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The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, welcomed new economic data on 03 December 2025 showing early signs of recovery in South Africa’s construction sector. Stats SA reported quarterly growth of 0.1% after three consecutive quarters of decline.
What Happened
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey also showed major job gains. Construction added 130,000 jobs in the third quarter. This represented nearly half of all jobs created in the country during that period. Minister Macpherson said the growth in output and employment suggested that reforms in the public-infrastructure system were beginning to take effect.
He noted improvements in procurement oversight and stronger action against non-performing contractors. He also stressed better project preparation through Infrastructure South Africa, fewer construction-mafia disruptions, and progress in unblocking stalled projects.
Minister’s View
Minister Macpherson said the sector still faced delays, rising costs and ageing infrastructure. However, he said the latest results showed that reforms were working. “This is not yet the finish line, but construction is moving in the right direction,” he said.
He noted that the next phase would focus on consolidating early gains, accelerating reforms and increasing infrastructure investment.
Reforms Driving Momentum
The Minister said the South African Construction Action Plan (SACAP), launched in October, created a foundation for long-term stability. The plan aims to professionalise the industry, improve governance and increase accountability in the delivery chain. He added that collaboration between national, provincial and municipal partners, alongside National Treasury’s commitment to infrastructure spending, was helping build confidence in the sector.
Why It Matters
Macpherson said construction remained one of the most reliable job-creating sectors. He argued that sustained recovery would support small contractors and help expand essential infrastructure in communities.
“With the right focus and discipline, we can turn these early gains into long-term growth that benefits all South Africans,” he said.
