosh will present on behavioural safety and the cultural shift required to reduce risks across the construction lifecycle. Other sessions will explore modular interiors, sustainable housing, and the value of lifelong learning and upskilling. 'The 2025 programme is closely aligned with South Africa's economic-recovery priorities and the delivery timelines associated with the National Development Plan 2030,' noted Heijmans. 'From actionable insights and knowledge sharing to business networking with key brands across the construction value chain, this year's Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will create a space for candid conversations, practical guidance and policy-aligned thinking.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Mid East Info
15-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Big 5 Construct South Africa returns for its 12th edition, catering to the country's $125 billion construction market
South Africa's construction industry is e xpected to record an average annual growth of 3.5% from 2026 to 2028, supported by public and private sector investments in infrastructure Inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo supports the country's development spending to boost port, rail, road infrastructure and water and sanitation The event features over 250 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, highlighting the latest products, services, systems and solutions to support the delivery of mega projects in the country South Africa's government has committed more than $50 billion over the next decade towards construction and infrastructure development (source: Construct South Africa ). Aligning with the country's ambitious plan, the 12 th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa and the inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will take place from 18 – 20 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Construction and infrastructure development are key to South Africa's economic growth, social progress and sustainability. With a $125 billion construction market and a $193 billion infrastructure market, the sectors support the National Development Plan 2030 and National Infrastructure Plan 2050 goals (sources: ABiQ). The inaugural South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo directly addresses these pressing needs. 'The launch of South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo alongside the 12 th edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa reflects the ongoing transformation of the country's construction and infrastructure landscape,' said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. 'These events align with national development priorities by enabling knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships that will accelerate the delivery of mega projects, boost economic growth and enhance quality of life. As South Africa ramps up investment in construction, infrastructure, water and sanitation, the events will drive international collaboration to support these critical initiatives.' International exhibitors drive industry momentum This year, visitors will have the opportunity to network and do business with a diverse line-up of exhibitors from over 20 countries, including Bahrain, Malaysia, Spain, Türkiye, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Poland and more. Over 250 exhibitors will showcase unique products and services under diverse construction sectors, including concrete & cement, technology, building interiors & finishes, heavy construction equipment, machinery & vehicles, alongside the new sector for this year, power infrastructure & water management infrastructure. Building on the industry's growing prominence in the region, the exhibition also welcomes several prominent first-time exhibitors, including Bostik, a global leader in smart adhesive solutions; Muziset Fiberglass Sheeting, manufacturer of high-quality fibreglass sheeting; We Lift Solutions, provider of advanced lifting and construction equipment; Stanley Black & Decker South Africa, supplier of trusted tools and industrial solutions; and Olympic Paints, known for premium yet affordable solutions and AI-powered colour tools, among others. 'Big 5 Construct South Africa offers a powerful platform to connect with key decision-makers, showcase our innovations, and explore new market opportunities,' said Keneilwe Nawane, Commercial Director, DeWalt South Africa. 'As a first-time exhibitor, we are excited to be part of such a dynamic event that brings together the region's top construction players and drives industry growth.' CPD-certified sessions empower industry professionals Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo offer several knowledge-sharing opportunities across a diverse range of content programmes, allowing visitors to meet with key decision-makers, government entities and industry leaders. Through CPD-certified sessions, the event empowers industry professionals to share knowledge and advance their careers. Sessions at Big 5 Talks will provide practical insights across core industry themes such as project management, architecture & design, technology and sustainability, delivered by expert speakers. This year, the event will also host the Infra360 Talks and Water360 Talks, offering actionable insights into South Africa's most pressing infrastructure and water challenges. Covering critical themes from smart infrastructure, mega projects and public-private partnerships to water efficiency, smart management systems and climate resilience, these sessions will spotlight sustainable strategies, emerging technologies and investment opportunities shaping the future of urban development and resource management in the region. Exclusive access to sustainable infrastructure and water solutions New in 2025, the pay-to-attend South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum will include insightful discussions led by thought leaders, policy makers and innovators on themes, including sustainable infrastructure, water projects, unlocking investment and project partnerships. 'As the region continues to prioritize infrastructure and economic transformation, Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will allow attendees to reconnect with the industry and facilitate growth and advancement for their ongoing and upcoming projects,' concluded Heijmans. Registration is now open for Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, co-located with WoodEX for Africa and Transport Evolution Africa, with free admission to trade and industry professionals over 18.
