Tag: infrastructure

At the beginning of the year, there was cautious optimism that the construction environment, while still constrained, might at least become more predictable. However, that optimism did not last. Within weeks, the Iran conflict and disruptions to global energy markets pushed fuel prices sharply higher. The knock-on effects spread across the entire construction delivery chain. They affected plant operations, transport, materials, labour allocation and project timelines.

South Africa’s mining sector has long been shaped by migrant labour systems. Employees travelled vast distances from rural homes to industrial centres. For decades, hostel accommodation supported this reality. Although functional in many respects, it ultimately proved undesirable and unsustainable for our social fabric.

South Africa’s government is the country’s largest property owner. However, it has not historically managed its vast real estate portfolio with institutional discipline. Thousands of buildings and large land tracts remain poorly maintained or underutilised. This situation could change through the establishment of the South African National Property Company (SANPC).

Nobody likes a know-it-all. In Shirley Valentine, the British cult classic, a headmistress asks her class, “What is man’s greatest invention?” Answers fly - Sputnik, the Hoover, the aeroplane, the internal combustion engine. Shirley knows the answer but is ignored in favour of the usual teacher’s pets. Only when no raised hands remain does the headmistress relent: “Oh, very well, Shirley. You might as well get it wrong along with everybody else.”

Read our exclusive cover story titled Elevated innovation – the brakes that accelerated wealth? by Jason Spilkin, Co-Portfolio Manager, Credo, plus a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics.

We note the decision by Cabinet to “finally close the historical e-toll debt”. This decision includes both the “close-out” of historical debt and the “resolution of all outstanding litigation matters”. The Minister of Transport has “welcomed the Cabinet decision”. This raises a question. Did the Department of Transport not drive this process from the outset?

While South Africa committed to significantly decarbonise its energy mix by 2030 in 2021, progress started slowly. However, momentum increased at the start of this year. Both President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address and the recent National Budget placed strong emphasis on energy reform. At the same time, the Department of Electricity and Energy has announced a timeline for wholesale market phasing.

We note that the government has dropped the planned additional R20 billion from individual taxpayers. We welcome that decision. However, this outcome stems from the commodities boom that has saved our necks. What will happen in 2027 if that commodities boon disappears? The question remains whether that boon will continue to flow into the deep, dark pit of government spending.

Extreme heat is emerging as one of the most dangerous climate-related threats. However, it remains largely overlooked because its impacts are less visible than floods or hurricanes. As global temperatures continue to rise, governments face mounting pressure to respond. Experts increasingly describe extreme heat as a “silent killer” that affects health, infrastructure and economic productivity.

Nigeria and other parts of West Africa are grappling with a critical shortage of skilled professionals in the power sector. The shortage is particularly severe in technical roles that organisations need to design, implement and maintain power quality and assurance solutions. This trend poses a major challenge for powering Nigeria’s future.