Minister Macpherson launches Infrastructure Audit Training Programme at inaugural PWI Summit
By Tiisetso Ngoedi and Sthabile Cele
The Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI), Dean Macpherson announced the launch the Infrastructure Audit Training Programme during the two-day inaugural Public Works and Infrastructure Summit held in Sandton today. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in collaboration with the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), brought together leading voices in the infrastructure industry to rigorously engage on the challenges and opportunities within the public works and infrastructure sector.
Minister Macpherson shared his vision for transforming South Africa into a ""Construction site", emphasising the need for a collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors. He said, "To truly redefine public works and infrastructure, we must embrace a new approach, one that sees collaborative partnerships between the public and private sector as central to our success." The Minister explained that the Infrastructure Audit Training Programme is pivotal in aligning resources and building internal capacity within government agencies, reducing reliance on external consultants and improving project delivery. "We can turn South Africa into a construction site. We must do so, and we must make sure that every infrastructure project lays the foundation for future growth and for future opportunities," he added.
 This high-level Summit was theme, "Turning South Africa into a construction site, growing the economy, and creating jobs". It  was attended by 500 delegates including Ministers, Premiers, Members of Executive Councils (MECs) in the Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio, Mayors, Councillors, state owned entities as well as captains of industry in the built environment, construction sector, real estate, asset managers, property developers, financial institutions, investors, professionals participated robustly. 
During the opening address, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said, "We are here today to declare our unwavering support to find everlasting solutions to our infrastructure challenges. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of Minister Macpherson. Thank you so much, not only for recognising us, but for bringing this event here in Gauteng. The Province has set an ambitious target to transform Gauteng into a 3-trillion-rand economy by leveraging world-class planning, governance, and economic strategies. As we embark on this transformative journey, collaboration across government, business and communities is key to realising our vision of a smarter, more sustainable, and economically vibrant Gauteng City Region. The Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) plays a critical role in unlocking infrastructure investments in Gauteng. Our focus is to ensure that we attract the necessary funding and partnerships to drive the development of key infrastructure projects. We cannot rely solely on government budgets, we need innovative financing models, and GIFA is central to that effort".
The Summit featured presentations and discussions on infrastructure audit, ethical governance, asset management and the use of public-private partnerships. Speakers included Dr. Msizi Myeza, Head of the Property Management Trading Entity, and Bongi Ngoma, Executive Head of Audit at the Auditor-General of South Africa. Delegates discussed the challenges identified by the Auditor-General, such as over-reliance on external consultants and insufficient investment in maintenance.
The Summit featured interactive breakout Commission sessions that provided valuable learning experiences tailored to attendees' interests. The three plenary commissions on Public Works in Action through Partnerships, Asset Management and Optimisation and Accountability and Transparency that enabled participants to engage directly with experts and peers, fostering meaningful discussions and practical skill-building. Additionally, the event facilitated extensive networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect with industry leaders, potential mentors and like-minded individuals to strengthen collaboration in the infrastructure sector.
During last night's session, the MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance (CoGTA), Jacob Mamabolo emphasied the integration, alternative funding models and smart city regions, "We are working towards creating regions that will eventually be recognised as smart cities. Building the infrastructure now that will support the cities of the future". The HoD for the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID), Masabata Mutlaneng provided closing remarks for the session.