31 Oct Zimile calls for collaboration as SA invests in infrastructure
31 October 2024: As South Africa continues to navigate its economic recovery, Zimile Consulting Engineers welcomes the recent Medium-Term Budget Policy Speech (MTBPS) delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
With government planning to invest more in infrastructure over the next three years, Zimile Consulting Engineers CEO Shawn Gama is optimistic about the growth trajectory the country is headed towards.
“Minister Godongwana’s announcement emphasises the importance of relationships between the private sector and government, both from a financing and technical expertise perspective, to enhance public sector capabilities. This approach is essential for bridging significant funding gaps and ensuring that infrastructure projects are executed efficiently,” he notes.
Gama highlights that Godongwana’s announcement that, private-public partnership (PPP) regulations are being simplified to undertake these projects, is also encouraging. “The proposed amendments should attract more private sector investment, which is crucial as public funding alone is insufficient to meet our growing infrastructure needs.”
Infrastructure development – a shared responsibility
However, Gama emphasises the role businesses play in providing opportunities for young people to assist in boosting the economy: “The government’s focus on infrastructure investment presents an excellent opportunity for companies in the built environment to contribute meaningfully to skills development while addressing critical infrastructure gaps.”
Through collaboration with public institutions and leveraging programmes offered by institutions, such as the Sector Education and Training Authority, businesses can help equip young South Africans with the competencies necessary for future employment.
“As investor sentiment improves in South Africa, I would like to encourage business owners in South Africa to facilitate access and provide unemployed youth with the opportunity to gain experience and skills. As business leaders, we can open the doors to the youth and enable them to build their careers while building our businesses,” Gama adds.
Building a sustainable future
The 2024 MTBPS sets a clear direction for enhancing infrastructure investment in South Africa. Zimile Consulting Engineers is committed to being part of this transformation by participating in infrastructure projects and fostering an inclusive approach that prioritises skills development and job creation.
“As we move forward, it is imperative that private sector players actively engage with government initiatives to unlock new opportunities and drive economic recovery,” Gama concludes.
ENDS
About Zimile Consulting Engineers
Zimile Consulting Engineers is a 100% black-owned, multi-disciplinary consulting engineering, project and construction management firm. By embracing the dynamism that is in the built environment through technological advancement, Zimile Consulting Engineers seek to offer value-adding and innovative engineering solutions to South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
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megan@swmcommunications.co.za