Current political realities, prove that the power is in the people towards progressing SA and its people.    But for many South Africans, political change must translate into tangible improvements in their everyday lives – reliable water and electricity, functioning roads, efficient public transport and better municipal services. Delivering on these expectations requires investment, implementation capacity and stronger partnerships between government and business.

Specifically regulatory reforms are creating opportunities for government and the private sector to work together to drive South Africa’s development.  Reforms to National Treasury Regulation 16, which took effect on 1 June 2025, aims to simplify and streamline the PPP process, particularly for projects valued below R2 billion, which are exempted from certain lengthy approval requirements and sign-off processes.

It is against this changing landscape that Pinpoint Stewards, an industry research and conference organisation, will host the PPP Reforms Conference on 25–26 November 2026 at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg.  Held under the theme “Fast-Tracking Critical Projects in SA Through Shared Service Delivery,”

Creating opportunities for government and business

For businesses, the revised PPP framework presents opportunities to engage with government departments, municipalities and state-owned enterprises in developing, financing and delivering infrastructure projects. For government, it offers access to alternative funding mechanisms, specialised skills and delivery models that complement public resources.

The challenge is to build effective partnerships, strengthen project preparation and develop credible projects capable of attracting investment and reaching financial close. Accelerating PPPs must also go hand in hand with sound governance, affordability assessments, transparent procurement and appropriate risk allocation to ensure sustainable public value.

Industry leaders to unpack the opportunities

The two-day conference will bring together government leaders, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, investors and infrastructure specialists to explore the reforms and identify practical opportunities for collaboration.

Speakers and topics include:

• Hon MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport – The Gautrain success story and lessons for successful PPPs.
• Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, Chairperson, PRASA – PRASA's PPP experience, including the Gibela project and opportunities through its Intersite property portfolio.
• Dr Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy Officer, Transnet – Private-sector participation at Transnet and planned projects.
• Shaheed Alli, Head: Project Preparation, DBSA – Effective project preparation and successful implementation.
• Dr Mphahlela James Thaba, CSIR – Technology sovereignty, AI and innovation through PPPs.
• Labeeqah Schuurman, Deputy Director-General, Western Cape Government – Moving projects from pipeline to implementation through preparation and market engagement.
• Dr Samukelisiwe Mdlalose, Mogale City Local Municipality – Reducing financial risks and strengthening municipal project delivery.
• Vishaal Lutchman, Group Chief Executive, GIBB – Municipal partnerships, infrastructure concessions and addressing funding constraints.

A dedicated practical session, facilitated by Gloria Phajane, Director of Beech Incorporated, will examine the legal and contractual considerations surrounding PPP and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements, including structuring requirements and potential pitfalls.

Turning reform into infrastructure delivery

While regulatory changes provide a more enabling framework, their success will depend on how effectively government and business work together to identify opportunities, develop bankable projects and translate investment commitments into infrastructure on the ground.

“The recent political changes unfolding in South Africa have proven that people demand basic services. Communities want to see the benefits of “selecting leaders” in their everyday lives. Infrastructure development must be central to this agenda, and PPPs offer an opportunity to bring government and business together to address some of the country's most pressing service delivery challenges,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards.

“The conference aims to bridge the gap between policy and implementation through meaningful engagement, knowledge-sharing and business networking. Ultimately, the success of PPP reforms must be measured not only by investment mobilised, but by infrastructure delivered, economic opportunities created and improvements experienced by communities.