By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African industry leaders have explored how investment, better use of existing infrastructure and stronger governance could help turn the South Africa’s transport network into a driver of economic growth.
This was noted by speakers during a media roundtable hosted by engineering consulting firm GIBB, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE).
The speakers unpacked how safer mobility, better connectivity and stronger transport infrastructure could support economic growth, providing insights on South Africa’s transport challenges and opportunities.
Key speakers included Dr Andrew Shaw, group executive: strategy at Transnet SOC Ltd; Dr Hubert Joynt, who heads the Centre of Excellence at Infrastructure South Africa (ISA); Pine Pienaar of the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE), and Edmund Nxumalo of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Shaw highlighted how improved use of existing infrastructure, operational reform and private sector participation can unlock economic growth.
Building on the relationship between infrastructure and development, Joynt emphasised the importance of effective governance in ensuring that investment delivers inclusive economic benefits.
The discussion also examined the expertise needed to turn investment into functioning infrastructure, Nxumalo stressed the need to strengthen the engineering skills pipeline through accredited education, workplace training and professional registration.
Extending the discussion to how projects are assessed, Pienaar highlighted the importance of considering wider economic and community impacts, including job creation and impacts on local businesses, alongside benefits to road users.
Together, these contributions brought five priorities into focus:
- Strengthen governance and accountability to ensure effective implementation and responsible use of infrastructure investment.
- Improve freight rail and port performance to expand capacity, support trade and increase efficiency.
- Prioritise maintenance and road safety throughout the lifespan of transport infrastructure.
- Develop engineering skills and capacity to deliver and manage reliable transport systems.
- Connect investment to public benefit through economic growth, better access to jobs and services and measurable benefits to communities.
Taking these priorities forward requires closer collaboration between government, industry, researchers and professional bodies, supported by clear communication of evidence to policymakers and the public.
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of viewing transport as a connected system, where freight, public transport, road safety, maintenance and long-term infrastructure planning need to work together if investment is to translate into economic and social opportunity.