Since the introduction of PPPs in 1998, only 35 projects with a combined estimated value of R91.4-billion have been completed, according to National Treasury. This is about to change, with the introduction of reforms to National Treasury Regulation 16, which took effect on 1 June 2025, intended to change this trajectory by introducing a framework that will simplify the process for projects valued below R2-billion.
Industry researcher Pinpoint Stewards recently announced the aptly named PPP Reforms conference, which will take place 25 – 26 November at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, under the theme “Fast-Tracking Critical Projects in SA Through Shared Service Delivery.”
For South Africa, accelerating PPPs is increasingly important as government faces substantial infrastructure requirements alongside constraints on public-sector funding and implementation capacity.
Well-prepared PPPs can help mobilise private capital and expertise, improve project preparation and risk allocation, and bring critical infrastructure into operation more quickly. Fast-tracking should, however, go hand in hand with rigorous project preparation, affordability assessments, appropriate risk allocation and transparent procurement to ensure that projects deliver sustainable public value.
The conference will bring together government departments, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, development-finance institutions, investors, advisers and professional services firms to examine how the regulatory reforms can translate into projects that are ready to enter the market.
Speakers and key topics include:
- Hon MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport — The success of the Gautrain project and lessons for successful PPPs.
- Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, Chairperson, PRASA — PRASA’s experience in implementing PPP projects, including the Gibela project and development of PRASA-owned properties through its Intersite property portfolio.
- Dr Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Transnet — Private-sector participation at Transnet, including its processes and planned projects.
- Shaheed Alli, Head: Project Preparation, DBSA — What effective project preparation entails and what is required for successful implementation.
- Dr Mphahlela James Thaba, CSIR — Technology sovereignty through PPPs, including AI, advanced technologies and innovation ecosystems to accelerate infrastructure and industrial development.
- Labeeqah Schuurman, Deputy Director-General: Strategy, Policy and Coordination, Western Cape Government — Moving projects from pipeline to implementation through effective preparation, packaging and market engagement.
- Dr Samukelisiwe Mdlalose, Mogale City Local Municipality — Improving project preparation, reducing financial risks and strengthening project monitoring and delivery.
- Vishaal Lutchman, Group Chief Executive, GIBB — Municipal-level partnerships, infrastructure concessions and regulatory approaches to addressing funding constraints while limiting financial waste and loss.
- Irina Unkovski, Private Sector Consultant, African Development Bank — How shared services, standardised PPP approaches, project preparation and blended finance can de-risk infrastructure delivery and unlock private investment.
A dedicated practical session will also examine the legalities for PPP and MOU agreements, highlighting key structuring considerations, potential pitfalls and stronger approaches to project preparation.
“The current reforms present an opportunity not only to increase the number of PPPs, but also to strengthen the quality, viability and readiness of projects entering the market,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards. “Government and business need to work together to translate these opportunities into sustainable infrastructure outcomes.”
The conference aims to bridge the gap between regulatory reform and delivery by focusing on building a stronger project pipeline, mobilising investment and moving infrastructure projects from planning to implementation.
Pinpoint Stewards, a women-owned conference and research organisation, has over the past five years convened programmes addressing critical South African issues, including women’s empowerment, transnational organised crime, mine security and gender-based violence training.
Early-bird registration closes on 12 October 2026. For registration, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or go to www.pinpointstewards.co.za
