$54 billion drive: SA’s construction and water sectors unite

South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors – valued at $125 billion and $193 billion respectively – are gaining renewed momentum following a tough 2024. As investment flows back into the industry, Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo return to the Gallagher Convention Centre from 18–20 June 2025, bringing together key players from across the value chain.

With government committing more than $50 billion over the next decade toward infrastructure and construction development, the sector is being positioned as a key engine of economic recovery. These flagship events will convene influential voices and technical experts to share real-world insights, policy direction and cutting-edge solutions.

Anchored in South Africa’s national planning frameworks and infrastructure growth targets, the 2025 programme features 30+ CPD-accredited sessions across four focused knowledge streams. Designed for both public and private stakeholders, these sessions will provide practical strategies to fast-track development, close skills gaps, and unlock new opportunities in the built environment.

Building a future of resilience and professional best practices

For the first time, the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum will run alongside the South Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, creating a high-level platform tailored for senior decision-makers. The two-day forum will focus on policy alignment, sustainable delivery models, and practical funding strategies that can drive real progress across the country’s infrastructure and water sectors.

Backed by the government’s $54 billion (R1 trillion) infrastructure commitment and key frameworks like the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Transmission Development Plan, day one of the forum will spotlight critical infrastructure prioritiesincluding energy, logistics, and the growing role of public-private partnerships.

Day two shifts focus to the water sector, addressing urgent issues such as high-water loss rates, upcoming reforms like the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, and the government’s $8.44 billion (R156.3 billion) investment to expand dams and bulk water supply systems.

Under the theme “Building Tomorrow: Innovating Infrastructure and Water Solutions for a Thriving South Africa,” the forum will explore strategies for financing mega projects, advancing sustainability, improving delivery efficiency, and tackling regulatory hurdles. The agenda is designed to provide stakeholders with practical, policy-aligned insights to support long-term infrastructure resilience and economic growth.

“Our content programme has been developed to reflect the full scale of transformation underway in South Africa’s infrastructure, water and construction sectors,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. “With government-led development driving renewed momentum and private sector contribution growing, these sessions will provide professionals with tangible insights into overcoming obstacles and unlocking opportunities.”

A standout session at the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum will be led by Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa, offering an in-depth look at the National Infrastructure Development Plan and its role in reshaping the country’s economic future.

This will be followed by a high-level panel discussion on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), moderated by Alvino Wildschutt-Prins, Programme Manager and Exco Member: Infrastructure Pipeline Delivery & Management at Infrastructure South Africa. The panel brings together a powerhouse lineup of experts, including Johnson Kilangi, CEO and Founder of Kenya’s Miundo Misingi Hub; Wynand Dreyer, Director at Dreyer Project Dynamics; John Samuel, PPP Special Advisor at J Maynard; and Hendrik Malan, Partner and Africa CEO at Frost & Sullivan.

Additional sessions will feature leading voices such as Shabari Shaily-Gerber, Head of Urban Economic Development at the British High Commission; Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the African Development Bank; and Rembu Magoba, Manager at the CSIR Water Research Centre. Together, these experts will offer a cross-continental perspective on infrastructure policy, funding models, research and implementation strategies.

Infra360 and Water360: New lenses on project delivery and sustainability

Infra360 and Water360, free to attend for registered visitors, offer in-depth discussions on the practical and strategic challenges shaping infrastructure and water system performance. These CPD-accredited sessions are crafted to provide attendees with valuable tools and insights for project planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

At Infra360, themes will include digital infrastructure, BIM integration, 5D planning, digital twin technology, and the role of ethics and governance in a fast-evolving sector. A standout session by Sindi Kwenaite, Operations Executive at the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), will address the importance of professional registration in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.

Water360 will focus on building resilient, sustainable water systems in the face of recurring droughts, growing urban demand and resource scarcity. Highlights include sessions on smart water grids, wastewater reuse, and decentralised distribution. Experts such as David Crawley, Head of Product Line at Kwikot, and Heinrich Ueckermann, Business Development Manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials, will share how efficiency-driven design and sustainable engineering are shaping the future of water security in South Africa.

Prioritising high-level skills development

The CPD-accredited Big 5 Talks will return as a core platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussions and the professional development of construction professionals. Tyrelle Correa of Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists will present practical strategies to close liability gaps in project coverage, while Sanjay Munnoo, President of Saiosh, will share insight into behavioural safety and the cultural shift required to reduce risks across the construction lifecycle. The agenda also includes sessions addressing modular interiors, sustainable housing, and the value of lifelong learning and upskilling as the sector continues to evolve.

“The 2025 programme is closely aligned with South Africa’s economic recovery priorities and the delivery timelines associated with the National Development Plan 2030,” noted Heijmans. “From actionable insights and knowledge sharing to business networking with key brands across the construction value chain, this year’s Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will create a space for candid conversations, practical guidance and policy-aligned thinking.”

Registration for Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo is free of charge for industry professionals aged 18 and above. CPD points will be awarded for eligible talks. Separate registration is required for the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum, and seats are limited.