INFRASTRUCTURE
A significant theme was the call for holistic, ecosystem-based thinking. The panellists highlighted that organisations and government entities often operate with inwardfocused strategies that inadvertently create unsustainable competition. Instead, they argued, sustainability must evolve from project-level considerations into a broader developmental ecosystem that supports people, strengthens communities and fuels economic growth.
With the focus on structural reform and economic empowerment, Masimene offered a deep dive into South Africa’ s structural economic landscape, criticising the narrow focus on government transformation while much of the private sector remains inadequately regulated.
He referenced the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its implications for empowerment, suggesting that South Africa’ s ongoing inequality is partly driven by weak enforcement and a concentration of supply chains amongst established players, particularly in the construction sector. The discussion also spotlighted challenges in implementing the Procurement Act of 2024, including an inconsistent understanding of new requirements and insufficient accountability by accounting officers.
Phidza then shifted the conversation towards transportation connectivity, noting that inadequate infrastructure, as well as restricted trade and market access, continue to limit economic participation. He added that the decline in the infrastructure contribution to GDP to just 2.7 % underscores the urgency of revitalising maintenance, investment and governance structures. The panel agreed that unlocking infrastructure’ s potential requires robust public-private partnerships, transparent long-term planning and a decisive shift from top-down planning to bottom-up approaches that reflect the real needs of communities.
Ratsiku emphasised governance and ethics, stressing the dangers of poor professional standards and unfettered entry into the construction sector. He advocated for performance-based contracts, skills transfer requirements and clear professional accountability frameworks. He sees these as critical steps towards improving infrastructure quality and rebuilding public trust.
[ LUTCHMAN ] ARGUED THAT REWRITING THE COUNTRY’ S PLANNING FRAMEWORK COULD UNLOCK SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AT SCALE.
Participants also addressed how procurement can be reframed to reward quality and innovation rather than lowest-cost bids. Key recommendations included adjusting evaluation criteria toward quality, safety and sustainability; involving technical experts in defining project priorities, and incorporating measurable outcomes-based targets into contracts.
GIBB Group CEO Lutchman highlighted the need for an overhaul of South Africa’ s infrastructure planning philosophy and advocated for an inclusive, bottom-up approach involving communities, the private sector and local interests. He argued that rewriting the country’ s planning framework could unlock sustainable infrastructure at scale.
After the discussion, GIBB reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable development, strengthening the infrastructure ecosystem and supporting solutions that uplift society.“ With South Africa at this critical inflection point, we need to be committed to building infrastructure that is resilient, equitable and rooted in the collective progress of all who call our country home,” said Lutchman. IB
16 INBOUND SA / FEBRUARY 2026