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In a recent webinar, Chris Campbell, CEO of CESA, addressed critical issues surrounding South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in gross fixed capital formation, which has seen a concerning decline from over 20% in 2009 to approximately 13% today. This downturn poses significant challenges, contributing to an infrastructure deficit that hampers sustainable economic growth.

Speaking during the during the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office’s webinar series, in September, “Building South Africa Through Infrastructure-led Economic Growth”, Campbell emphasised the importance of political and policy certainty to stimulate private sector investment, which is crucial for addressing the country’s infrastructure backlogs. He pointed out that while public sector targets aim for 10% investment, the private sector is struggling due to various uncertainties. “We need to ensure that investments are made wisely and sustainably,” he stated, underscoring the potential risks associated with reckless spending.

He also discussed the necessity of improving procurement processes and utilising all available resources effectively. “It’s all hands-on deck,” he said, advocating for a collaborative approach that includes both public and private sectors to tackle existing shortages in technical expertise.

In closing, Campbell called for a collective effort to address broader societal issues such as crime and corruption, which impede progress in the construction industry. He reiterated that building a better future requires not just infrastructure development but also a commitment to moral rebuilding within society. “If we want to go far, we must work together,” he urged, reminding attendees of the generational impact of today’s decisions on future communities.