Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Committed to Accountable Infrastructure Development That Empowers Communities

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18-07-2025
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Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
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The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development in South Africa is effective, inclusive and accountable.

The committee received a briefing from the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the entities’ strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year. Both entities play a key role in regulating and supporting the sector.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, reminded the members of the role that infrastructure development plays in the nation’s development. He said improving service delivery to communities and ensuring the transformation of the infrastructure and construction sector is crucial.

Some members also stressed the importance of delivering essential social infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. One committee member, Mr Khanya Ceza, said there is a great need for economic support at the grassroots level. He wanted to know if the IDT plans to source materials locally for infrastructure projects that can stimulate local economies. “It is essential that we invest in our communities by using local resources and suppliers,” he said.

Other issues the committee sought clarity on were gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment in infrastructure projects. There were also concerns about allegations of contractors who receive grades without completing any projects, and members wanted to know how the IDT verifies contractor qualifications.

In response, the IDT committed to setting clear targets for including youth and women in its projects. The entity also assured the committee that efforts are underway to strengthen verification and compliance processes. The Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tebogo Malaka, told the committee that the entity is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. “We are actively working to establish partnerships with local suppliers and contractors to ensure that our projects benefit the communities they serve,” she said.

The CIDB, as a crucial regulatory body, is a Schedule 3a public entity created to lead industry stakeholders in construction development. Among its main focuses is to “facilitate and promote the improved contribution of the construction industry to South Africa’s economy and society” – a role the committee acknowledged and welcomed.

However, there were also concerns about increased non-compliance in registering projects. Mr Edward Nzimande, a member of the committee, wanted to know what steps the CIDB is taking to address this issue and to reduce the number of infractions. Some committee members were also concerned about budget constraints and their impact on transformation initiatives.

The CEO of the CIDB, Mr Bongani Dladla, assured the committee that the CIDB is actively working to improve compliance and has implemented measures to investigate and deregister fraudulent contractors. Members also heard that professionalising the contractor base and empowering and supporting emerging contractors were among the entity’s strategic goals. Mr Dladla assured the committee of the entity’s commitment to address the impact of budget cuts. “While we have had to navigate some fiscal constraints, we are consolidating our efforts through the BUILD programme, which will enhance our support for emerging contractors and ensure that we maintain our commitment to transformation.”

Mr Badenhorst said, “today’s engagement has reaffirmed our collective responsibility to ensure that infrastructure development serves all South Africans, particularly those in underserved areas. It is imperative that we hold these entities accountable and support their efforts in transforming the construction industry,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, reiterating the committee’s commitment to monitor progress on the discussed issues.

The Chairperson concluded the meeting by reaffirming the committee’s support for programmes that create jobs and promote local economic development. “Today’s engagement has reaffirmed our collective responsibility to ensure that infrastructure development serves all South Africans, particularly those in underserved areas. It is imperative that we hold these entities accountable and support their efforts in transforming the construction industry,” he said. The Chairperson also emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure that infrastructure development delivers meaningful change with tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans. He said the deliberations today reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensure that infrastructure development is responsive, inclusive and accountable.