PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO UNVEIL STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AT SIDSSA

Article by Nolwazi Ndhlovu, Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

27 May 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Tuesday the 27th May 2025, address the annual Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDDSA). The much-anticipated SIDSSA brings together key players from the infrastructure sector to discuss the future of infrastructure development in the country.

This two-day event is designed to provide a platform for leaders to engage, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges facing our infrastructure systems. The President is expected to unveil top strategic infrastructure projects to be implemented in the coming years and give progress on those under implementation across the country.

Today the symposium commenced with the Leaders Forum featuring Ministers from the African Continent, as well as the Minister and Deputy Minister of the department. Chaired by Minister Dean Macpherson, the forum reinforced the need for regional corporation to accelerate the implementation of transformative infrastructure projects, and position Africa and South Africa’ as a hub for investments in Infrastructure and a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

Following the Leaders Forum, the symposium progressed into Country sessions where participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into specific strategic insights and share practical experiences on how hosting the G20 has influenced national infrastructure priorities, catalysed investment, and promoted policy coherence across sectors. Participants shared case studies, project updates, and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment that is essential for driving meaningful change in our infrastructure strategies.

The country sessions were particularly impactful, highlighting various approaches taken by different regions to address infrastructure challenges. Discussions included digital infrastructure, strengthening financial systems, building resilient communities, sustainable energy transition, and building a resilient and long-lasting economic recovery. Moreover, the symposium emphasized the significance of collaboration between public and the private sector.

The presence of the Minister and Deputy Minister further underscored government’s commitment to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with national goals of turning south Africa into a construction site.