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In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson confirmed that South Africa’s construction sector is already driving job creation — and that government is committed to turning the country into a “massive construction site.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed stakeholders at the second national construction summit this week, announcing a record R1 trillion allocation over the next three years. The funds will go towards roads, bridges, buildings, and service infrastructure projects across all provinces.
What Will the R1 Trillion Fund?
Macpherson said the construction boom is already visible and now needs to scale. The government aims to use this budget to attract private investment and accelerate development.
Priority projects include:
- Roads and transport infrastructure
- Clean water and sanitation facilities
- Electrical grid expansions
- Public buildings and schools
- Urban regeneration projects
“We’re building the first new building in Johannesburg’s CBD in 20 years — set to finish mid-2026,” said Macpherson.
Construction Now Leading Job Creation
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealed that construction accounted for 130,000 new jobs in Q3 of 2025 — almost half of all jobs created that quarter.
Job Growth Snapshot:
| Sector | Jobs Added (Q3 2025) | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 130,000 | 49% |
| All Other Sectors | ~135,000 | 51% |
“This sector is building our country — physically and economically,” said the minister.
Construction Mafia: Fewer Disruptions, More Arrests
Since the first construction summit in Durban, Macpherson reported major progress in curbing extortion rackets that once plagued the sector.
Progress Highlights:
- 165 construction mafia convictions
- Hundreds of arrests
- Disruptions in KZN dropped from 60/month to under 10/month
“We’re dismantling their networks — and we won’t stop,” said Macpherson.
Summit Focus: Speeding Up Delivery
This second construction summit focused on clearing red tape and improving project delivery timelines. The minister noted that delays in approvals and shifting budgets mid-project remain key hurdles.
Planned resolutions:
- Accelerate planning approvals without bypassing laws
- Ringfence construction budgets to avoid delays
- Expand social facilitation to involve communities
- Strengthen private sector partnerships
“We’re here to listen — not to dictate. The best ideas come from the industry,” Macpherson told Newzroom Afrika.
