ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is investing more than R1 trillion in infrastructure development over the next three years as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve service delivery.
Addressing supporters during his election campaign in the Eastern Cape, Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the province, including road construction and the Umzimvubu Water Project.
He said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane had also acknowledged the scale of construction activity taking place across the province, describing it as a construction site.
Ramaphosa pointed to the construction and upgrading of roads, as well as developments linked to the Umzimvubu Water Project, as examples of government’s infrastructure investment.
The President said infrastructure development was important for growing the economy, improving connectivity and creating employment opportunities.
R1 trillion investment over three years
The infrastructure programme forms part of government’s broader plan to invest more than R1 trillion in public infrastructure over a three-year period.
According to Ramaphosa, the investment will cover the construction and refurbishment of roads, dams, schools, hospitals and clinics, as well as energy, transport and logistics infrastructure.
At the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, Ramaphosa said the programme included approximately R950 billion in planned infrastructure spending, with state-owned companies also receiving substantial allocations to maintain, upgrade and expand infrastructure.
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is expected to invest between R300 billion and R400 billion in national road infrastructure, while Transnet is undertaking major port and logistics modernisation projects.
Government has also identified water infrastructure as a priority, with projects including dam construction, bulk water expansion and improvements to water distribution systems.
Umzimvubu Water Project among Eastern Cape developments
The Umzimvubu Water Project is one of the major water infrastructure initiatives highlighted by government in the Eastern Cape.
The project includes the development of the Ntabelanga and Lalini dams, which are intended to improve water security and support agricultural and economic development in the region.
Ramaphosa has previously pointed to the project as an important development after years of discussions around the need for improved water infrastructure in the province.
He maintains that investment in infrastructure is central to creating an environment that attracts businesses, supports economic activity and generates employment.
The government’s infrastructure programme is expected to continue over the next three years, with implementation taking place across different provinces and sectors.
Sources: The Presidency, South African Government and Algoa FM. (Government of South Africa)
