Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

President Cyril Ramaphosa says infrastructure investment is central to South Africa’s economic growth, job creation and regional integration.

Addressing the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2026, President Ramaphosa said infrastructure is fundamental to integrating the Southern African region and the African continent. 

“We need roads, bridges, rail lines, ports, power lines, data cables and gas pipelines that cross our region and continent,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said these networks must link mines to factories, farms to markets, gas fields to industrial plants, wind farms to homes and businesses, mobile phones to data centres, and businesses to customers.

“It is for this reason that South Africa has placed infrastructure investment at the centre of our drive for inclusive growth and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Ramaphosa said the country’s ability to grow the economy depends on reliable energy, sufficient water, efficient ports and railways, functioning roads, digital connectivity, and cities and towns that work.

“Infrastructure affects the daily lives of South Africans. It determines whether a household has clean water, whether a community has functioning sanitation, whether a learner has a safe and suitable school, whether a commuter can travel safely and affordably, and whether a business can rely on the basic services it needs to operate.

“When we embarked on the infrastructure investment drive, we were clear that South Africa needed to fundamentally change the way infrastructure is planned, prepared, financed and delivered. We recognised that our infrastructure system was too fragmented,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa has strengthened coordination through the Infrastructure Development Act and the work of Infrastructure South Africa in preparing and advancing the country’s strategic infrastructure pipeline.

“We expect Infrastructure South Africa to ensure that the country’s infrastructure pipeline is progressing, that projects are properly prepared, that funding is secured, and that procurement takes place when it is supposed to.

“South Africa’s level of investment remains far below what is required to achieve faster and more sustained economic growth,” the President said.

He said the estimated capital value of the portfolio of Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from approximately R340 billion in 2020 to more than R1.67 trillion today.

“There are 195 public- and private-led infrastructure projects across priority sectors in the current portfolio. Over the last several years, 32 projects with an estimated value of approximately R48 billion have been completed. At present, 55 projects with an estimated value of more than R407 billion are in construction,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the country must convert plans into prepared projects, prepared projects into investment, investment into construction, and construction into infrastructure that supports economic activity and improves people’s lives.

“One of the most important lessons we have learned is that South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of infrastructure proposals. Our constraint is that too many of these projects are not adequately prepared.

“The role of Infrastructure South Africa is vital to this. Drawing its mandate from the Infrastructure Development Act, Infrastructure SA plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating Strategic Integrated Projects across government,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that through Infrastructure South Africa’s R600 million project preparation facility, 26 projects have received, or are receiving, project development support.

“This kind of support is particularly important as we shift our focus towards municipal infrastructure delivery. Municipal infrastructure is not only where the effectiveness of the state is most directly tested; it is also the foundation of inclusive economic growth,” the President said.

The SIDSSA 2026 programme has been designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for collaboration among leaders shaping the future of infrastructure development.

More than 1 000 guests, including delegates from neighbouring countries, are attending the summit, which ends today. – SAnews.gov.za

Over the past 18 months, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) has committed R131 million to supporting local government infrastructure, says Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson.

“This includes R9.39 million to package strategic water projects in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, with a combined estimated investment value of approximately R7.3 billion,” Macpherson said.

The Minister was speaking at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2026, which is underway in Cape Town. Macpherson cited developments in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State, where approximately R1.8 million was invested in preparing a nonrevenue water programme, which helped to unlock an R800 million debt-financing facility from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

“Through the Presidential Adopt-a-Municipality pilot programme, Infrastructure South Africa is supporting four municipalities across four provinces. The programme is preparing projects that seek to unlock approximately R7 billion in water, sanitation, energy and waste management investment,” Macpherson said.

He said a relatively small investment in technical preparation can unlock hundreds of millions and sometimes billions of rands in infrastructure investment.

“Progress is also being made across the wider Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio. During the first 22 years of the Construction Industry Development Board, only two contractors were removed from its register for fraudulent conduct. 

“In the last 22 months, 52 contractors have been removed, with more on the way.  These achievements show the direction in which we are moving towards stronger institutions, better prepared projects, greater accountability and a relentless focus on delivery.

“The approval to formalise Infrastructure South Africa as a public entity is central to the next phase of this work,” the Minister said.

Macpherson said government is building a permanent institution capable of serving as the central point for major infrastructure projects, maintaining a credible national pipeline, coordinating approvals, mobilising finance and supporting implementation. 

“Our responsibility is now to translate that commitment into properly prepared projects, credible procurement processes, active construction sites and functioning infrastructure. Our infrastructure programme must be judged not by the value of its announcements, but by what is financed and built, and delivered to communities,” the Minister said.

Macpherson said SIDSSA 2026 must take government from stronger preparation to faster implementation, and from national ambition to visible local delivery.

“We have strengthened the pipeline. We have expanded project preparation support. We have brought credible projects together with financiers. We must now convert that progress into financial close, procurement, construction and finally, functioning infrastructure.”

Municipalities as enablers of stable infrastructure

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said infrastructure challenges and opportunities facing municipalities require government, businesses, investors, development finance institutions, technical experts, and communities to work together around a common objective.

“Our discussion on reimagining municipal trading services and building financially sustainable cities through infrastructure investment speaks directly to that challenge.

“It calls on us to look beyond the traditional understanding of municipal water, electricity, sanitation, waste management and related services as simply functions that municipalities must perform. 

“We must understand these services as economic foundations upon which our cities and towns are built.” 

Hlabisa said when municipal services are consistently reliable, businesses can operate with greater certainty, industries can expand, investors can make long-term decisions and communities can participate more meaningfully in the economy.

“When municipal services are unreliable, the consequences extend far beyond the municipal balance sheet. They affect investment decisions, business confidence, productivity, employment, property values and the overall competitiveness of a city or region.

“This is why reimagining municipal trading services is ultimately about reimagining the economic future of our municipalities.” 

He said since the advent of democracy, South Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to basic services for the majority of citizens.

“Millions of households have gained access to water, sanitation, electricity and refuse removal. These achievements, which represent some of the most important gains of our democratic era, must be protected. 

“We must move from simply asking whether infrastructure exists, to asking whether it is reliable, resilient, financially sustainable and capable of supporting economic growth,” Hlabisa said.

SIDSSA 2026 is in full swing, attracting more than 1 000 guests, including those from neighbouring countries.  

The SIDSSA 2026 programme has been designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for collaboration among leaders shaping the future of infrastructure development. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel has called on all South Africans to treat the Constitution not merely as a historical achievement born after years of hardship, but as an active tool for shaping the nation’s future.

Nel addressed the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the constitution hosted by the Centre for Constitutional Values.

He noted that over the past three decades, the supreme law has “fundamentally changed” South Africa’s legal and political landscape by entrenching an extensive Bill of Rights, establishing a judiciary that is independent as well as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

“It also recognised that political freedom could not be separated from the social and economic conditions in which people live. That is why socio-economic rights form such an important part of our constitutional order.

“But thirty years is also long enough for us to reflect critically. The Constitution cannot transform society simply by existing. It cannot by itself overcome the enormous inequalities produced by our history. It cannot create jobs, eradicate poverty, end gender-based violence, defeat crime and corruption or ensure that every community receives decent public services,” he said.

Nel added that the responsibility belongs to all: government, Parliament, the courts, civil society, business, labour, communities and citizens.

“Every generation has to acquire an understanding of the Constitution for itself. Young South Africans who were born long after 1996 must be able to see the Constitution not simply as an historical achievement of an earlier generation, but as an instrument through which they can shape their own future.

“We need to renew our commitment to constitutionalism, to the rule of law, to accountable and capable government and to strong democratic institutions. But we must also recommit ourselves to the transformative objectives of the Constitution,” the Deputy Minister urged.

Reflecting on the promises of the preamble of the Constitution, he added that although much work still needs to be done but much has also been achieved.

“We can be proud of our Constitution and what it has enabled us to achieve over the past thirty years. But perhaps the best way to honour that achievement is not simply to celebrate what we did then. It is to ask what the Constitution requires of us now.

“The Constitution belongs to all of us. So does the responsibility for making its promise real,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Her Majesty Queen Neo Mopeli is making her mark in the world by embracing simplicity and defying the stereotype that royalty is disconnected from everyday life. 

In fact, for the recognised Queen of the Bakoena Nation in the Free State. serving humanity is the cornerstone upon which she hopes her legacy will be built. 

“I’m a simple girl; at the core of it all. I am a wife and mom. I am a daughter, a friend and a sister. I am a community leader and worker. My biggest purpose and goal in life is to always work for the marginalised and the vulnerable,” she said in an interview with SAnews.

Her Majesty also serves as one of the 25 commissioners of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC).

The Commission is an independent, multi-stakeholder body, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition to a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

The President announced the second cohort of PCC commissioners in January this year.

The Queen described her appointment as a humbling experience as the commissioners move into the implementation phase of their work centering on the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.

“When you look at the group of Commissioners, it’s really the cream of the crop of their various industries. I have a deep respect for the work done in the first five years (of the Commission).

“We are moving from conceptualisation into implementation, and we are going to centre our work around the lived realities of ordinary South Africans. I come from the traditional constituency, which makes up a large part of the public that would ordinarily never find themselves in these kinds of rooms, platforms and tables.

“I would like to ensure that the voices of the rural communities, particularly the women and the young people, are heard and incorporated into the recommendations and ultimately, the work of the PCC,” she explained.

Just Energy Transition and climate change
She added that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), which is central to the work of the Commission, must take into account issues such as jobs, inequality and food security.

According to the PCC, the JET focuses on the transition of the energy sector as the country navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner energy sources.

She added that climate change is often misunderstood.

“Our job is to assist in translating climate change and the Just Transition into the ordinary, normal lives of people. Remember, the most important thing is that the transition doesn’t happen to people; it happens with people – that is the motto and the slogan that we are using at the PCC. 

“People think that climate change is all about today’s weather being cold and yesterday being hot. Climate change takes into account water security, food security, energy and agriculture. If the weather is on and off, what happens to agricultural produce?” she asked. 

Another important aspect of climate change is that it does not affect everyone equally.  For example, those who have built their homes along the floodlines will be impacted differently to those who live in the suburbs.

“Everybody will be affected in one way or another. It is not a problem that is for the elite or those in rural areas. It’s a generational problem. We need to look at renewable energy, technology, sustainable agriculture, emerging industries and importantly, we need to look at bringing everybody into this new phase. It also needs a quick response.”

Royalty
While Her Majesty always knew she had a greater purpose in life, this did not include the prospect of becoming a Queen.

“I didn’t think that purpose would find me so early on in life. It’s been such a fulfilling role that has taught me humility, gratitude and thankfulness,” she said.

Having people stand up when she enters a room is one of the biggest culture shocks she recalls experiencing since becoming Queen six years ago.  While the role includes an element of glamour, attending events and meeting with prominent people, it is the quiet moments that are not caught on camera that she cherishes most.

Her Majesty recalls a party she hosted at orphanage whereby a child hugged her and told her it was the first time they had ever had a party.

“This is why I do it…and this is why I continue to do it,” gushed the mother of Prince Motebang and Prince Seeiso, who are aged four and two, respectively.

She added that the two are being raised with the understanding that leadership comes with responsibility and the need for humility and grace.

“Morena ke Morena ka sechaba – a King is a King by the people,” she said, adding that relatability is an important cog of leadership.
This is because people need to see something of themselves in those who lead them.

Supporting traditional communities

In the wide-ranging interview with SAnews, Her Majesty spoke of the work of the South African Queens Council, where she serves as Deputy Chair.

Born from the Majesties Forum (of recognised traditional Kings), the Council brings together queens from different provinces to tackle issues affecting traditional communities.
The Council, first announced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velinkosini Hlabisa on 27 October 2024, provides a platform for queens to support their majesties in their customary duties and serve as trusted advisors on key matters impacting their communities.

Her Majesty added that while the Majesties Forum is focused on national policies, related structures, and legislation, the Queens Council has a particular focus on women, youth and other community programmes.

The Queen said traditional communities face a range of interconnected challenges.
These include access to services, land and resources, cultural preservation, poverty, unemployment and gender-based violence.

She said the Council provides an opportunity for queens from different provinces to learn from each other.

Challenges that emerge in one province may also be experienced elsewhere, making the sharing of ideas and solutions valuable.

Gender-based violence (GBV)
On GBV, the Queen said while government continues to do what it can to address the scourge, more needs to be done.

“Until we have zero percent GBV, whatever we do will never be enough.” She added that South Africa’s response to GBV should include a change in how the boy child is raised and socialised.

She believes some people have grown up in households where violence was normalised.
“We need to completely re-alter every structure we have known; we have to try something different because what we have been doing in raising our boys is not working.”

She said the change must begin at grassroots level and include better parenting and a change in attitudes among men and boys.

Celebrating SA’s Constitution
Reflecting on 30 years of the Constitution, Her Majesty, who is also an attorney, is of the view that much progress has been made.

She says the Constitution’s emphasis on dignity, equality and freedom was an extraordinary achievement and that South Africans should celebrate the rights that have been secured.

At the same time, she believes the country must be honest about the work that remains.

“As a community leader, I can never divorce myself from people’s lived realities. I also see how the Constitution is sometimes so far removed from the everyday realities of the local person on the ground. We need to bridge that gap; the next 30 years need to really be about implementation. We need to implement the rights of the Constitution, and if they need to evolve, let them evolve to suit where we are right now,” she explained.

Legal Eagles
The Queen’s commitment to community building is also reflected in her Legal Eagles Mentorship Programme. The initiative started after she advertised on the social media platform X for an intern or legal officer. One CV became 50 and then 100.

She realised there was a significant gap and created a WhatsApp group where opportunities could be shared. What started as a single group has since grown to five groups on the platform. To date, the group assists over 2500 young graduates from legal-related courses to find work opportunities.

The programme has gone beyond sharing job opportunities. Members of the groups, many of whom have no idea that they are interacting with a Queen, also ask her to review their CVs and offer interview advice.

Spending a few minutes daily across the groups, the Queen enjoys the secret identity she has, as she only uses her initials across the groups.
Balancing her responsibilities as a mother, Queen, attorney and Commissioner requires careful organisation.

“I will sleep when I’m dead. For the time that I’m living, I’m going to make the most of every single hour.”

She says she often sleeps very little and uses a notebook to keep track of the many issues that arise during the day.

She categorises and prioritises her activities, while also relying on support from her family, friends and colleagues.

A typical day begins with checking her laptop and reviewing the meetings and calls scheduled for the day.

The calendar, she says, ultimately determines the direction of the day.

Recognition
The Queen was among the women honoured by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities at the 40 Under Forty Awards last year.

She won in the charity and philanthropy category, an achievement she describes as particularly meaningful as it recognises work centred on people and giving back.

“Having them is great; it is a form of validation and affirmation,” she said, while acknowledging that awards are not the reason she serves. 

Women’s Month
As South Africa continues to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, Her Majesty thanked the country’s older women for the sacrifices made to carry families throughout generations while also urging young women to never apologise for their ambition.

“To our young women: never allow your circumstances to define the limits of your dreams. Your voice matters, your education matters, and your leadership matters. Walk boldly into spaces where decisions are made and never apologise for your ambition.

“To our older women: thank you for the sacrifices that have carried families, communities, and this nation through generations. Your wisdom is a treasure that must continue to guide and mentor those who come after you,” she said.

She stressed that Women’s Month should not only be a celebration of women but also a renewed commitment to protecting women, empowering women economically and ensuring that every girl grows up in a South Africa where she is safe, valued and given equal opportunity to thrive.

Asked what she would  like her legacy to be, Her Majesty reiterated her desire for service, integrity and empowerment.

“As Queen, as a professional woman, and as a servant of the people, I hope to be remembered as someone who used every platform entrusted to her to uplift others -particularly women, children, and communities that have historically been overlooked. If, years from now, young women believe more deeply in their own potential because they saw someone who carried both tradition and modern leadership with grace and conviction, then I would consider that a meaningful legacy,” she said.

For Her Majesty, all that she does is a blessing.

“This is a blessing; it’s not a right,” she concluded. –SAnews.gov.za