News Desk Reporter
Infrastructure projects worth almost R2 trillion are at various stages of development. Government says progress is being made on hundreds of projects across the country.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson gave an update on the programme in Cape Town on Sunday.
He was speaking ahead of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2026.
The pipeline consists of 81 Strategic Integrated Projects, made up of 263 individual projects. Their combined estimated value is R1.9888 trillion.
Over the past 18 months, 37 projects worth about R69 billion have been completed.
Construction is under way on another 82 projects, with a combined value of approximately R502.7 billion.
A further 54 projects, worth about R206 billion, are being prepared through the documentation process. Others have reached procurement.
“These figures show both the scale of the pipeline and the importance of sustained coordination across the infrastructure system,” Macpherson said.
The minister said SIDSSA would provide an opportunity to connect projects with potential investors and funding partners.
The event brings together government, municipalities, investors, development finance institutions and infrastructure specialists.
Macpherson said Bid Window II projects would be announced at the symposium. Bid Window III opened in July.
Infrastructure South Africa is preparing more than 26 projects for potential investment through a R600 million project delivery support commitment introduced in 2024.
The projects have an estimated combined capital value of about R148 billion. Fifteen have completed their preparation work.
Macpherson said having projects ready was not enough if they could not secure the funding needed to proceed.
The infrastructure programme also covers government properties.
Construction of the R769 million Deeds Office in Johannesburg is under way. The building is expected to be completed in October.
It will also reduce the State’s use of rented accommodation.
The department has supported the handover of the Durban Forensic Science Laboratory to the South African Police Service.
Progress has also resumed at the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance after years of delays.
Macpherson said the State needed to use its own properties more effectively.
“Government cannot continue spending approximately R6 billion each year on private leases, while State-owned buildings remain vacant, underused or in poor condition,” he said.
The planned South African National Property Company will focus on improving the management of government buildings and reducing unnecessary rental costs.
More than 46 State-owned properties were made available during the past financial year for shelters for victims of gender-based violence and femicide and for skills development centres.
“South Africans need government buildings that work, public assets that are properly used, and infrastructure that delivers reliable services in their communities,” Macpherson said.
SIDSSA 2026 is being held under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Municipal Infrastructure”. President Cyril Ramaphosa is the convener of the symposium.