NOW Ep 96: How to fix SA's broken infrastructure

Loading player...
South Africa’s economic revival hinges on mobilising private capital for infrastructure. With fiscal pressures mounting, public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a crucial path to sustainable growth. Lourens van Rensburg, head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at Investec, and Martin Meyer, head of Energy & Infrastructure Finance, dissect key insights from Investec’s SA Economic Reform Conference. What will it take to unlock investment—and why is time running out?

Podcast key moments:

00:00 - Introduction
01:29 - Is there a fundamental shift in the relationship between the public and private sectors?
04:25 – What factors have contributed to the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) success?
06:31 - Eskom has added a new 800-megawatt unit at the Kusile Power Station, are we out of the woods regarding electricity generation?
09:30 – What can improve the bankability of infrastructure projects?
13:11 - What strategies are crucial for revitalising our manufacturing sector, and how can public-private partnerships play a role in this effort?
15:40 - How do you ensure that infrastructure development prioritises not only economic growth but also sustainability and the needs of local communities?
18:30 - What key infrastructure development lessons can South Africa draw from India?
20:18 - What is the one thing that needs to happen to get the flywheel of private sector investment turning?

Read more on www.investec.com/now

Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:29 Is there a fundamental shift in the relationship between the public and private sectors?
  • 04:25 What factors have contributed to the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) success?
  • 06:31 Eskom has added a new 800-megawatt unit at the Kusile Power Station, are we out of the woods regarding electricity generation?
  • 09:30 What can improve the bankability of infrastructure projects?
  • 13:11 What strategies are crucial for revitalising our manufacturing sector, and how can public-private partnerships play a role in this effort?
  • 15:40 How do you ensure that infrastructure development prioritises not only economic growth but also sustainability and the needs of local communities?
  • 18:30 What key infrastructure development lessons can South Africa draw from India?
  • 20:18 What is the one thing that needs to happen to get the flywheel of private sector investment turning?
1 Apr 2025 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

NOW Ep 130 | Global economy: mid-year health check

The global economy has held up but that does not mean risk has faded. At the halfway point of 2026, growth has been stronger than feared and inflation has cooled, but not enough. Central banks remain cautious while energy markets are still exposed to Middle East disruption. For South Africa,…
1 Jul 28 min

Macro Monday Ep121: The three factors weighing on commodities

It’s not just the oil price that’s fallen this month. Platinum, gold, iron ore and copper are also down. Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International says it reflects a softer Chinese economy, US dollar strength and a new Fed chief who’s a hawk on inflation.
29 Jun 8 min

Investec Minds Ep 2: Anglo's Mark Cutifani on the decisions that define a career

In this episode of Investec Minds, former Anglo American and AngloGold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani reflects on the leadership decisions that shaped his career and the mining industry. In conversation with Investec's Nkateko Mathonsi and Patrick Mann, he shares insights on navigating crises, transforming organisational culture, driving innovation, improving mine…
26 Jun 31 min

Macro Monday Ep120: New Fed chief commits to price stability

While peace talks between the US and Iran have helped bring down oil prices and, with them, inflation expectations, Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International says markets are reading Fed chief Kevin Warsh's commitment to price stability as a sign that a US rate hike…
22 Jun 9 min