The South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) CEO, Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, addressed the Big 5 Construct South Africa’s Stakeholders Engagement Forum, in Midrand, today, emphasising the importance of infrastructure development in Africa for fostering economic growth and improving living standards.
Highlighting the significance of such development, she stated: “Infrastructure contributes significantly to human development, poverty reduction, and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
South Africa boasts comprehensive policy documents and plans, such as the National Development Plan (NDP2030), which aims to eliminate poverty and inequality by 2030; and the National Infrastructure Plan (2050), which focuses on economic growth through infrastructure investment. These strategic frameworks, she said, are crucial for identifying projects that stimulate growth and attract private sector funding.
Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), which SAICE has a MOU with, is strategically focused on skills development and professionalisation in the sector. The ISA, established in 2020, has prioritised infrastructure projects across various sectors, with 12 priority projects slated for 2024/25, covering rail and ports, water infrastructure, energy security, green economy, and housing.
Despite the progress made in the last 30 years of democracy, South Africa faces numerous challenges hindering sustainable growth, she said. The 4th SAICE Infrastructure Report Card (IRC) of 2022 awarded an overall grade ‘D’ to South Africa’s public infrastructure, indicating it is "at risk of failure."
Phayane-Shakhane pointed out that: "Infrastructure is not coping with normal demand and is poorly maintained," stressing the urgent need for action to avoid risks to the public. Nevertheless, the IRC identified pockets of excellence in national roads, airports, and heavy haul freight lines, reflecting successful investments in economic infrastructure.
Comparatively, South Africa ranks fourth in the Africa Infrastructure Development Index (AIDI) with 80% as of 2022, following Seychelles, Egypt, and Libya. However, certain sectors still experience poor access and inequality.
Phayane-Shakhane highlighted that: "South Africa's transport infrastructure ranks seventh on the AIDI, with significant challenges in maintenance and unintegrated spatial development." Similarly, ICT infrastructure has seen a decline, and energy disruptions persist due to aging infrastructure. She added that water and sewage services, though significantly invested in, face challenges in rural areas requiring substantial intervention for treatment and supply.
Addressing the solutions, Phayane-Shakhane emphasised the need for innovative funding mechanisms, good governance, and building a professional sector. She acknowledged government’s efforts to stabilise key institutions and drive necessary reforms, expressing hope that the next administration will continue this momentum.
“Professionalisation will play a key role in South Africa’s economic growth, particularly in the development and delivery of key infrastructure. We need to reinvigorate the technical capacity in our public institutions as well as ensure there are technical decisions makers in each sphere of an infrastructure project life cycle. SAICE is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to achieve this professionalisation, driving excellence and innovation in civil engineering to meet societal needs sustainably,” she concluded.
Further, as part of the Stakeholders Engagement Forum held today, SAICE held an inaugural Infrastructure Indaba, which comprised the institution’s executive leadership, members of which operate in leadership roles within municipalities, the private sector and State-owned enterprises. The forum highlighted the various needs and infrastructure gaps within the country with a focus on water and sanitation; sustainability; and the opportunities presented through the African Continental Free Trade Area and continental partnerships in this light. A deep dive into these major issues and opportunities for participation will be presented at an upcoming technical talk to be held by SAICE later this month.
