By Johnathan Paoli
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has emphasised transparency, investment mobilisation and regional collaboration as key elements in facilitating the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa as a platform for accountability and accelerated action.
Morolong briefed the media on Sunday ahead of the highly anticipated symposium, outlining the government’s ambitious infrastructure development roadmap for the coming year.
“To stimulate the economy, we must ensure that infrastructure is a flywheel upon which the economy grows. That’s the directive given by President Cyril Ramaphosa,” he said.
Set to officially open on Monday and headlined by President Ramaphosa, SIDSSA 2025 brings together government leaders, private sector stakeholders, and regional partners to drive sustainable infrastructure development.
Morolong, as host deputy minister, emphasised the significance of infrastructure as a key economic lever post-COVID-19.
The briefing covered a range of critical updates and announcements, including progress updates on key Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) which have been newly gazette; developments in the Infrastructure Fund pipeline; the unveiling of the Top 12 Initiatives for 2024/2025; the Construction Book performance report; updates on the Adopt-A-Municipality programme; and new partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
The deputy minister praised the measurable impact of SIPs announced in 2024, stating that these projects are already “transforming communities and creating jobs.”
One such project, the R5.2 billion Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade in Milnerton, was spotlighted during a high-level oversight visit by the ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, alongside counterparts from eSwatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Uganda.
The Potsdam upgrade, set for completion in 2027, is now South Africa’s largest wastewater treatment plant.
The City of Cape Town has successfully expanded the facility’s capacity from 47 to 100 million litres per day.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson lauded the project as a national benchmark.
“This is a standout example of what can be achieved when infrastructure is prioritised and delivery is coordinated. The project is ahead of schedule and on budget. Congratulations to the City of Cape Town,” Macpherson said.
Morolong stressed the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating infrastructure delivery.
He welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s recent commitment to finalising PPP regulations that will make it easier for private sector entities to invest in public infrastructure.
“We are now enabling departments like Public Works and Infrastructure, as well as Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), to establish their own PPP implementing units. This decentralisation of capability is key to cutting red tape and speeding up project execution,” Morolong explained.
He also highlighted plans to allow and evaluate unsolicited bids under strict criteria to further widen the funding pipeline.
“These are critical steps that will help ensure projects are funded and delivered on time,” he said.
In a major development, ISA and the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate bulk infrastructure delivery in Gauteng.
The strategic partnership aims to unlock a pipeline of large-scale infrastructure initiatives and expand service delivery in the province.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is set to lead the provincial delegation at SIDSSA on Tuesday, joined by MECs Lebogang Maile, Jacob Mamabolo, and Director-General Edward Mosuwe.
The province will showcase transformative, bankable infrastructure projects during the symposium.
Morolong concluded by emphasising Africa-wide solidarity, underscoring the participation of ministers from neighbouring countries.
“We engage with Africa not as big brothers, but as equals with shared futures. Our development is intertwined with that of our neighbours,” he said.
As the symposium begins, South Africa signals a new era of collaborative, sustainable infrastructure development, anchored in transparency, efficiency, and regional unity.
“We are turning a difficult moment into an opportunity. Let us work together to turn South Africa into a construction site that builds dignity, prosperity, and hope,” Morolong declared.
INSIDE POLITICS