Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the national government intends to turn South Africa into a construction site through increased infrastructure investment, and support for Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) as the central authority for the coordination and planning of major construction projects.

“As Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I have publicly mentioned that my focus for the department will be to unleash a wave of construction projects in the country to increase South Africa’s economic growth and create sustainable jobs. I therefore welcome the President’s support for my department’s endeavours as we work to improve the lives of our people,” Macpherson emphasises. 

“The only way we can meaningfully bring change to the South African people, and improve living conditions, is if we grow the economy and create jobs, which can be achieved through infrastructure investment – an approach which enjoys the full support of the President as mentioned in his Opening of Parliament address. I have no doubt we will be successful,” he avers.

Macpherson informs that his focus will be to expand and capacitate ISA for the efficient and successful execution of construction projects, as well as working with other government departments to improve the long-term planning and execution of infrastructure investment.

Macpherson further welcomes the President’s commitment to address the rise of the construction mafia, which has had a detrimental impact on infrastructure investments in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal.

He says he looks forward to working with his colleagues across the Government of National Unity, in particular the Police Minister, to restore the rule of law at construction projects to safeguard investment in infrastructure.

“It is only through working together that we can build South Africa to truly live up to the ideals of democracy. In the months ahead, I invite all South Africans to join me in unleashing infrastructure development and building a better nation. Let’s build South Africa,” Macpherson asserts.