DPWI TECHNICAL MINMEC TAKES FAR-REACHING RESOLUTION TO LOBBY FOR CENTRALISATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE BUDGETS IN THE COUNTRY

Pictures by Shudufhadzo Mudau and Mahlogonolo Makwela

08 August 2025

The Technical Meeting of Public Works and Infrastructure, chaired by the Director- General, Sifiso Mdakane, was held today in East London, in the Eastern Cape. The meeting which also involves provincial Heads of Departments from Provinces, resolved on a move that will allow government departments to concentrate on their core constitutional mandate; to advocate for the consolidation of infrastructure budgets into the broader Public Works and Infrastructure departments nationally and in provinces.

The Technical MinMec conducted assessments on the role the public works and infrastructure sector is making in delivering on the priorities of the 7th administration. These are Inclusive growth and job creation, Poverty reduction and reducing the Cost of Living and, Building a Capable, Ethical and Developmental State.

The DPWI under Minister Dean Macpherson has set an ambitious plan to transforming the country into a hive of construction activity to drive economic recovery, job creation and scale up service delivery. In addition to this Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana’s announcement during the Budget Speech, that government will invest approximately R1 trillion in infrastructure over the medium term. A task team composed of technical experts from all provinces has been assembled to develop terms of reference on this approach to be presented at the upcoming gathering of Public Works and Infrastructure political heavyweights to be held in September 2025.

The Technical Minmec believes this will be a game changer in improving service delivery and the performance of the state. Amplifying this point the DPWI Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane said “By centralising infrastructure budgeting, departments such as Education can refocus their energies and efforts on their core competencies which is; delivering quality education, developing curricula, and enhancing learner outcomes, without being burdened by infrastructure-related responsibilities. This separation will allow infrastructure agencies who have the specialised technical capabilities to expedite the development of necessary facilities, ensuring that educational institutions are adequately supported with the physical resources they need”, said Mdakane.

The Technical MinMec believes this initiative underscores the commitment to improving service delivery through focused resource allocation and effective inter-departmental collaboration. The Technical MinMec further resolved to do its part to expedite delivery on the ground by ensuring that communities experience increase in construction projects. Also that clients departments receive improvements in asset care, maintenance, and management. Furthermore that public assets are used for public good.