Pretoria: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the latest third-quarter economic data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), which shows the first signs of growth of 0.1% in the construction sector after three consecutive quarters of decline. This follows the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter, which showed that 130,000 jobs were created in construction in a single quarter, nearly half of all the jobs created in South Africa during that period.
According to South African Government News Agency, Macpherson said this emerging recovery in both output and employment demonstrates that the reform efforts underway across the public infrastructure system are starting to take effect. Strengthened procurement oversight, decisive action against non-performing contractors, improved project preparation through Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), reduction in construction mafia work stoppages, and a renewed drive to unblock stalled projects have all contributed to restoring confidence in the sector.
Macpherson acknowledged that while significant challenges remain, including delays, budget pressures, and ageing infrastructure, the latest economic data provides a reminder that the reform efforts are working, and that the construction sector has the potential to help drive South Africa's broader economic renewal. He noted that this is not yet the finish line, but it is a clear indication that construction is moving in the right direction. The task now is to consolidate this early momentum, accelerate reforms, and increase infrastructure investment to drive South Africa's economic growth, which will drive job creation for all South Africans.
The reforms introduced through the South African Construction Action Plan (SACAP), unveiled at the end of October, have laid the foundation for longer-term stability by introducing practical measures to professionalize the sector, strengthen governance, and improve accountability across the delivery chain. These reforms, combined with stronger collaboration between national, provincial, and municipal partners and the National Treasury's commitment to infrastructure spending, are creating conditions for more consistent construction activity.
Macpherson emphasized that construction is one of the strongest job-creating sectors in South Africa, and when it grows, the country grows. With the right focus and discipline, these early gains can turn into sustained long-term expansion that creates jobs, supports small contractors, and delivers the infrastructure that communities depend on. With sustained growth in the construction industry, a better South Africa can be built.