Infrastructure Policy Reforms and Logistics Plans Could Reshape SA ’ s Economy
Roelof van den Berg CEO , Gap Infrastructure Corporation www . gic . co . za
There is a considerable mountain for South Africa to climb if we are to reach the country ’ s infrastructure goals by 2030 . As was recently acknowledged at the 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium , the public sector will need to invest some R1.6 trillion and the private sector some R3.2 trillion to achieve these goals .
The good news is that hard yards have been made in preparation for the challenge ahead , with several significant regulatory reforms already underway . These include critical amendments to the Division of Revenue Act and the PPP regulatory framework that will strengthen public-private partnerships ( PPPs ), streamline project processes , and
encouraging greater private investor involvement . But perhaps one of the most important focal areas for the country will be plans for the large-scale modernisation , maintenance , refurbishment , and expansion of local logistics networks , including port and railway systems .
This includes a focus on operational performance improvement , upgrading rolling stocks , ensuring the safety of the rail network , and capital investment for expansion and sustaining operations . Some quick wins could also potentially be achieved in areas like operational improvement through effective management and reforms , and bringing longstanding locomotives back to service to immediately alleviate congestion problems .
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