Ramaphosa Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Infrastructure Investment for Economic Growth

During his address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the President outlined key national developments, including efforts to combat extortion against businesses and individuals, and progress in tackling unemployment and poverty.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his administration's dedication to increasing infrastructure investment, emphasizing its role in stimulating economic growth and improving service delivery. During his address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the President outlined key national developments, including efforts to combat extortion against businesses and individuals, and progress in tackling unemployment and poverty.

“Infrastructure development is vital for efficient service delivery and economic growth. This administration is committed to significantly scaling up investment in infrastructure, turning South Africa into a building site,” President Ramaphosa stated.

He acknowledged that delays and abandoned public infrastructure projects hinder access to essential services. To address this, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, during the previous administration, began identifying such projects for completion. The 2019 Presidential Proclamation transferring the Infrastructure Development Act to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure has enabled a more integrated approach to infrastructure development across government and the private sector, led by Infrastructure South Africa.

Key initiatives to drive infrastructure investment include reforms like multi-year budgeting for infrastructure, improving project prioritization, and speeding up permitting and approvals. The President also highlighted the Siyahlola programme, which monitors progress on stalled projects and brings together local, district, and municipal stakeholders to address infrastructure-related challenges.

The District Development Model plays a crucial role in facilitating these interventions, aligning stakeholders toward the shared goal of completing infrastructure projects and boosting the economy.