South Africa is accelerating infrastructure development, with major projects moving through construction, procurement and preparation as the government seeks to improve municipal services and attract greater private investment.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said 37 infrastructure projects worth approximately R69 billion have been completed over the past 18 months, while 82 projects valued at R502.7 billion are currently under construction.
The country now has 81 Strategic Integrated Projects comprising 263 individual projects, with a combined estimated value of R1.9888 trillion. A further 54 projects worth about R206 billion are in documentation and procurement.
Municipal infrastructure remains a key priority, particularly in water, sanitation, electricity, roads and waste management. Infrastructure South Africa has committed R131 million to support local government infrastructure over the past 18 months, helping municipalities strengthen project preparation and attract investment.
Through the Presidential Adopt-a-Municipality pilot, several municipalities are preparing projects that could unlock approximately R7 billion in investment across water, sanitation, energy and waste management.
The government is also focusing on improving project preparation before construction begins. Infrastructure South Africa is supporting more than 26 projects with an estimated capital value of R148 billion, while 15 projects have already completed their preparation. Projects selected under the latest investment window are expected to represent around R57.8 billion in potential capital investment.
Macpherson emphasized that government funding alone cannot meet South Africa’s infrastructure needs. Public investment must be combined with development finance and responsible private capital, supported by strong oversight and well-prepared projects.
The government is also working to improve the management of public property and reduce unnecessary spending on private leases. A proposed South African National Property Company is expected to support professional management of state-owned buildings, including refurbishment, partnerships and better use of existing assets.
With more than 1,200 delegates attending the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa, the government is seeking to strengthen cooperation among municipalities, investors, financiers and technical experts.
The focus is increasingly shifting from announcing infrastructure commitments to ensuring projects are properly prepared, financed, constructed and completed, with the ultimate goal of improving public services and supporting economic growth.
