Public works & infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson and UK minister of state for trade Sir Sir Chris Bryant have signed a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure collaboration between the two nations.
In terms of the memorandum the UK will provide SA with technical expertise on infrastructure initiatives, department spokesperson James de Villiers said.
Fixing SA’s crumbling and neglected infrastructure — primarily roads and the provision of power and water power — has long been touted as the flywheel with which to turn the moribund economy around.
The signing of the memorandum London on Monday afternoon follows an announcement of the collaboration by Macpherson and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, in Durban earlier this year “to capacitate the department as it works towards using public assets for the public good and turning SA into a construction site”.
De Villiers said the partnership would see the UK provide expertise and capacity support worth nearly R10m in three focus areas:
- Project Capstone, which will support the effective operationalisation of the department’s special and strategic delivery unit. The unit will accelerate infrastructure delivery by focusing on high-impact, high-priority projects and addressing systemic process inefficiencies that hinder effective implementation.
- Project Speed, which will enhance the management of public assets through more effective and efficient public sector asset management, including improved resource efficiency.
- Infrastructure SA’s Adopt-a-Municipality Programme, which will strengthen infrastructure delivery at a municipal level in selected municipalities.
Macpherson said the partnership demonstrated how international collaboration could help unlock SA’s infrastructure potential and improve the state’s capacity to deliver.
“The memorandum marks an important step forward in our efforts to turn SA into a construction site and ensure that public assets are used for the public good. By partnering with the UK, we are creating a foundation for stronger project preparation, improved delivery, and the upskilling of our public sector teams,” Macpherson said.
“This memorandum shows we are delivering on reform within the department of public works & infrastructure, ensuring that every project we undertake contributes meaningfully to job creation, local economic development, and the building of modern, resilient public infrastructure.
“Our aim is to turn previously derelict buildings into assets for communities, and ensure that construction projects are delivered on time and within budget. By working with all partners, we are well on our way to building a better SA.”
The partnership comes as the government prepares its sixth investment conference later this year to attract R2-trillion in new investments over the next five years.
In 2024, new projects worth R454bn were announced by public and private sector firms — the highest level of fixed infrastructure investment since 2021.
The ANC recently unveiled a 10-point economic action plan adopted by its national executive committee, which proposes using electricity tariffs and investment in transmission infrastructure to drive economic activity.
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