Designed to address project delivery, professional standards, resilience and regulatory compliance, more than 30 CPD accreditation sessions mandate four themes at the South African Infrastructure & Water Forum. construction.
South Africa's construction market is valued at around $125 billion and the broader infrastructure market is valued at $193 billion (source: ABIQ). As the country gains momentum and shows measurable profits in 2024, the Big 5 will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre for South Africa and South Africa's Infrastructure & Water Expo from June 18-20, 2025.
The event's technical programs and critical knowledge platforms draw out some of the region's most influential structures, infrastructure and water experts thanks to the speaker and the caliber of real-world insights. With the government committing more than $50 billion to construction and infrastructure development over the next decade, the sector is positioned as a key driver of South Africa's economic recovery, backed by public-private partnerships and investments, leading industry leaders to connect and expand their networks (source: ABIQ).
Building around South Africa's infrastructure growth goals, national planning frameworks and the need for skill advancement, the 2025 event will include over 30 CPD accreditation sessions across four different knowledge streams. These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights to public and private stakeholders who work to accelerate the country's infrastructure, water and construction landscape goals.
Building a future of resilience and professional best practices
The South African Infrastructure & Water Forum, held alongside the South African Infrastructure and Water Expo, provides a high level of environment for senior decision makers, focusing on policy coordination, sustainable delivery models and practical funding frameworks.
It is supported by the government's commitment to USD 54 billion (Rs 1 trillion) of infrastructure and initiatives such as the 2050 National Infrastructure Plan and Transmission Development Plan. The first day of the forum will focus attendees' insights and intensive conversations on infrastructure priorities such as electricity, logistics and partnerships as public-private partners. Day 2 will focus on water sector challenges and solutions, including high water loss rates in South Africa, future reforms such as the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, and investments of $8.444 billion (R156.3 billion) to expand dams and bulk supply systems.
With the theme of “Buildings of Tomorrow: Innovating Infrastructure and Water Solutions for a Prosperous South Africa,” the forum's agenda addresses South Africa's infrastructure. Explore collaborative solutions to manage regulatory barriers and financial strategies for mega-infrastructure projects, policy frameworks to support infrastructure delivery, sustainable approaches to water resilience and efficiency, and manage regulatory barriers and slow delivery.
“Our content programme was developed to reflect the ongoing full-scale transformation in the infrastructure, water and construction sectors of South Africa,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President of Construction at DMG Events. “With government-led developments renewed momentum and private sector contributions, these sessions provide experts with concrete insights to overcome obstacles and unlock opportunities.”
One of the key highlights at the South African Infrastructure & Water Forum is a session led by South African infrastructure head Mameetse Masemola, which will explore the national infrastructure development plan.
Based on this, high-level panel discussions on public-private partnerships (PPPs) moderated by Alvino Wildschutt-Prins, program managers and Exco members: South Africa's infrastructure pipeline delivery and management, panelist Johnson Kirangi, Miundo Misingi hub of Miundo Misingi hub; Wynand Dreyer, Director of Dreamer Project Dynamics. John Samuel, J Maynard's special PPP advisor. Hendrick Malan, partner of Frost & Sullivan and CEO of Africa. Other speakers featured in the program include: Shabari Shaley Gaber, Head of Urban Economic Development for the UK High Commissioner. Mike Sarawow, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the African Development Bank. Rembu Magoba, manager of the Scientific and Industry Research Council (CSIR) Water Research Centre, covers intercontinental perspectives on infrastructure policy, research, funding and implementation.
Infra360 and Water360: New lens on project delivery and sustainability
Free participation in registered visitors Infra360 and Water360 serves as a deep discussion of practical and strategic issues affecting infrastructure and water systems performance. These CPD accreditation sessions are designed to provide participants with knowledge and resources for project planning, risk mitigation and compliance.
The session at Infra360 will cover topics such as leveraging digital infrastructure and BIM, 5D planning and digital twin technology, ethics and governance, and building a ready construction workforce for the future. In one of the major sessions, Sindi Kwenaite, operations executive of the South Africa Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals (SACPCMP), highlights the registration of experts and its importance in a VUCA environment.
Water360 shines a spotlight on water systems' resilience and sustainable infrastructure development. Drought, urban demand and scarcity of resources are at the forefront of public debate. The session includes presentations on smart water grids, efficient wastewater reuse, and dispersion distribution. Contributions from industry experts such as David Crawley, Kwikot's product line head, and Heinrich Ueckermann, business development manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials highlight how efficiency-driven design and sustainable product engineering can support long-term water security.
Prioritizing high-level skill development
CPD-certified Big 5 talk returns as the core platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussion and construction professional development. While Tyrelle Correa of Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists presents a practical strategy to bridge the responsibility gap in project coverage, Sanjay Munnoo, president of Saiosh, shares insights into the safety of behavior and the cultural change needed to reduce risks throughout the construction lifecycle. The agenda also includes modular interiors, sustainable housing, and sessions that address the value of lifelong learning and proficiency as the sector continues to evolve.
“The 2025 programme is closely aligned with South Africa's economic recovery priorities and delivery timelines related to the 2030 National Development Plan,” Hymans said. “From practical 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's Infrastructure & Water Expo creates space for candid conversations, practical guidance and policy-based thinking.”
Registration of the Big 5 Structures of South Africa and South Africa's Infrastructure & Water Expo is free for industry professionals over the age of 18. CPD points will be awarded for eligible lectures. The South African Infrastructure & Water Forum requires individual registration and limited seating.
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