South Africa’s infrastructure crisis: A licking time bomb

JOHANNESBURG-(MaraviPost)-South Africa is facing a growing infrastructure backlog, with maintenance deficits for government properties alone exceeding R30 billion in 2025.

This staggering figure highlights the country’s dire need for accelerated infrastructure development, according to Judy Kobus, Head of Infrastructure at FirstRand.

The infrastructure maintenance backlog spans various categories, including functional, office, residential, and water treatment works, affecting approximately 56,000 properties across different government departments.

The Department of Defence, South African Police Service, and Department of Correctional Services are among the worst affected, with estimated refurbishment costs running into billions of rands.

The slow pace of infrastructure development has severe implications for South Africa’s economic growth, with the country’s infrastructure rating dropping to a D grade, indicating a high risk of failure.

Experts warn that without urgent action, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to increased power outages, water shortages, and reduced economic competitiveness.

Kobus emphasizes that infrastructure development is critical for driving industrialization, trade, and long-term economic resilience in South Africa.

However, the country’s infrastructure needs are estimated to require significant investment, with some experts putting the figure at around R1.6 trillion in public-sector infrastructure investment and a further R3.2 trillion from the private sector by 2030.

To address the crisis, the government is exploring alternative funding models, including public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms.

The National Treasury has allocated R1.03 trillion over the next three years for public infrastructure, with plans to launch a new infrastructure bond to raise R15 billion.

The infrastructure crisis has far-reaching consequences, from impacting businesses and households to exacerbating social inequality.

As South Africa grapples with this challenge, experts stress that a concerted effort from government, private sector, and civil society is needed to address the backlog and ensure sustainable economic growth.

Burnett Munthali

Burnett Munthali is a Maravipost Political analyst (also known as political scientists) he covers Malawi political systems, how they originated, developed, and operate. he researches and analyzes the Malawi and Regional governments, political ideas, policies, political trends, and foreign relations.