Commenting on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025 in which he acknowledged the critical infrastructure challenges that have long plagued our nation, Chris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa said: “It reminds me of a bird perched on a wire – aware of its surroundings but not yet taking flight. Years have passed and, despite numerous policy frameworks and statements of intent, we have not spread our wings to achieve the development our nation desperately needs.”
Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA.
Campbell continued: “As CESA, representing the consulting engineering sector, we cautiously welcome the president's recognition of important issues, particularly the state of our local municipalities, the breakdown of essential municipal services and infrastructure, and the country's water challenges. However, these are not new revelations – the private sector has been sounding these alarms for years, offering solutions that have often gone unheeded.
“Professionalising the public sector must extend beyond local government to all spheres of public service. It is about creating a competent, technically skilled workforce capable of delivering sustainable services and managing complex infrastructure projects. We need decisive action to strengthen institutional capabilities across all levels of government.”
Campbell also emphasised that these efforts must align with the country’s broader national imperatives. “By professionalising the public sector workforce and strategically leveraging infrastructure projects, we can create meaningful employment opportunities. This approach will build lasting technical capabilities, develop scarce skills, and create sustainable career paths that reduce dependency on social support systems.”
The R940 billion infrastructure spend proposed by government over the next three years, including R375 billion for state-owned companies, represents significant potential. However, Campbell cautioned that unless we address the current systemic challenges in project planning, procurement, inadequate contract management and governance, which continue to obstruct delivery, we risk squandering this investment opportunity and facing the same roadblocks that continue to hamper the delivery of much-needed infrastructure across the country.
“We are particularly encouraged by the president's acknowledgment of the country's water challenges,” Campbell said. “However, an integrated approach that addresses chronic maintenance backlogs, strengthens technical and operational management capabilities and tackles the critical issue of revenue collection is needed. An analysis of South Africa's water sector reveals a deeply concerning pattern of financial governance failures. The magnitude of irregular expenditure has reached unprecedented levels, with billions in public funds being compromised. This financial failure is compounded by the stagnation of vital water infrastructure projects, where allegations of procurement malfeasance and systematic tender manipulation have halted progress on essential developments.
“Without these fundamental improvements, even the most ambitious infrastructure projects will fail to ensure sustainable and quality water security for South Africa’s citizens.”
Campbell reiterated that the private sector stands ready to share its expertise and resources, to work in partnership with the public sector. The engineering industry has the capacity to execute projects and to mentor and develop the technical skills the public sector needs. He said this requires a fundamental shift in how government engages with private sector expertise – moving beyond selective consultation to constructive partnership.
“The time for statements of intent has passed. As CESA has noted before, what South Africa needs is decisive and bold action and implementation. The president's address acknowledges the challenges. It must be met with swift, concrete action, seeing the bird on the wire take flight to realise the infrastructure development so long delayed. Implementation has never been more critical.” Campbell said.
The consulting engineering sector remains committed to South Africa's development. CESA cites the following priorities for progress:
- Immediate clarity and implementation of existing policies
- True partnership with the public sector
- Protection of critical infrastructure
- Professional management of utilities
- And bold action now.
For more information visit: www.cesa.co.za
