Tag: infrastructure development

Among the greatest threats facing infrastructure development today is climate change. To mitigate the associated risks for all sector stakeholders, we urgently need to make better use of modern technologies. We also need to establish contractual frameworks that are appropriately structured from the outset.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa doubles down on the promise to turn South Africa into a ‘construction site', one factor in the infrastructure development equation has become increasingly vital to government plans' success. That factor is meaningful community-centred infrastructure development and involvement.

As the nation waits for the rescheduled delivery of the Budget Speech on 12 March, many wonder what tax announcements to expect. The delayed budget and VAT hike mean small business owners, in particular, remain on tenterhooks as they anticipate the rate hike. This increase would see the VAT rate rise from 15% to 17%, which could significantly impact businesses.

Those in the know say building a house can cost anything from R10,000 to R20,000 per square meter. Factors such as location, quality of the material used, and design complexity can significantly raise costs. High-end houses can cost upwards of R25,000 per square meter. It is a hefty price to pay, but one well worth it.

Local government in South Africa faces challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of resources, and widespread corruption. These issues often hinder local government's ability to effectively meet the dire needs of the community.

As South Africa faces an intensifying water crisis, government is placing the spotlight on the water and sanitation sector by shifting from the "business as usual" approach to unlock innovative funding for increased water infrastructure development. On Tuesday, 27 August 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Bill (the bill).

Globally, the building and construction industry has been putting more emphasis on using energy-efficient technologies and equipment to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in buildings. This has resulted in the integration of renewable energy sources in building designs with solar panels, wind turbines, and even geothermal systems becoming commonplace.

Infrastructure has been named a top priority for South Africa over the next few years as we seek to bounce back from global economic shocks such as the pandemic and war in Ukraine and refocus attention on promoting socio-economic development. 

While the African banking market has seen withdrawal of global banks over the last 5 years, the opportunity for localised banking has seen the opposite, driven by the expansion of African banking groups into the continent, led mostly by South African, West African, and Northern African banks.

The cabinet approved a new state-owned enterprise (SOE) plan, which will lays the basis for private equity investment in state companies and listings on the stock exchange. It has already stirred significant debate and discussion – and rightly so, because full or partial privatisation by countries around the world has been met with mixed success.