Ramaphosa targets construction mafias as he launches R1 trillion infrastructure initiative

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has given the construction industry the green light to initiate mega infrastructure projects to turbocharge the country's economy through infrastructure development.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

Ramaphosa said his administration has placed the infrastructure development programme at the centre of the country's economic growth.

Ramaphosa, who is preparing to welcome international leaders to the G20 Summit next week, addressed the 2025 National Construction Summit held at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni yesterday.

He stated that the R1 trillion medium-term budget allocation by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is central in his administration's bold plans for the country, with all the involved ministers also committed to seeing the country being turned into a big construction site.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the government will allocate over R1 trillion to public infrastructure projects over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

The construction industry's recent job growth, as highlighted by the labour force survey, and the favourable budget allocation have bolstered President Ramaphosa’ confidence.