South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a major push to boost infrastructure investment, aiming to revive the economy and create jobs. In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said the government will prioritize large-scale construction projects and improve infrastructure maintenance to drive economic growth and enhance public services.
“To achieve the growth our country needs, we must create more jobs. This requires increased construction activity and reliable infrastructure maintenance. That’s why infrastructure development is a top priority for the government,” Ramaphosa said.
The president highlighted the importance of investing in key sectors like airports, roads, railways, public transit, water, energy, and telecommunications. He explained that infrastructure projects not only create jobs but also boost productivity and improve public services, creating a ripple effect across the economy.
However, Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa has faced challenges in attracting investment in recent years. Economic stagnation, mismanagement of resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and low investor confidence have all played a role. Despite these issues, he expressed optimism that recent reforms are starting to show results.
“Our infrastructure efforts are gaining momentum thanks to various reforms,” Ramaphosa said. He pointed to a recent bank report showing that new projects announced by the public and private sectors last year totaled 445 billion South African rand (about 24 billion U.S. dollars), signaling a potential turnaround.
In his State of the Nation Address on February 6, Ramaphosa outlined several major infrastructure projects underway. These include upgrades to water and sanitation systems, renewable energy projects, road repairs, and improvements to healthcare facilities. These initiatives are expected to create thousands of jobs and improve living standards.
Ramaphosa also stressed the need for ongoing reforms to improve the business environment and attract more investment. “As we continue to implement reforms to make it easier to do business, our infrastructure program will play a bigger role in driving economic recovery and growth,” he said.
The government’s infrastructure push comes at a critical time for South Africa, where unemployment exceeds 30%. By focusing on infrastructure, the administration hopes to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve public services.
Analysts have welcomed the plan but caution that success will depend on execution. “Infrastructure development is a long-term effort. While the government’s plans are promising, delivering results will be key,” said Thandiwe Mbeki, an economist at the University of Cape Town.
As South Africa moves forward with its infrastructure agenda, the focus will be on turning plans into action and ensuring the benefits reach all citizens.