DPWI Facilities Management Conference Advances Innovation and Sustainability in Public Infrastructure

Article and Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

03 Jun 2026

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, through its Professional Services Branch, in partnership with the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU), successfully hosted a two-day Facilities Management Conference at the Walter Sisulu University's Potsdam Campus in East London, Eastern Cape.

The conference brought together facilities management practitioners, built environment professionals, government institutions, academia, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and industry stakeholders. Together they set to explore practical and sustainable solutions to challenges facing the facilities management sector, focusing on strengthening professionalisation, promoting innovation, and enhancing skills development to support modern infrastructure management.

Delivering the keynote address on the opening day, Head of the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), Siza Sibande, emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation and sustainable practices in shaping the future of infrastructure management. He highlighted key priorities including green industrialisation, job creation for youth and women, climate resilience, deep technology, and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve infrastructure performance and reduce operational costs. “Facilities management has a critical role to play in supporting sustainable infrastructure development, creating economic opportunities and ensuring that public assets continue to deliver value for citizens. We must embrace innovation and leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen service delivery,” said Sibande.

He further encouraged stakeholders to advance green procurement practices, strengthen artisan development and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. He emphasised the support for integration of asset management systems across government.

This conference aligned with the Department’s commitment to supporting the 5-Year Sector Plan, National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), National Development Plan (NDP) and Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), while advancing sustainable infrastructure development and improved public service delivery.

Building on the momentum of the first day, discussions on day two focused on innovation, sustainability and professional development within the facilities management sector. Delegates engaged in insightful conversations on technology and innovation, green building policies, infrastructure maintenance strategies, and research-informed solutions for government. These engagements promoted collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical solutions aimed at strengthening the management, maintenance and long-term sustainability of public infrastructure.

Furthermore, the conference concluded with robust discussions on the future of facilities management, reinforcing the importance of skills development, sustainability, innovation and partnerships in building resilient and inclusive infrastructure systems that support economic growth and effective service delivery.

In closing, Nolizwi Hlengwa, the Regional Manager of the DPWI Mthatha Regional Office, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the successful hosting of the conference and the valuable knowledge shared throughout the sessions, noting that it was a privilege to engage and learn more about advancements in facilities management. “It has been a truly enriching experience, and I urge all officials to take what we have learned here and turn it into a practical action plan,” she said.