Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes infrastructure capability over simple grants

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that infrastructure investment is vital for South Africa’s economic growth, job creation, and regional integration across the African continent. Speaking at the 5th Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA), he noted that reliable energy, water, ports, railways, and digital connectivity are essential for both daily life and business operations.

Ramaphosa warned that providing additional infrastructure grants without strengthening institutional capability is insufficient. He argued that simply funding projects without proper preparation, maintenance plans, and strong institutions could turn assets into liabilities. He advocated for a holistic approach that integrates project preparation, financing, and asset management.

To support this shift, Ramaphosa highlighted the role of Infrastructure South Africa, noting that its R600 million project preparation facility has provided development support to 26 projects. The government aims to move away from a fragmented system toward a more coordinated strategy through the Infrastructure Development Act to ensure a strategic infrastructure pipeline.