WATCH | Unpacking infrastructure planning and delivery

With the increased focus on a nationally co-ordinated effort to support the government’s drive to reignite SA’s economy and place it on a sustainable and inclusive broad-based growth path, infrastructure development is critical.

Public infrastructure investment is central to achieving greater productivity and competitiveness, reducing spatial inequality and supporting the emergence of new job-creating sectors. It is therefore one of the non-negotiables needed to fulfil the National Development Plan’s vision of transformation and inclusive growth.

The aim of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 (NIP 2050) is to create a foundation for achieving this vision — but how will it do so? And, will it be successful in reaching its goals? 

On April 21, Infrastructure SA hosted a Business Day Dialogue online. During this virtual event — watch a recording of it above — a panel of experts analysed the plans for infrastructure delivery in the four critical network sectors outlined in the first phase of the NIP 2050: energy, freight transport, water and digital.

These experts also looked at plans for the second phase of the NIP 2050 and discussed financing infrastructure, private sector partners and players.

Moderated by Clement Manyathela, 702 radio host, the panel included:

• Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, head of the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency and head of Infrastructure SA;
• Monale Ratsoma, director-general of New Development Bank at the African Regional Office;
• Miriam Altman, leading economist, strategist and thought leader; and
• Matthew Parks, parliamentary coordinator at COSATU.