South Africa’s construction market is valued at approximately $125 billion and the broader infrastructure market at $193 billion (Source: AbiQ). With the country gaining momentum and making tangible gains from a difficult 2024, the Big 5 Construct South Africa and South African Infrastructure & Water Expo will be held at the Gallagher Convention Center from 18 to 20 June 2025.
The event’s technical program and critical knowledge platform will bring together some of the region’s most influential construction, infrastructure and water experts thanks to the talent and real-world insights of our speakers. The government is committing more than $50 billion to construction and infrastructure development over the next decade, positioning the sector as a key driver of South Africa’s economic recovery, supported by public-private partnerships and investment, and bringing together industry leaders to connect and expand networks (Source: AbiQ).
Built around South Africa’s infrastructure growth goals, national planning framework and skills development needs, the 2025 event will include more than 30 CPD certification sessions across four different knowledge streams. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights for public and private stakeholders working to accelerate the nation’s infrastructure, water, and built landscape goals.
Building a future of resilience and professional best practices
The two-day South African Infrastructure and Water Forum will be held alongside the South African Infrastructure and Water Expo for the first time, providing a high-level environment for senior decision makers to focus on policy alignment, sustainable delivery models and practical financing frameworks.
Supported by the government’s $54 billion (R1 trillion) infrastructure commitment and initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Transmission Development Plan, the first day of the forum will provide participants with insight and focused conversations on infrastructure priorities such as power, logistics and public-private partnerships (Source: Republic of South Africa). Day two will focus on challenges and solutions in the water sector, including South Africa’s high rates of water loss, upcoming reforms such as the National Water Resources and Infrastructure Agency, and the R8.44 billion (R156.3 billion) investment to expand dams and bulk supply systems.
Themed “Building Tomorrow: Innovating Infrastructure and Water Solutions for a Prosperous South Africa,” the forum’s agenda addresses South Africa’s infrastructure. We examine financing strategies for mega-infrastructure projects, policy frameworks to support infrastructure development, sustainable approaches to water resilience and efficiency, and collaborative solutions to manage regulatory barriers and delivery delays.
“Our content program has been developed to reflect the serious transformation underway in South Africa’s infrastructure, water and construction sectors,” said Josine Heimans, Senior Vice President, Construction Events. “As government-led development drives new momentum and private sector contributions grow, these sessions will provide experts with concrete insights to overcome obstacles and unlock opportunities.”
One of the key highlights of the South African Infrastructure and Water Forum will be a session to review the National Infrastructure Development Plan, led by South Africa’s Acting Director-General for Infrastructure, Mamietse Masemola.
On this basis, a high-level panel discussion on public-private partnerships (PPPs) was held, moderated by Albino Wildshut Prince, Program Manager and Exco Member for South African Infrastructure Pipeline Delivery and Management, and panellisted by Johnson Kirangi, Founder and CEO of Miundo Misingi Hub, an infrastructure hub established in Kenya. Wynand Dreyer, Director of Dreyer Project Dynamics. John Samuel, PPP Special Advisor to J. Maynard; Mr. Hendrik Malan, Partner and Africa Chief Executive Officer of Frost & Sullivan; Other speakers featured on the program include: Shabari Shairi-Garber, Head of Urban Economic Development, British High Commission. Mike Sarawu, African Development Bank Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development, and Lembu Makgoba, Manager of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Water Research Center, cover transcontinental perspectives on infrastructure policy, research, funding and implementation.
Infra360 and Water360: A new lens for project implementation and sustainability
Free to attend for registered visitors, Infra360 and Water360 serve as an in-depth discussion of practical and strategic issues that impact the performance of infrastructure and water systems. These CPD certification sessions are designed to provide participants with knowledge and resources on project planning, risk mitigation and compliance.
Sessions at Infra360 will cover topics such as leveraging digital infrastructure and BIM, 5D planning and digital twin technology, ethics and governance, and building a future-ready construction workforce. In one of the key sessions, Cindy Kwenite, Director of Operations at the South African Project and Construction Management Professional Council (SACPCMP), will highlight professional registration and its importance in a VUCA environment.
Water360 focuses on water system resilience and sustainable infrastructure development. Recurrent droughts, urban demand, and resource scarcity are at the forefront of national discussions. Sessions will include presentations on smart water grids, efficient wastewater reuse, and decentralized water distribution. Contributions from industry experts such as David Crawley, Product Line Manager at Kwikot and Heinrichueckermann, Business Development Manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials, highlight how efficiency-oriented design and sustainable product engineering can support long-term water security.
Prioritize high-level skill development
CPD-certified Big 5 Talks returns as a core platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussion and professional development for construction professionals. Tyrelle Correa of Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists will share practical strategies for closing the liability gap in project coverage, and Sanjay Munnoo, president of Saiosh, will share insights on behavioral safety and the cultural changes needed to reduce risk throughout the construction lifecycle. The agenda also includes sessions covering modular interiors, sustainable housing, and the value of lifelong learning and upskilling as the sector continues to evolve.
“The 2025 program is closely aligned with South Africa’s economic recovery priorities and the implementation schedule associated with the 2030 National Development Plan,” Mr Heymans said. “From sharing practical insights and knowledge to business networking with leading brands across the construction value chain, this year’s Big 5 Construct South Africa and South African Infrastructure & Water Expo will create space for candid conversations, practical guidance and policy-aligned thinking.”
Registration for the Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo is free for industry professionals aged 18 and over. CPD points will be awarded for eligible talks. Separate registration is required for the South African Infrastructure and Water Forum and seats are limited.
